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#11
Drill Bit Sharpening / Re: Getting the secondary beve...
Last post by RickKrung - Yesterday at 04:24:06 PMQuote from: Baldeagle on Yesterday at 04:49:34 AMThanks Ken, I'll have another session with that video, it appears that the cutting edge MUST be lined up, parallel to the horizontal line .... can you tell me what the other line is there for ?
I was about to describe how I rotate the drills counterclockwise when they need a lot of grinding, so that the flutes "end up" lined up with the parallel lines. But before doing so, I thought to check the DBS-22 manual. Lo and behold... That is exactly what the slanted lines are for. First mentioned on page 7 where it talks about lining the flutes up with the parallel lines, but refers readers to page 13 where it talks about the slanted lines for grinding "broken drill". I would say one does not need to rotate all the way to the slanted lines, depending on just how much more grinding is needed to eliminate chips in the flutes, things that are less than "broken" drills?
This makes me wonder about the wisdom of starting out lining up facets of just dull drills with the parallel lines. Why are we not rotating all drills just a little CCW from parallel so that when done, they are lines up with the parallel lines, as it says in the figure on page 13.
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#12
Tormek T-1 and T-2 / Re: Tormek T1 - am I expecting...
Last post by tgbto - Yesterday at 02:20:48 PMHi Adrian, and welcome to the Forum.
TL/DR: The T1 is only for quick touchups of western-bladed, no-too-dull knives.
Uncut (^^) version :
Although the T1 has a diamond stone, it is not intended for heavy reprofiling. Forum members usually follow a couple different methods on T4/T8-type machines : either grade the stone very coarse or use it just after truing, ore use after-market ultra-low-grit CBN wheels, or even Norton coarse bench grinder wheels. Those are not options for the T1, and only the last two will work on super steels.
For heavy reprofiling, many members use belt grinders for heavy-duty work, then finish up on the Tormek.
So the T1 being slow is normal, especially on super steels which will wear down more slowly than standard steels. Also keep in mind that super steels can form a very tiny - yet quite hard - burr. These need to be honed thoroughly, and this will again take longer than standard steels.
I don't own a T1, but regarding your single-beveled knives :
- Yanagibas, like usubas, takohikis and debas are those thick,single-beveled, japanese kitchen knives (also called wa-bocho, wa standing for Japan). They cannot be sharpened on a T1 (not on any other Tormek for that matter) as it will ruin the grind. The bevel is flat/very-slightly convex and the Tormek will make it concave. The bevel is to be sharpened along its entire height and the Tormek will only sharpen a tiny bit at a time. The hollow, u-shaped back (ura) is to be sharpened flat so the top and bottom get equally sharpened. And I won't even talk about what happens at the tip (kissaki). Thoses knives must be sharpened on flat media, preferably the traditional way : using flat benchstones. So if your knife actually is a yanagiba, keep away from the T1.
- If by yanagiba you actually meant a sujihiki (also called laser), this is a western-bladed japanese knife (also called "yo-bocho"). There should therefore be no problem sharpening it on a Tormek, and if it is highly assymetrical as sometimes is the case, then sharpen it very assymetrically, but I'm not sure it applies for your knife.
Also a common problem with Tormeks (it is a bit different though on T1/T2 compared to T4/T8) is having trouble with bolsters.
Depending on the shape of the bolster/handle, it may not be doable to sharpen a knife close to the handle. Victorinox swibos are infamously known for this : as the handle is made of plastic, the only way you can sharpen it close to the handle is by heavily (and messily) grinding the plastic away.
This is especially true for
this kind of knife which, if you look closely is not factory sharpened close to the handle. However, as you sharpen it on a Tormek, you will create a dent at that point where you can no longer get closer to the handle, and this will be an issue for some cuts. Again, a belt grinder is the solution.
I cannot talk to chinese cleavers on a T1 as I own neither. Hope this helps !
TL/DR: The T1 is only for quick touchups of western-bladed, no-too-dull knives.
