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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. . .)

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

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

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

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

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

Dean,

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

Keep us posted.

Ken

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

Thank you for your help unfortunately I am not very good at new technologies or in English.

To answer your question yes the grinding wheel seems to have a notable defect I myself sold tormek sharpeners for a few years and is also used a lot (parents and grandparents butcher) I have never seen a grinding wheel that arrived rounded on top or veiled by being new (I have enough to straighten it but for the principle I do not find that logical) and especially the grinding wheel lost 2mm in 4 Victorinox knives so relatively tender.

Good to you again, thank you for your help

Welcome to the forum, Rusty

Here is a lnk to one of the Tormek online classes which may help you. Start at 31 minutes into the class.

https://www.youtube.com/live/R2ifZQOJA7k?si=D7tJauOLoqXhRVch

Notice how ittle of the honing paste Wolfgang uses. Using too much paste is a common problem. In addition to being wasteful, using too much paste also decreases the efficiency of the paste.

Although other pastes can be used, PA-70 has been Tormek's paste of choice for many years.

Ken

Hello everyone I just bought a new T4 that arrived with the veiled and not flat grinding wheel on top the seller tells me that it is quite normal and that you must always straighten before the first use could you confirm or not this information in advance thank you

(original post translated into English)

Ken

One of my happy memories from visiting Tormek was meeting Alex Carmona. In addition to being a nice guy, Alex is a consummate artist and craftsman. He was one of the featured artists displaying atthe Tormek Gallery.

Here is a link to his gouge sharpening video:

https://youtu.be/6s5dxcHVDtU?si=IcoZqC8L8yms4RNh

Here is a link showing Alex at work:

https://youtu.be/O7x6O_1sRAI?si=YQfzDih_ZsKaboEq

Ken

We occasionally receive a question about fitting a T4 (a e200 mm diameter wheel which also fits a T2) onto a t8.

I just took some measurements using a metric combination square as a depth gage. The width of the 250mm grinding wheels is 50 mm at the edge. The indent on the outside (EZYlock side) is 4.5 mm, meaning the width of the wheel is 45.5 mm at the bore. The width of the 200 mm diameter wheels is 40 mm at the edge. The indent on the outside face is 2.5 mm, meaning the width of the wheel is 37.5 mm at the bore.

In order for the T4 wheel to tighten in a T8, it is necessary to add an extra Washer for stone,   Here is a link to the part:

https://www.sharpeningsupplies.com/Washer-for-Stone-P2059.aspx

With the added washer, a 200 diameter T4 wheel will fit in a T8 as well as any 250 mm wheel which has worn down to 200 mm. In general, I think it makes sense to use 250 mm wheels with the T8. Occasionally, a wheel is only available in 200mm or a 200mm hollow grind is specified for a particular blade.

Ken

Drill bits remind me of the old John Wayne movie title, "They Were Expendable". As a career telephone man, I worked with drill bits all the time, and, like most of us, frequently abused them. I suspect that abuse is why they seem to need more frequent sharpening and wear down quickly.

Ken

Philip,

Tormek is a very small company, with only around 40 employees. i suspect that most of them "wear more than one hat". I made a similar request years ago. My T7 was stolen during a home burglary. I needed the serial number for the police report. I emailed info. They emailed back with my serial number. Please give them more time. I have no doubt that they can help you.

Ken