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Messages - Ken S

#31
Good thoughts, all; thank you. I think some trial and error practice runs are in order. I will kee you all posted.

Ken
#32
Dave,

I have a better idea. Use the Tormek TTS-100. Use the closer hole to set the Distance from the grinding wheel to the support bar. The two Tormek patented metal wheels automatically adjust for changes in wheel diameter. The Distance will remain constant.

Place a chisel in the jig with the Projection set close to 25 or 30°. You can check this with the Anglemaster. Fine tune your Projction if needed. Place your in jig chisel in the three slots of the TTS-100. Mark the end of the bevel with a fine tipped Sharpie, and label it (25° or 30°).

I did this with one chisel twelve years ago, and have not needed to measure a chisel or plane blade since.

Ken

PS If you add camber to your plane blades with an SE-76 using "English" you may find it useful to use the further projection hole for more flex. If you do, I suhhest using a different color Sharpie for these marks.
#33
General Tormek Questions / older Tormek?
March 18, 2024, 05:04:29 PM
I see frequent topics wondering about whether or not to purchase an older Tormek. This forum is probably the best place to ask these questions, as many of us have extensive experience with older Tormeks.

What concerns me is what I usually don't see in these topics. What is the asking price compared to the cost of a new Tormek. I do not mean to minimize the cost of a new Tormek on one's budget; however, what I have seen of used prices is often very close to the cost of a new unit. Before I purchased my T7, I knew nothing about the used Tormek market. A good used Tormek at a fair price would have been very tempting to me, even a T-2000 in good condition.

Please do not misunderstand me. A T-2000 is a solid machine, usually with many years of useful life remaining. It is compatable with all the latest jigs and accessories. With Tormek's no obsolescense policy, worn, missing, or non working parts can be replaced. Even a severe case, like a rusted shaft with a frozen grinding wheel, can be replaced. If the initial price of the used unit is low enough, even expensive repairs like this may be cost effective. However, at the listed prices I have seen, this is rarely the case.

A rebuilt older Tormek is not the same thng as a new Tormek. It normally does not have Tormek's iron clad eight year (5+3 years if registered) warranty. Tormek has incorporated many innovations over the years. I upgraded the drive wheel of my T7. The new drive wheel is zinc instead of plastic and will probably never break. The rubber wheel is a patented rubberlike surface for better performance. The paint on the housing has improved rust resistance. The present universal supports are threaded for the microadjusts. The alignment of the shaft and sleeves is more precise with the machined zinc top. The present version of the TT-50 truing tool is much improved over the T-2000 vintage truing tool and improved over the original TT-50.

Is a used T-2000 a good buy? For the right price, I would buy one, but only at the right price. I still believe a new user who does not have a trusted coach is better served with a new, fully warranted Tormek.

Ken
#34
John,
Admittedly, I have no expertise in motors. Was the machine and motor used in the seller's country before being sold?
Ken
#35
Johan,

My first question would be which electric power your country has. Thelabel on this motor looks like it says 240 volts, 50 hertz. That is the standard electric power for Europe. (For the US and Canada, it is 110 volts, 60 hertz. If the label does not match your national power, the answer is a defnite no for purchase.

You should contact Tormek support (support@tormek.se). Support works Monday through Friday. Unless you have a long enough time window to cancel, I would recommend that you cancel the sale.

Ken
#36
I appreciate all of the replies. I hope they will benefit many more members than just me.

Over the years, I have seen numerous questions from new members wanting advice to built "the ideal stand and storage area" for their Tormeks. I have been reluctant to suggest final specifications. Too much can change. I am more of a "cardboard box" kind of designer. I have a child's table top I rescued from the trash fifty years ago. I fashioned legs and supports from odd pieces of 2x4. Over the years, I have used it as a stand for a drill press, a jointer, and a couple dry grinders as well as a Tormek. I have also used my Workmate, my workbench, my dining room table, and my Tormek Work Station as work stands for my Tormek. None of these have been "ideal", although they all work.

I will adapt to my new seated working. Adapting won't be a big deal. I will share the process and appreciate your help.

Ken
#37
I do not know when the new Tormek angle setting jig will be for sale. I do know that working prototypes had been made before the end of August 2023 when I visited Tormek. Part of my visit included a meeting of the Design Team. (Per was also part of that meeting.

We presently have all the necessary tools to set all of the functions with more than enough accuracy. Being almost fifty years away from my high school math classes when Dutchman introduced his tables, With considerable effort, I was able to understand them and become fluent with them. With some focused study, CB's Calcapp in within understandability by any of us. It requires just a reasonable effort more than spoon feeding. Having seen the new jig demonstrated, I will be switching to it for at least most of my work. However, I can see where some will prefer staying with programs like Calcapp instead of purchasing a the new angle setting jig. Both paths will get the job done.

