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#1

General Tormek Questions / T4 or T8?

Last post by Ken S - Today at 06:00:12 AM

One of our most frequently posted questions is, "Should I get a T4 or a T8?" Those of youwho have read my posts over theyears may remember that I have long been an advocate for the T4. Recently I have become much more likely to recommend the T8. Neither machine has changed over the years. What changed my mind was a strong feeling was that the person asking the question really wanted encouragement to purchase the T8. While he might raise the lower cost of the T4, the final cost difference is negligible. Buy the model you want. And, if you have your heart set on the Black Edition, just buy it.

No, I am not trying to upsale anyone. The typical user who sharpens knives and woodworking tools will be very well served with the T4. The fifty year warranty with the Black Edition sounds like bragging rights, and it is a limited edition.
I expect my T4 and regular T8 to last as long. Tormek has now added the three diamond wheels in 200 mm.

You won't go wrong with a T4 or either of the T8 models.

Ken

#2

Tormek T-1 and T-2 / Re: T1 replacement knob screw

Last post by thinc - Today at 12:09:13 AM

Thank you all for your assistance. Apparently I didn't scour hard enough and was able to order from the link provided by Ken S. Also good to know the thread size for future reference in case I need a quick replacement and can't wait for shippping. But let's hope I'm not so butter fingers going forward.

#3

General Tormek Questions / Re: Are There Differences Betw...

Last post by Spiral Architect - Yesterday at 10:04:58 PM

I've had a SG2000 for over 25 years now, I did replace the main shaft withy a stainless one.
Beyond that I have never had any issues!
I have pretty much every jig and accessory for this machine and have loved it dearly, I will not get rid of it .... ever!
I am considering a 2nd machine, but wheel diameter difference is the only thing holding me back
IE: Original SG250 and Japanese have worn down vs the diamond so not sure making adjustments when moving between machines is worth it vs just adjusting on the in use machine, I usually do many tools / knives in a sharpening 'Session' so just a wheel change is all...
I used to woodwork for a living but am back to just hobby so TBD...
Cant praise these units highly enough, the 25+ years I have on the SG 2000 have been the best, and a big TY to the Tormek team and company for standing by the quality in this age of disposable materials and equipment... Thank You!

#4

General Tormek Questions / Re: T4 to T8 Black, worth the ...

Last post by RickKrung - September 08, 2025, 05:52:19 PM

These wheels cost around $70US, and one is enough.

In France, I couldn't find those aside from Amazon, priced at a modest EUR 200. The BDX line of wheels is more widely available and more reasonably priced. Does anyone know how they compare to the 3X ?

I think just about any standard grinding wheel, in the 64-80 grit range will do about the same.  I was gifted the 8" Norton wheels that I first used in this manner, which were great.  Then I was gifted a no-name/don't even know the grit 10" grinding wheel.  It works every bit as good as the Norton and I much prefer the 10" diameter as it is more similar to others on my T8. 

These standard grinding wheels are trued just like any the SG or SB wheels using the Tormek Truing Tool.  An excellent choice for anyone wanting faster metal removal.

Norton 8", 64 grit wheel on T8 sharpening a drill bit

10" standard grinding wheel on being trued on a T8

#5

General Tormek Questions / Re: T4 to T8 Black, worth the ...

Last post by tgbto - September 08, 2025, 08:26:07 AM

These wheels cost around $70US, and one is enough.

In France, I couldn't find those aside from Amazon, priced at a modest EUR 200. The BDX line of wheels is more widely available and more reasonably priced. Does anyone know how they compare to the 3X ?

#6

General Tormek Questions / Re: T4 to T8 Black, worth the ...

Last post by Ken S - September 06, 2025, 01:52:50 AM

Although I would have preferred a Tormek version, Ihave had good success using an eight inch 46 or 80 grit Norton 3X wheel. Adapting them to fit a Tormek takes a little fiddling, however, this can be done in a home workshop. A strong point with these wheels is cost. These wheels cost around $70US, and one is enough.

Ken

#7

General Tormek Questions / Re: T4 to T8 Black, worth the ...

Last post by RichColvin - September 05, 2025, 04:08:08 PM

The T-8 (regular or black) has one advantage over the T-4 which you may find useful:  the SB grindstone is only available in a 250mm size, so it won't fit on the T-4. 

I don't sharpen for a business, but I often find that the traditional grindstones are my preference. I have all 6 of the Tormek grinding wheels, but find myself using the traditional grindstones quite often.

#8

Tormek T-1 and T-2 / Re: T1 replacement knob screw

Last post by tgbto - September 05, 2025, 10:22:54 AM

And if you have access to a 3D printer you might want to take a look at this :

https://www.printables.com/model/394577-m6-knob-randelschraube-m6-fur-zb-tormek/comments

ABS/ASA are ideal for this use, PETG will do, CF-GF are optional.

#9

General Tormek Questions / Re: T4 to T8 Black, worth the ...

Last post by tgbto - September 05, 2025, 10:20:19 AM

I agree with Ken, compare the price of a DF-200 and your Tormek Black. If they are similar and you have real estate to spare, by all means go for the Black, you might even get to use your T4 as a honing station.

If the T8 Black is significantly more expensive than the DF-200, it's up to you to value having a limited edition T8 (that most non-sharpening-nerds will be clueless about).

#10

General Tormek Questions / Re: T4 to T8 Black, worth the ...

Last post by Ken S - September 05, 2025, 05:30:07 AM

Good question. However, a better question would have two parts. Would a standard issue T8 improve your sharpening over a T4? And, would a Black Edition T8 improve your sharpening over a standard T8?

Comparing machine to machine, all T8s are identical. Except for the warranty, there is nothing in the Black Edition to extend its longevity.

Please ignore the old "thirty minute duty" myth. This was a regularity issuehaving nothing to do with real world performance.

Tormek now carries the full grit range of diamond wheels in both sizes.

If having a limited edition model would please you, by all means purchase the Black Edition. Don't buy it for any sharpening improvement. The choice is yours.

Ken