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#11
General Tormek Questions / Re: Should I Persist?
Last post by RichColvin - July 03, 2025, 03:02:52 AMPete,
I am sad to hear that you are having such a bad experience with your Tormek. I have had a Tormek for over 20 years, and I am thankful I made the investment back then.
I want to pass on a couple of thoughts to you before you put your machine up for sale. I don't mean for these to be an insult to your abilities; I have never met you so I cannot judge your skills. Rather, it is to offer up some ways of thinking about your sharpening journey.
Consider the work one must do to make a new Japanese chisel usable. John Reed Fox wrote an article for Fine Woodworking in 2013, "How To Set Up Your New Japanese Chisel". Just the activities to set the hoop seem a bit onerous to me (Jay Speetjens wrote an article about that in 2012, "Japanese Chisel Tuneup: Setting the Hoop").
And I cannot begin to think what it must feel like when one must tap out a Japanese chisel blade once the sharpening has progressed back far enough. To say I would be nervous is an understatement.
I guess those activities are what comes with going the route of Japanese woodworking tools, and those like Andew Hunter who have chosen that path seem to find joy in the activities.
I would not view your experiences as user error; rather I urge you to consider it a learning curve.
When I got started using the Tormek, it was many years before I became comfortable grinding the tool with the grindstone rotating towards me. I thought it would be too easy to make a mistake. Now, I am very comfortable achieving quick results that way.
As a woodturner, I feel the same way about the skew and especially the bedan. I've been woodturning for many years (30+), and it is only within the last few years where I have felt comfortable using the skew. (The bedan is still on the list to be mastered.)
I love the Tormek approach to sharpening. I always get consistent results which makes the use of the tools easier: I don't have to readjust to them every time.
I like that the process does not remove lots of metal from the tools I sharpen, tools I spent a lot of money to buy. When I started turning, I sharpened my turning tools on the bench grinder. I found I was quickly making them shorter and shorter (that was before CBN wheels became as prevalent). Now, I don't have that problem.
And I like that the Tormek does not toss a lot of metal filings / dust into the air.
You probably experience the same with hand sharpening on stones; I cannot say as I have not done that for many years. But I can say that using the Tormek does sharpen my tools quickly, far faster than when I did it by hand.
——————————————
As it regards the TT-50 Truing Tool, you were going to need that sooner than later. That accessory should be viewed as comparable to the diamond stone you need to true a water stone.
Best of luck to you,
Rich
I am sad to hear that you are having such a bad experience with your Tormek. I have had a Tormek for over 20 years, and I am thankful I made the investment back then.
I want to pass on a couple of thoughts to you before you put your machine up for sale. I don't mean for these to be an insult to your abilities; I have never met you so I cannot judge your skills. Rather, it is to offer up some ways of thinking about your sharpening journey.
Consider the work one must do to make a new Japanese chisel usable. John Reed Fox wrote an article for Fine Woodworking in 2013, "How To Set Up Your New Japanese Chisel". Just the activities to set the hoop seem a bit onerous to me (Jay Speetjens wrote an article about that in 2012, "Japanese Chisel Tuneup: Setting the Hoop").
And I cannot begin to think what it must feel like when one must tap out a Japanese chisel blade once the sharpening has progressed back far enough. To say I would be nervous is an understatement.
I guess those activities are what comes with going the route of Japanese woodworking tools, and those like Andew Hunter who have chosen that path seem to find joy in the activities.
I would not view your experiences as user error; rather I urge you to consider it a learning curve.
When I got started using the Tormek, it was many years before I became comfortable grinding the tool with the grindstone rotating towards me. I thought it would be too easy to make a mistake. Now, I am very comfortable achieving quick results that way.
As a woodturner, I feel the same way about the skew and especially the bedan. I've been woodturning for many years (30+), and it is only within the last few years where I have felt comfortable using the skew. (The bedan is still on the list to be mastered.)
I love the Tormek approach to sharpening. I always get consistent results which makes the use of the tools easier: I don't have to readjust to them every time.
I like that the process does not remove lots of metal from the tools I sharpen, tools I spent a lot of money to buy. When I started turning, I sharpened my turning tools on the bench grinder. I found I was quickly making them shorter and shorter (that was before CBN wheels became as prevalent). Now, I don't have that problem.
And I like that the Tormek does not toss a lot of metal filings / dust into the air.
You probably experience the same with hand sharpening on stones; I cannot say as I have not done that for many years. But I can say that using the Tormek does sharpen my tools quickly, far faster than when I did it by hand.
——————————————
As it regards the TT-50 Truing Tool, you were going to need that sooner than later. That accessory should be viewed as comparable to the diamond stone you need to true a water stone.
Best of luck to you,
Rich
#12
General Tormek Questions / Re: Water disposal
Last post by RichColvin - July 03, 2025, 01:36:56 AMI would not dump the residual water into the sink.