Uncut (^^) version :
Although the T1 has a diamond stone, it is not intended for heavy reprofiling. Forum members usually follow a couple different methods on T4/T8-type machines : either grade the stone very coarse or use it just after truing, ore use after-market ultra-low-grit CBN wheels, or even Norton coarse bench grinder wheels. Those are not options for the T1, and only the last two will work on super steels.
For heavy reprofiling, many members use belt grinders for heavy-duty work, then finish up on the Tormek.
So the T1 being slow is normal, especially on super steels which will wear down more slowly than standard steels. Also keep in mind that super steels can form a very tiny - yet quite hard - burr. These need to be honed thoroughly, and this will again take longer than standard steels.
I don't own a T1, but regarding your single-beveled knives :
- Yanagibas, like usubas, takohikis and debas are those thick,single-beveled, japanese kitchen knives (also called wa-bocho, wa standing for Japan). They cannot be sharpened on a T1 (not on any other Tormek for that matter) as it will ruin the grind. The bevel is flat/very-slightly convex and the Tormek will make it concave. The bevel is to be sharpened along its entire height and the Tormek will only sharpen a tiny bit at a time. The hollow, u-shaped back (ura) is to be sharpened flat so the top and bottom get equally sharpened. And I won't even talk about what happens at the tip (kissaki). Thoses knives must be sharpened on flat media, preferably the traditional way : using flat benchstones. So if your knife actually is a yanagiba, keep away from the T1.
- If by yanagiba you actually meant a sujihiki (also called laser), this is a western-bladed japanese knife (also called "yo-bocho"). There should therefore be no problem sharpening it on a Tormek, and if it is highly assymetrical as sometimes is the case, then sharpen it very assymetrically, but I'm not sure it applies for your knife.
Also a common problem with Tormeks (it is a bit different though on T1/T2 compared to T4/T8) is having trouble with bolsters.
Depending on the shape of the bolster/handle, it may not be doable to sharpen a knife close to the handle. Victorinox swibos are infamously known for this : as the handle is made of plastic, the only way you can sharpen it close to the handle is by heavily (and messily) grinding the plastic away.
This is especially true for
this kind of knife which, if you look closely is not factory sharpened close to the handle. However, as you sharpen it on a Tormek, you will create a dent at that point where you can no longer get closer to the handle, and this will be an issue for some cuts. Again, a belt grinder is the solution.
I cannot talk to chinese cleavers on a T1 as I own neither. Hope this helps !
#13
Tormek T-1 and T-2 / Tormek T1 - am I expecting too...
Last post by AJB Temple - Yesterday at 11:28:29 AMNew member here. Adrian. I'm a chef in our small fine dining restaurant. Lifelong knife enthusiast: Japanese single bevel sourced direct from maker's workshops in Japan (all Carbon), several more western J knives - double bevel. mostly VG10 variants (eg Misono etc) and my much older German knives, mostly Gustav Emil Ern but a few others as well. Sharpening hitherto has been Naniwa stones up to about 20,000 grit, splash and go, impregnated leather strops.
Bought T1 which arrived yesterday. Disappointing. I started off with a Japanese SS knife that was pretty blunt and I wanted to profile to about 12 degrees each side. I must have spent an hour on this and despite using marker and lens, I can't seem to get a burr. It seems very close but a burr does not form very well, and then if I use the honing wheel the knife is dulled. It comes back a bit if I hand strop.
T1 is MUCH slower than I expected. Is this normal?
Second question. I'm right handed and my best knives, especially several Yanagibas etc, are single bevel carbon - no bevel (maybe a micr bevel) on the left face. The T1 requires me to go in from the back to rin these through and grinds a tad unevenly. It is easy to catch the horn on the wheel. Any brilliant ideas?
I only really got the T1 to deal with the German knives and maybe a bit of angle change here and there. The premium knives rarely see anything other than an 8000 Naniwa and the strop and they are razor sharp.
