Topics

Hi

What is the best way to sharpen a Cold Steel Voyager, that I think is AUS10A steel, pocket knife. I've had it for about 25 years and I don't think I have ever got a good edge, or at least something that was as sharp as when I received it.

What angle would you recommend, and when I hone should I hone at the same angle I sharpen to, or something different.

I do have a SJ-250, should I add that into the process?


Martin

I have a quick question on using TomekCalc. I would like to modify my honing process and increase the angle slightly. I would like to do this while using the BatchCalc sheet.

Is this possible?

Martin

I am taken a woodworking class from a local company and when the instructor learned I had a Tormek is offering free tuition to assist with sharpen about 100 chisels. The instructor said that most are in awful condition and she wants to get then all sharpened properly in preparation for an upcoming had tool class.

I was thinking of getting an extra holder so a helper could load a chisel while I am sharpening. Should I look at a diamond stone to speed the process up? About how long should I plan per chisel? What protocol should I use?

Thanks

Martin

On the (amazing) Tormek Calc2 spreadsheet, what is cell 13 (Frontal vertical base offset F [mm]) measuring? Is it what I show in the attached picture?

The note references marks on the rod, I don't see any marks on the setup I have.

Thanks


Martin

Does anyone have a suggestion for where to get a Rock Hard Felt Wheel?

I ordered one from Knife Grinders in December and with Vladim's unfortunate passing, I don't think I will be getting the one I ordered. I've tried emailing, however I have not heard back from any of the email address I have tried. I'm not upset, if the small amount for the wheel will help the family in anyway, then all is good.

I do, however, want to explore the use of a felt wheel, just not sure where to purchase from.


Thanks

I have an kitchen knife that I am trying to sharpen and I'm not having success. I'm not sure the brand of the knife, no real markings so I suspect it is a low-end knife.

I have the SG-250, SJ-250 (rookie mistake in buying), the LA-220 and the CW-220.

Currently I am only using the SG-250 & LA-220 for this knife. The knife started out at a BESS of 580. I graded the SG-250 to course and ran the knife about 10 times, then graded to fine and did 4 passes. Then to the LA-220 for 2 passes per side. I used the same angle for all steps. When done I am still close to the original BESS score. Currently I am at around 420.

Given what I have, what would be a good protocol to get the best results. Should I add the SJ-250 to the mix, should I tweak the honing angle a few degrees. I don't think either one of those thoughts Will magically get me closer to 100 BESS.

Thanks


Any thoughts on how to troubleshoot this?


Every time I think I know what I'm doing, I learn that I don't.

I have a new set of chisels that I am preparing and I have a question on flattening the back.

I have flattened and polished each chisel using a set of Shampton stones (320, 1000, 5000, 8000). Attached is a picture of the final results. I'm wondering if they are good enough or if I should continue until they are prefect.


Thanks

Martin

Can the Tormek be use to prepare a chip breaker?

I am very new to hand planners and while have have several Lei-Nelson planes, I have never felt I got great results with them. I just watched the video on preparing a chip breaker and was wondering if I could use the Tormek or should I do it by hand.

If the Tormek is an option, how would I approach doing it, fine only, fine and leather?

Thanks

I am having issues with the Tormek Leather Wheel drying out, at least I think that is the issue. I live in a very dry environment, with little humidity and I suspect the wheel is drying quickly. The SG takes a lot of water each time I used it (2-3 times a week) and the leather wheel is always black and doesn't feel right.

I was thinking of switching to the composite wheel or possibly a felt wheel, I not sure which would be best.

I purchased the system to make sharpening chisels and hand planes quicker, however I found great pleasure in sharpening knifes. So much that the wife signed me up for a "Friends & Family" kitchen knife event. 80+ knifes later and I have learned a lot. No complaints so far, but I think a course diamond wheel would be helpful.

So, what do you think would be best, a composite wheel or a felt, I am leaning toward the composite since I am a beginner and I don't think I'm ready for using felt. Also, I like the low maintenance of the composite, however I don't want to sacrifice quality. 

Currently I am getting around 100-140 on mid-level kitchen knifes (at least the ones I sampled)

Thanks!

I am new Tormek user and have just finished setting a stock T-8, along with a Japanese Stone. I have also purchased the FVB, using the angle finding software from Knife Grinders (or will be) and have watched several videos on how to use the system.

I (currently) do not have a BESS tester, however I may look at getting one sooner than later, just to help quantify how I'm doing with mastering the system.

I have sharpened a mid-quality set of knives using, at least what I think, is a good protocol. For the first round, I did not have the FVB, so I honed freehand. The results will carve paper with no problems, and the wife is happy with what I have done. I suspect that I can do much, much better and I want to learn how to get the as sharp as possible with the setup that I have.

I have a cheap 40x digital microscope and have a few pictures that I would like to see if anyone can help me troubleshoot and make better. In looking at them, my first thought is I did not spend enough time with the course wheel to remove all the nicks. Does that sound reasonable.

Does anyone have pictures of a knife that was done with a similar system, just to help me understand what is possible?

Thanks