JIGS AND FIXTURESP

[Ken S]

Over the years, a number of jigs and fixtures have been developed by forum members. Forum member, Rich Colvin has included these in the Sharpening Handbook he provides at no charge for us. Here is a link:

www.sharpeninghandbook.info/indexJigs.html

Rich plans to make DIY 3D programs or completed products available. Questions should be directed to Rich at SharpeningHandbook@Ken

[Herman Trivilino]

Hmmm... The platform jig is not included!

https://forum.tormek.com/index.php/topic,1560.0.html

[Ken S]

Herman,

My apologies for omitting your small platform from my post. I intended no slight. Even though Ionut actually made the first prototype, I credit you with making the first working model which is still in service.

I would like to update my post by including a very recent variation on your small platform. Rich Colvin sent me a 3D printed version of the small platform. It strikes me as a very practical use of 3D printing for the Tormek. Rich plans to share the plans on his Sharpening Handbook. I believe he also plans to make completed platforms available at a very reasonable cost in both 40 ad 50mm widths. This strikes me as a logical development of a very good idea.

Ken

[Dutchman]

Hmmm... The platform jig is not included!

https://forum.tormek.com/index.php/topic,1560.0.html

Photos on that website are unusable due to overwriting 

[RichColvin]

I am very welcome to updating the photos.  You can send them to me at SharpeningHandbook@gmail.com.

[Herman Trivilino]

I would like to update my post by including a very recent variation on your small platform. Rich Colvin sent me a 3D printed version of the small platform. It strikes me as a very practical use of 3D printing for the Tormek. Rich plans to share the plans on his Sharpening Handbook. I believe he also plans to make completed platforms available at a very reasonable cost in both 40 ad 50mm widths. This strikes me as a logical development of a very good idea.

That does sound good. Does this platform still require the scissors jig base, or is it stand-alone?

[RichColvin]

No additional platform is need.

[Ken S]

I am familiar with three different designs of small platform jigs. The reason for a small platform is being able to sharpen the full length of both bevels without needing to reposition the jig. I have made several using Tormek's larger platform. While these worked reasonably well, I disliked having the higher center of gravity. A friend made me two small platforms similar to Herman's jig based on the scissors jig. These work much better. Both of these designs utilize Tormek's patented Torlock. which locks the jig more securely with less pressure than a straight bore.

Rich's 3D jig works very well. Although it does not utilize a Torlock, it is a clever one piece design. Whether one chooses to purchase it readymade through Rich or Do It Yourself 3D printing, the simple design is very cost effective.

I have long advocated having a small platform jig as part of every knife sharpener's kit. Rich's 3D printed version does this in a very cost effective way.

Ken

[Herman Trivilino]

No additional platform is needed.

Nice!

[Herman Trivilino]

The reason for a small platform is being able to sharpen the full length of both bevels without needing to reposition the jig.

Multiple knives, too. I'll often sharpen several knives, all at the same bevel angle, without having to reposition the jig.

Too bad the Torlok feature is patented. I wonder when the patent will expire.

[Ken S]

Herman,

I can imagine uses for many jigs incorporating the Torlock. It could be applied with the universal support bar, with the support bar for the T2 and T1, and with the MB-102 Multi Base. It could be incorporated into a drill bit jig for smaller bit sizes. With interchangeable top pieces, it could add precision sharpening of metal lathe bits to the scope of the Tormek.

I can see great potential when the Torlock is combined with 3D printing and home shop machining.The Tormek has come a long way since Torgny first imagined it for sharpening his father's carpentry tools.

Ken