#13
General Tormek Questions / Re: Should I Persist?
Last post by PeteH - July 02, 2025, 10:10:14 PMI appreciate both your replies.
However, they both suggest it was the result of user error. I suggest it was the result of manufacture error...
I would expect as a minimum that the two main wheels were true from the factory.
Why should the burden of measuring, aligning, trueing, and general quality control be left to the consumer when they have purchased over $2000 of equipment? To say I am disappointed is an understatement. To have buy a trueing tool to simply not damage my tools at initial purchase and to correct manufacture error is appalling. Even if I expected the need to purchase one in the future.
I think will stick to stones, even tho $150 for the trueing tool is insignificant to the total cost. I just don't want to give them another cent of my money.
I have decided to sell the machine.
However, they both suggest it was the result of user error. I suggest it was the result of manufacture error...
I would expect as a minimum that the two main wheels were true from the factory.
Why should the burden of measuring, aligning, trueing, and general quality control be left to the consumer when they have purchased over $2000 of equipment? To say I am disappointed is an understatement. To have buy a trueing tool to simply not damage my tools at initial purchase and to correct manufacture error is appalling. Even if I expected the need to purchase one in the future.
I think will stick to stones, even tho $150 for the trueing tool is insignificant to the total cost. I just don't want to give them another cent of my money.
I have decided to sell the machine.
#14
General Tormek Questions / Re: Should I Persist?
Last post by Royale - July 02, 2025, 08:37:13 PMI'm gonna guess you're referring to the SG-200 grindstone?
You didn't mention attempts at truing the grindstone after sharpening your chisel... So maybe that could be a good place to start?
I'm not the kind to stick up for any brands that make crap, and disclaimer, I don't own a T-4 (I only have the T-8) But that being said, the strengths of Tormek machines are their simplicity in design, and manufacture to good tolerances.
Take the time to practice with your machine. Get a feel for how the blade vibrates in your hands, the sound it makes during sharpening, and the speed of how it abrades.
My learning experience with my T-8 has been in waves. I started out getting really good results, then it all goes to shit, then I get better results, and then it all goes to shit again. But over time with increasing practice, the mistakes I make become increasingly rare, and only occur in unusual circumstances (E.g. More brittle steel encountered where it should be softer, steel suddenly wearing down a lot faster on random spots)
Since you don't really have an alternative you could use right now, and the T-4 is already with you... Why not try again on other items like knives? You get your practice in, and the worse case scenario? You have more sharp knives than you actually use.
I know what it feels like to have high hopes and that excitement when you get a new capability, and to feel that disappointment (and frustration) when it seems unable to do seemingly simple tasks.
Put in a bit more time, be patient and let the grindstone work it's magic. You got this.
You didn't mention attempts at truing the grindstone after sharpening your chisel... So maybe that could be a good place to start?
I'm not the kind to stick up for any brands that make crap, and disclaimer, I don't own a T-4 (I only have the T-8) But that being said, the strengths of Tormek machines are their simplicity in design, and manufacture to good tolerances.
Take the time to practice with your machine. Get a feel for how the blade vibrates in your hands, the sound it makes during sharpening, and the speed of how it abrades.
My learning experience with my T-8 has been in waves. I started out getting really good results, then it all goes to shit, then I get better results, and then it all goes to shit again. But over time with increasing practice, the mistakes I make become increasingly rare, and only occur in unusual circumstances (E.g. More brittle steel encountered where it should be softer, steel suddenly wearing down a lot faster on random spots)
Since you don't really have an alternative you could use right now, and the T-4 is already with you... Why not try again on other items like knives? You get your practice in, and the worse case scenario? You have more sharp knives than you actually use.
I know what it feels like to have high hopes and that excitement when you get a new capability, and to feel that disappointment (and frustration) when it seems unable to do seemingly simple tasks.
Put in a bit more time, be patient and let the grindstone work it's magic. You got this.
#15
General Tormek Questions / Re: Should I Persist?
Last post by Ken S - July 02, 2025, 07:46:42 PMWelcome to the forum, Pete. With a little courage and patience, your troubles will soon be in the past. Tormek has provided us with two valuable resources, the handbook and the online training classes on youtube. Your time studying these will be well rewarded.
The bump on the leather honing wheel joint is an easy fix. The leather used in the leather honing wheel is absolutely top quality. I remember an exhibit describing it when I visited Tormek in Sweden. Unfortunately, occasionally some of the glue needs a little sanding to be smooth. Thirty seconds sanding the joint lightly with medium grit sandpaper will end your problem.
The SE-77 is a versatile jig. It can grind plane irons with controlled camber. This versatility requires a little more skill. Use a black marker on your bevel. Run your Tormek for a couple seconds. Examine the bevel with a small square to check for squareness. Adjust the chisel if needed. Do not grind the entire bevel before verifying squareness.