It's a bit awkward with butchery boning knives as well - hard to get to the very end closest to the handle without the grind looking a bit rough.
Final question - is there a method for doing Chinese cleavers.
Many thanks. Adrian
Bought T1 which arrived yesterday. Disappointing. I started off with a Japanese SS knife that was pretty blunt and I wanted to profile to about 12 degrees each side. I must have spent an hour on this and despite using marker and lens, I can't seem to get a burr. It seems very close but a burr does not form very well, and then if I use the honing wheel the knife is dulled. It comes back a bit if I hand strop.
T1 is MUCH slower than I expected. Is this normal?
Second question. I'm right handed and my best knives, especially several Yanagibas etc, are single bevel carbon - no bevel (maybe a micr bevel) on the left face. The T1 requires me to go in from the back to rin these through and grinds a tad unevenly. It is easy to catch the horn on the wheel. Any brilliant ideas?
I only really got the T1 to deal with the German knives and maybe a bit of angle change here and there. The premium knives rarely see anything other than an 8000 Naniwa and the strop and they are razor sharp.
It's a bit awkward with butchery boning knives as well - hard to get to the very end closest to the handle without the grind looking a bit rough.
Final question - is there a method for doing Chinese cleavers.
Many thanks. Adrian
#14
Tormek T-1 and T-2 / T1: Damage to the composite/ho...
Last post by Hbietenb - Yesterday at 09:40:40 AMI recently purchased a second-hand Tormek T1. Upon receiving it, I noticed that the composite wheel has small imperfections that look like cuts. It is possible that the cutting edge of a knife was applied in the wrong direction here. There is also a chip visible on the left-hand edge. I can feel these imperfections when using the machine.
Is the composite wheel still usable, or should it be replacrd?
Many thanks in advance,
Hannes
#15
Drill Bit Sharpening / Re: Getting the secondary beve...
Last post by Baldeagle - Yesterday at 04:49:34 AMQuote from: Ken S on September 02, 2026, 07:57:04 AMWelcome to the forum, Baldeagle. I have long considered the DBS-22 Tormek's most advanced jig. I believe it was also Torgny's last major project. A few suggestions:Thanks Ken, I'll have another session with that video, it appears that the cutting edge MUST be lined up, parallel to the horizontal line .... can you tell me what the other line is there for ?
I watch Alan Holtham's excellent fifteen minute video on the DBS-22 as a refresher before every time I use my DBS-22. Here is a link:
https://youtu.be/fSUa1iFUzkM?is=9l-uT6P72XUh8y_b
Start with bits in the 8 to 12mm diameter range. This range is large enough to see easily without having to use the magnifier and small enough to not require extensive grinding time. It will require some practice to become proficient. Do not become discouraged. If I can do it, you can certainly do it.
Keep us posted.
Ken
#16
Drill Bit Sharpening / Re: Getting the secondary beve...
Last post by RichColvin - September 02, 2026, 01:59:49 PMTony,
At the Sharpening Handbook, I've cataloged 4 really good videos for using the DBS-22 to sharpen twist drills: https://sharpeninghandbook.info/GT-DrillBits-Twist.html.
Rich
At the Sharpening Handbook, I've cataloged 4 really good videos for using the DBS-22 to sharpen twist drills: https://sharpeninghandbook.info/GT-DrillBits-Twist.html.
Rich
#17
Drill Bit Sharpening / Re: Getting the secondary beve...
Last post by Ken S - September 02, 2026, 07:57:04 AMWelcome to the forum, Baldeagle. I have long considered the DBS-22 Tormek's most advanced jig. I believe it was also Torgny's last major project. A few suggestions:
I watch Alan Holtham's excellent fifteen minute video on the DBS-22 as a refresher before every time I use my DBS-22. Here is a link:
https://youtu.be/fSUa1iFUzkM?is=9l-uT6P72XUh8y_b
Start with bits in the 8 to 12mm diameter range. This range is large enough to see easily without having to use the magnifier and small enough to not require extensive grinding time. It will require some practice to become proficient. Do not become discouraged. If I can do it, you can certainly do it.
