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I like Dan's idea of sharing useful items with the forum.  In that spirit, I will add a favorite, one which many of you might not be familiar with.

The product is called "mesh sleeving".  It is available from Reid Supply (reidsupply.com).  It is available in eight different diameters, each size being a different color.  it is sold by the foot and is quite reasonably priced.

I first encountered it being used to insulate bonding (grounding) material for telephone cable.  I found the scraps were very useful to protect things like router bits, threaded components and things with sharp edges like chisels.  The weaving allows ventilation, visibility and protection.  I also use it to protect my files.  It just slides on and protects my Nicholsons from the abrasive world whlle in toolboxes.

Three feet of each of the four smaller sizes should set one back less than ten bucks.

Reid is also a useful place for all sorts of jigmaking materials, knobs, wheels, drill bits, etc.

Ken

In recent posts there has been much interest in the Tormek 4000 grit wheel.  I would be curious to know how many of you who actually use one switch back and forth and how many use separate Tormek machines for the different wheels.

Ken

A discussion of O1 and A2 started in the Tormek portion of this forum.  Use of the word "and" rather than "or" in the title was intentional. I believe both have places for woodworkers.  The O1/A2 debate reminds me of the high speed steel/carbide debate for saw blades and router bits.  The carbide side wins hands down for longevity, but the high speed steel carries the day for keenness.

Lie-Nielsen makes bevel chisels in both O1 and A2, A2 being the "standard" chisel.  They grind their chisels to a 30 degree bevel, and suggests a 35 degree micro bevel.  These chisels seem designed to be struck with a mallet, as in dovetail making.

They also make longer interchangeable handles for the chisels to be used in paring functions.

Who says hand tools are "simple" tools?

Ken   

I just installed the EZYlock shaft upgrade on my T7.  It is very much a Tormek product.  It is well designed and nicely manufactured.  A real quality job. 

Installation took about ten minutes.  My T7 once again purrs like a kitten, and it certainly is a snap to change wheels.  I think I have it installed properly.  I'm really not sure.  Neither the kit nor the most recent edition of the handbook have either a diagram or description of changing the shaft.  The new shaft design seems to have entered the thought process at Tormek, but not the handbook or instruction process. 

Very nice product.  It deserves better instructions for those of us who have only average mechanical ability.

Ken

 

Last year I did some "coarse stone grinding" on some areas of my life.  I went essentially plant based (vegan) in my diet.  The occasional beer or wine became very occasional.  (No, I still don't exercise; there is room to grow.)

This new year, I will continue with the fine stone refining the edges.

Last year I added the new water trough and EZY lock shaft to keep current. As January looks both forward and backward, with Ionut's help, I am also purchasing one of the older square edge jigs for large mortise chisels.

I hope this will be a happy, prosperous, and productive new year for the forum members.

Ken

ps  A good New Year addition to your sharpening libraries is Ron Hock's excellent book.

I just purchased the scissors jig.  I have not seem scissors disassembled before sharpening with the Tormek.  Is this the standard practice?

Also, for scissors which are in need of minor sharpening, is it advisable to start with the course grade?

Thanks.

Ken

As a very full time grandfather of two pre-schoolers, my shop time is almost non-existant.  I am able to sneak in some computer time early in the morning.  I have been enjoying the training/demonstration videos that Jeff posted on his site and those in the turner's information kit.  Well done, Jeff.  It's easy to be a cheerleader for a fine product.  You went beyond that and provided some very solid, practical user information.  Thanks.

Ken

On page 90 of his sharpening book, Ron Hock states that he suggested a fix for flattening the backs of chisels and planes with the Tormek, and that it may already be available.  Would you please describe this.
Thanks.