Ken
#38
Along with the fascination of precise instruments, we should sharpen in temperature controlled rooms and wear gloves to eliminate transferring body heat to our tools.  :(

Ken

(Just kidding. . .)
#39
One of my favorite quotes, which, I believe applies to many topics posted on the forum, is from Prussian General, Carl von Clausewitz: "The enemy of a good plan is the dream of a perfect plan". I have personally watched Tormek expert, Stig Reitan, sharpen expertly using the traditional Tormek technique. Is the traditional Tormek technique "the perfect plan"? I don't know. Having watched Stig using it, I have full faith that it is a good plan. I would be reluctant to vary too far from it without substantial reason.

The FVB (frontal vertical base) is a useful accessory. It is not magic. It allows the support bar to be elevated enough to clear the plastic locking knobs of the knife jig and the two horizontal sleeves. This could be done inexpensively with grub screws; however, in my opinion, the convenience and efficiency of an FVB more than justifies the extra cost.

Master "the good plan" before chasing "the perfect plan".

Ken



#40
General Tormek Questions / "Plasters"
March 06, 2024, 09:37:20 PM
The first time I heard the term "plasters" was when Tormek started including them with new machines. Yesterday I had occasion to hear plasters from a different perspective, literally from the ground up. I have a tradition ith two of my neighbors. Whoever happens to be home when the trash or recycleing s collected brings the empty cans from the street to the garages.

Forgetting my age, I started to bring up the recycling cans. The next thing I knew, I was face down at the edge of the street and could not get up. Other than a few minor scrapes, I was not injured; I just could not get up. Several good neighbors came to help me. One of them mentioned that he was an army medic. Explainng what he was doing, he told me that he was placing several plasters on my hand and face. Noticing his use of the word plasters, I asked him if he was exposed to British English He said that he had studied British English, presumably while growing up in Africa.

I am grateful for good neighbors especially for one skilled in plasters.

Ken
#41
Thank you all for your replies. They affirm my belief in the value of community.

CB, I remember Wootz using a stool and sitting whie using his Tormeks. I have thought about setting up two Tormeks in aivoting fashion.

John, I will discuss the vertigo possibiity with my doctor.

Wain, I have blood tests every six monthe as part of my wellness program. Vitamin D deficiency showed up until I added it as a supplement. It is no longer showing as a deficiecy. However, I will discuss it with my doctor. I think highly of Dr. John Campbell who posts videos on youtube. He frequently metions vitamin D.

Rick, You and I have frequently exchanged emails over the years. In fact, you were my inspiration for posting this topic. I have long considered the probability of switching tothe ighter weight T4 as I get older. Facing the reality of having to work sitting down really did not occur to me until last fall. Thank goodness he Tormek is such a versatile machine. And, I am grateful that this forum is such  good hearted, sharing group.

Ken


#42
We have a forum member who needs our help.  In this case, the member is me. For the past six months, I have had deteriorating balace and general exhaustion.

My Tormek is presently setup in my basement workshop. This is very inconvenient, as going up and dowstairs is hazardous with my balance. I believe I can handle one or two round trips.
I don't know how long lastingave these symptoms will be. After numerous tests, blood tests, and scans. we have a very good idea of what I do not have and no clue as to what I do have.

Working with the Tormek has been an important part of my life since 2009. I think I could contnue if I switch to a sitting position. Your thoughts and suggestions will be most appreciated.

Ken

#43
Tormek T-1 and T-2 / Re: Damaged T2 Spares/repair
March 04, 2024, 01:11:40 AM
Dean,

New Tormeks come with an eight year warranty when registered. This warranty is generally transferrable if, like yours, the Tormek is sold. Be sure to ask support about it when you contact them.

Ken
#44
Tormek T-1 and T-2 / Re: Damaged T2 Spares/repair
March 03, 2024, 07:47:37 PM
Dean,

Welcome to the forum. Contact Tormek support (support@tormek.se).

Keep us posted.

Ken
#45
John,

In studying the online classes, I have noticed several things which, while mentioned, I would like to see further emphasized. One such item is the manner of using honing paste. I like Wolfgang's expression, "make it your custom". He mentions how the honing paste is most effective when almost dry and that some users apply it early enough to allow it to dry while they are grinding. This seems so logical. It requires no extra time or hardware. It maximizes the efficiency of the honing paste. It should be partof our custom. It should be part of our habitual work habit and mastered before we even consider searching for other honing compounds.

A chef coordinates food preparation so that everything is ready to be served at the same time. We should alter our routine so that the leather honing wheel is ready for use when the sharpening part of the process is completed.

Ken