Recent posts

#1

General Tormek Questions / Re: Stone will not turn if you...

Last post by John Hancock Sr - Today at 04:20:59 AM

used the emery cloth to clean the surface however this did not really help much

If it is the drive wheel then yes, I had the same issue. Abrasive is fine but I find a vert much better solutions is to use belt grip. It is used for drive belts for when they glaze and begin to slip. You can get it in a small pot or spray can. It is available from your local automotive store.

I remove the honing wheel. Place a paper towel or cloth under the shaft to catch the drips. Set the machine running. Spray a small amount onto the drive wheel. Turn the machine off and clean up the excess. I found t works a treat.

#2

Tormek T-1 and T-2 / Re: T1: Damage to the composit...

Last post by John Hancock Sr - Today at 04:14:46 AM

Is the composite wheel still usable,

You will be perfectly fine

#3

Drill Bit Sharpening / Re: Getting the secondary beve...

Last post by John Hancock Sr - Today at 04:10:09 AM

I would say one does not need to rotate all the way to the slanted lines, depending

It will also depend on the flute geometry. The flutes vary slightly depending on the exact design of the drill, say for wood, brass, ductile steel carbon steel &etc, and the manufacturer.

I would suggest to start by lining up the drill to start with based on how much damage there is, broken vs severe chipping, then re-adjust as you get close to done with the primary bevel.

#4

General Tormek Questions / Re: Sharpening salon scissors ...

Last post by Royale - Today at 03:02:28 AM

I use the Hira To for sharpening hairdressing and grooming shears, more specifically for blades with convex geometries.

The one thing my Hira To has, that my Tormek T8 lacks, is the small level of give (or sponginess) in the velcro backed sanding discs.

The low level sponginess (from the velcro backing) allows me to round the convex edge without rounding the apex, and it creates a scratch pattern perpendicular to the apex.

I have tried just once using the side of my SJ-250 to sharpen a pair of hairdressing shears, and it worked. But that was pure luck.

I think the grindstones should theoretically work, but the vulnerability to error is just way too high for my liking.

#5

Knife Sharpening / Re: New angle jig KS-123

Last post by tgbto - Yesterday at 08:19:19 AM

I test every knife with a Bess Tester, my results are the same whether I measure or use the KS-123.  If you use the same care setting up the KS-123 as you do measuring, I would, with confidence state, you could possibly be more accurate using it.

Whatever the real accuracy of the KS-123, I think it is good enough that you won't be able to tell the results apart by BESS testing. +/- 1dps won't have any significant impact on sharpness. If you follow this train of thought, even the AngleMaster or a plain protractor will get you very sharp knives. Initial sharpness depends more on technique than absolute edge angle measured with a .1 dps precision.

+/- 1 dps will have a significant impact on metal removal though, so the real question is : "is the KS-123 consistent enough that I can get very very close to the angle I used the previous time ?" I can't, but I have stopped using the KS-123 more than very occasionally. On my everyday knives, which I sharpen the most, measuring usually gets me a burr on the first pass, second pass at worst. Most of my time is spent honing the burr away.

As to the KS-123 being *more accurate* than measuring, evidence would further this theory more than confidence.

#6

General Tormek Questions / Re: Sharpening salon scissors ...

Last post by Sir Amwell - September 10, 2026, 10:01:03 PM

Yes I agree that in theory it could be done.
However I think it would be difficult.
If you are expert at free handing expensive, fully convexed salon scissors on a flat hone, eg hirato. Then yes try it.
But if you are not then buy some very cheap convexed scissors and practice, practice, practice.
Also be aware that the hirato has an angle controlled jig to mount the scissors in, and unless you are a complete master, free-handing these type of blades is extremely difficult.
Please promise me you won't jump in at the deep end and run the risk of ruining a hairstylist's expensive scissors!

#7

Knife Sharpening / Re: New angle jig KS-123

Last post by BPalv - September 10, 2026, 09:11:15 PM

When I first started using the KS-123 I was in the camp of, not accurate enough. 
After using the KS-123 in my lineup more frequently, I am gaining the confidence to even use it on fine blades. 
The reason is simple.  I test every knife with a Bess Tester, my results are the same whether I measure or use the KS-123.  If you use the same care setting up the KS-123 as you do measuring, I would, with confidence state, you could possibly be more accurate using it.

#8

Hand Tool Woodworking / Re: having 5 or six chisels to...

Last post by RichColvin - September 10, 2026, 04:11:40 AM

I recommend you take each chisel from start to finish, then begin again on the next chisel.  You will experience less frustration with re-attaching the jig to the chisel.  

#9

General Tormek Questions / Re: Ultrasonic cleaner to remo...

Last post by Clickngofar - September 09, 2026, 11:46:52 PM

A bit more food for thought on this ultrasonic deburring thing :

https://www.blackstone-ney.com/blog/ultrasonics-deburring-fact-or-fantasy/

Very interesting indeed.
I wondered why some of my knives scored no BESS changes after cleaning, and this report explains why.
So many variables that are impossible to control.
However, I still use my USC on most of the knives I sharpen and my results still make it worth it.

#10

General Tormek Questions / Sharpening salon scissors on T...

Last post by Clickngofar - September 09, 2026, 11:26:16 PM

Team, I've been thinking about how it might be possible to sharpen salon shears, and scissors using the side of the extra fine diamond wheel on a T8.
Top of the line, flat disc, (eg. Hira-To), machines are hugely expensive and I wondered why you couldn't utilise the side of the diamond wheel to freehand sharpen such high end shears.
I don't see any major difference between the two systems other than the T8 wheels is in a vertical plane and could even be tipped over to the horizontal if necessary.
You would lose the water cooling on the horizontal, but other than that, it's the same principal.

Honing will need some thought to see what works best, but is this idea worth pursuing, or am I completely up a creek without a paddle.