Keep us posted.
Ken
I watch Alan Holtham's excellent fifteen minute video on the DBS-22 as a refresher before every time I use my DBS-22. Here is a link:
https://youtu.be/fSUa1iFUzkM?is=9l-uT6P72XUh8y_b
Start with bits in the 8 to 12mm diameter range. This range is large enough to see easily without having to use the magnifier and small enough to not require extensive grinding time. It will require some practice to become proficient. Do not become discouraged. If I can do it, you can certainly do it.
Keep us posted.
Ken
#18
General Tormek Questions / Re: Is there a way to prevent ...
Last post by Ken S - September 02, 2026, 07:32:54 AMToday's mail brought a package from Rich Colvin. Rich is one of only four forum members I have had the pleasure of meeting personally. (We both live in the Columbus, Ohio area. We are also both Tormek Ambassadors.) He is skilled in woodturning, machinist work and 3D printing and runs his Sharpening Handbook.
Rich and I have traded packages over the years. Today's package included several 3D printed spacers with the modified indenture. He also included three clever grinding wheel holders in both 200 and 250mm sizes.
Time will tell if there is a problem with wear with the spacers. In my case, in recent years my shop time has been very limited. I do not foresee much of a problem. If so, I may pursue alternative print media.
I have long recommended getting to know a local machinist and/or someone with a 3D printer. I have had several SVM jigs and my DBS-22 jig modified by machinists. These modifications were not expensive.
Rich's Sharpening Handbook includes several useful accessories for the Tormek. I suggest checking it out.
Ken
Rich and I have traded packages over the years. Today's package included several 3D printed spacers with the modified indenture. He also included three clever grinding wheel holders in both 200 and 250mm sizes.
Time will tell if there is a problem with wear with the spacers. In my case, in recent years my shop time has been very limited. I do not foresee much of a problem. If so, I may pursue alternative print media.
I have long recommended getting to know a local machinist and/or someone with a 3D printer. I have had several SVM jigs and my DBS-22 jig modified by machinists. These modifications were not expensive.
Rich's Sharpening Handbook includes several useful accessories for the Tormek. I suggest checking it out.
Ken
#19
General Tormek Questions / MOVED: Getting the secondary b...
Last post by Ken S - September 02, 2026, 06:51:57 AM #20
Drill Bit Sharpening / Getting the secondary bevel co...
Last post by Baldeagle - September 02, 2026, 12:14:50 AMHello from NZ,
I've owned a T8 for a couple of years, I've just bought 3 new CBN wheels and I have a selection of jigs, I really like what the T8 is capable of doing. I've been reading all sorts on this forum but my first time with my own question. I consistently have trouble sharpening a drill bit so that the trailing edge is lower than the cutting edge, I have 'played around' with the way I set the cutting edge with the lines on the drill bit holder, I use the magnifier, I've played around with the settings abit and I'm no longer sure which lines I should be using, I seem to get a better result by lining up on the angled lines. As for doing a secondary bevel (on a bit that I've fluked a correct grind) the secondary grind always ends up being out of parallel with the primary bevel .... any clues please and thank you in advance.
I've owned a T8 for a couple of years, I've just bought 3 new CBN wheels and I have a selection of jigs, I really like what the T8 is capable of doing. I've been reading all sorts on this forum but my first time with my own question. I consistently have trouble sharpening a drill bit so that the trailing edge is lower than the cutting edge, I have 'played around' with the way I set the cutting edge with the lines on the drill bit holder, I use the magnifier, I've played around with the settings abit and I'm no longer sure which lines I should be using, I seem to get a better result by lining up on the angled lines. As for doing a secondary bevel (on a bit that I've fluked a correct grind) the secondary grind always ends up being out of parallel with the primary bevel .... any clues please and thank you in advance.