Recent posts

#91

Wood Carving / Aligning the SE-77

Last post by RichColvin - September 21, 2025, 06:31:25 PM

I've followed how some people are getting skewed ends on their chisels when using the SE-77 to sharpen them.  Having watched these conversations and the back-and-forth about ensuring the chisel was properly held in the SE-77, I am now of the opinion that the problem is with the alignment screws on the SE-77. And I further believe that it is due to the way the witness marks work.

The alignment screws are shown in the picture below with red caps, and the witness marks are denoted with a red circle around them.

To replace the use of the witness marks, I've designed a 3D-printed jig which is used in conjunction with the SE-77 to align the SE-77.  The picture below shows that alignment jig (the blue part) attached to the USB with the SE-77.

The yellow blade represents a chisel to be sharpened.  The way to use it is to:

• Attach the chisel to the SE-77, ensuring the side is tight against the shoulder (see also, the SE-77 manual, pg. 122).
• Put the SE-77 and the alignment jig on the USB.
• When looking down, the alignment of the chisel to the scale on the jig should look like the picture in the middle below.  If it is like the one on the left or right, then adjust the alignment of the two alignment screws (shown with red tops). 
• Tighten the alignment screws down, and you should be set until the jig gets bumped or you change the alignment.

If you want to 3D print your own SE-77 alignment jig, it is available for free at the Sharpening Handbook.  The link is:  https://www.sharpeninghandbook.info/Jigs-SE-77-Alignment.html.  There is also a link there to a video I made showing how to use it.

#92

Planer Blade Sharpening / Re: What is the best option fo...

Last post by rolsen - September 21, 2025, 11:33:22 AM

I have used the black stone with good success.

#93

Knife Sharpening / Re: Is there still a wire burr...

Last post by ABall - September 21, 2025, 11:23:51 AM

Yes I am convinced that you still have a burr at 200 BESS.

I started to test my edges after I read Vadim's opinion about lingering burrs over 100 BESS. In my experience he was spot on.

I also like and use his very simple Rizla cigarette paper cutting test to detect a burr. In my experience, if a fresh edge (finished at 1000+ grit and stropped to remove the burr) does not cleanly slice thin Rizla paper from heel to tip, I know I still have a burr. This burr is small enough that I cannot see it under bright light or feel it. A sub-1000 grit edge or even a tiny burr does not cut Rizla paper cleanly.





I sharpened the Umnumzaan above on the Edge Pro, but the Tormek is no slouch... At the moment I feel I can get sharper edges with the diamond wheels than the SG. This was on the DE-250 diamond wheel and stropped.



I was always a "coarse/toothy edge" kinda guy, until I read this article. These incredible micrographs made me more aware of persistent burrs, and made me pay much more attention to deburring. This whole site is a gold mine of knowledge.

https://scienceofsharp.com/2024/02/03/seven-misconceptions-about-knife-burrs/

Great numbers, thanks for the website link, Ive started reading it. I know exactly how important it is to remove the burr because I havent managed to do it yet using my T8. I bought a Spiderco Endura 4 in K390 just because I read it was easy to de-burr, Ive had to grind stop down as the point of the blade was sticking out when closed due to me shapening so much, I think I aged the knife about 10 years  So ive dropped down another rabbit hole and purchased a Work Sharp Pro Elite system and now Im getting these numbers, Ive been experimenting with diamond strop compounds and I think Stroppy Stuff is great.

#94

Planer Blade Sharpening / What is the best option for hs...

Last post by Rimu - September 20, 2025, 11:10:57 PM

I have had moderate success in the past with the standard stone with hss planer blades, but it takes forever... I'm I better off getting the black stone or a cbn wheel. If I get cbn, which one?

Thanks!

#95

General Tormek Questions / how to get grinding wheel off ...

Last post by dakbeach - September 19, 2025, 10:22:02 PM

I have a green model tormek 2006, I would like to remove the grinding wheel so I can put it in the original box and sell it.  I have never used it.  I bought the nicest setup that was available at the time. Options and stuff unbelievable. How do I get the wheel off?

#96

General Tormek Questions / Re: SJ Wheel wheels rant

Last post by John Hancock Sr - September 18, 2025, 04:32:24 AM

But I decided it just wouldn't be useful to me

I am in the same camp. For the few occasions where I need to go further I use my ceramic stones then hand strop. I seldom take my knives beyond 1000, but sometimes I do for my chisels or hand planes depending on the work I am doing.

#97

Tormek T-1 and T-2 / Re: Is the T1 a good machine f...

Last post by Ken S - September 18, 2025, 01:50:58 AM

Bruce,

Having met the Tormek Design Committee, I can not imagine this very experienced group designing a machine (the T1) which would not excel at your task. I would suggest using a black marker with both the grinding and honing wheels. With focused practice, I am sure you will overcome your difficylties.

Keep us posted.

Ken

#98

General Tormek Questions / Re: SJ Wheel wheels rant

Last post by Ken S - September 18, 2025, 01:40:16 AM

Well stated, Herman. If I ever have the chance to award a "Popular Mechanics Home Workshop Practical Sharpener" award, you would be the recipient.

My memory is fuzzy. Was I the person who offered you the loan of my SJ-250?

Ken

#99

General Tormek Questions / Re: SJ Wheel wheels rant

Last post by Herman Trivilino - September 17, 2025, 06:29:37 PM

I haven't decided yet if I will add a SJ-250 to my T8 setup, but I'll report back if I do.

I've considered it, and even had an offer of a free loan. But I decided it just wouldn't be useful to me. I sharpen kitchen knives, pocket knives, chisels and other tools including lawn mower blades. I too am a DIY'er. I bought my Tormek in 2002 and am on my third SJ-250 grindstone. I really have no need for any other grindstone.

#100

General Tormek Questions / Re: SJ Wheel wheels rant

Last post by DonS - September 17, 2025, 12:54:35 PM

Ahh, I hadn't thought about the stone expansion when wet. I also suspect the gap is too small to accommodate even a single wall 3D printed sleeve. I haven't decided yet if I will add a SJ-250 to my T8 setup, but I'll report back if I do.

Thanks for the information and discussion.

Best,
Don