Be sure to watch the online class with Stig. He demonstrates an effective procedure to check squareness. as I recall, it was about 24 minutes into the class.
At this point, what you need is education and experience. Tormek provides the education. After study, I suggest you work slowly and make one chisel ((3/4" is a good first width)sharp and square. Then, just build on that experience. You will succeed.
Keep us posted.
Ken
PS You are not alone. Forty years ago, I purchased my dream camera, a wooden 4x5 view camera. The outfit cost $1200. I was quite discouraged when I could not see to view or focus with it. With much persistence, I finally mastered it. It became my favorite camera.
Patience and persistence. . . .
The bump on the leather honing wheel joint is an easy fix. The leather used in the leather honing wheel is absolutely top quality. I remember an exhibit describing it when I visited Tormek in Sweden. Unfortunately, occasionally some of the glue needs a little sanding to be smooth. Thirty seconds sanding the joint lightly with medium grit sandpaper will end your problem.
The SE-77 is a versatile jig. It can grind plane irons with controlled camber. This versatility requires a little more skill. Use a black marker on your bevel. Run your Tormek for a couple seconds. Examine the bevel with a small square to check for squareness. Adjust the chisel if needed. Do not grind the entire bevel before verifying squareness.
Be sure to watch the online class with Stig. He demonstrates an effective procedure to check squareness. as I recall, it was about 24 minutes into the class.
At this point, what you need is education and experience. Tormek provides the education. After study, I suggest you work slowly and make one chisel ((3/4" is a good first width)sharp and square. Then, just build on that experience. You will succeed.
Keep us posted.
Ken
PS You are not alone. Forty years ago, I purchased my dream camera, a wooden 4x5 view camera. The outfit cost $1200. I was quite discouraged when I could not see to view or focus with it. With much persistence, I finally mastered it. It became my favorite camera.
Patience and persistence. . . .
#16
General Tormek Questions / Re: Did ChatGpt lie to me?
Last post by boilerbengal - July 02, 2025, 07:41:12 PMThank you for the insights, advice and humor..
#17
General Tormek Questions / Re: Water disposal
Last post by HaioPaio - July 02, 2025, 06:47:42 PMAny place where you would feel ok to dump water from cleaning dirty boots should be ok for the disposal of the water from the tray.
#18
General Tormek Questions / Re: Water disposal
Last post by Ken S - July 02, 2025, 06:46:53 PMSeveral years ago, one of our members posted a very practical solution to your problem.
Purchase a plastic turkey baster. These are inexpensive and can be found in grocery and cooking stores. Lower the water trough of your T8. Using your turkey baster, remove most of the water from your water trough. Dump this in a plastic container. Remove the sludge with a paper towel. Using another container with clean water, rinse your water trough. This will prevent the sludge from clogging your drain.
Ken
Purchase a plastic turkey baster. These are inexpensive and can be found in grocery and cooking stores. Lower the water trough of your T8. Using your turkey baster, remove most of the water from your water trough. Dump this in a plastic container. Remove the sludge with a paper towel. Using another container with clean water, rinse your water trough. This will prevent the sludge from clogging your drain.
Ken
#19
General Tormek Questions / Re: Where to buy CBN wheels fo...
Last post by Ken S - July 02, 2025, 06:33:35 PMWelcome to the forum, Windslashman. Unfortunately, as the forum moderator, I must inform you that Tormek, who owns this forum, does not sell CBN wheels. We do not allow competitors' products to be sold on this forum. As a courtesy to you, I will allow this topic to remain posted through the end of this week, as long as any replies are sent as off forum PMs.
Knifegrinders closed when the owner passed away. An online search of vendors of CBN wheels for tormek should give you several sources. .
Ken
Knifegrinders closed when the owner passed away. An online search of vendors of CBN wheels for tormek should give you several sources. .
Ken
#20
General Tormek Questions / Where to buy CBN wheels for T8...
Last post by Windslashman - July 02, 2025, 05:30:14 PMHello,
I'm looking to buy CBN wheels for my T8. I've heard that Knifegrinders has gone out of business now and was where people used to buy their CBN wheels from.
I've read on their website that you could use water with their CBN wheels, which would be great for my use case. I don't want to use diamond due to Tormek not selling a low enough grit, don't want to deal with truing an aluminum oxide wheel. And would prefer to just use tap water in the basin to catch the dust and metal fragments.
Any tips?
Thank you!
I'm looking to buy CBN wheels for my T8. I've heard that Knifegrinders has gone out of business now and was where people used to buy their CBN wheels from.
I've read on their website that you could use water with their CBN wheels, which would be great for my use case. I don't want to use diamond due to Tormek not selling a low enough grit, don't want to deal with truing an aluminum oxide wheel. And would prefer to just use tap water in the basin to catch the dust and metal fragments.
Any tips?
Thank you!