Squareness

[Enricopg]

Hello,
I received my tormek t8 just yesterday. I have been playing with it a lot. So far so good, except for the fact that I cannot get my chisels square. I blame myself for this. I think I am doing something wrong since it is not possible that the jig is out of square, right? What do you advice?
Thanks Enrico

[RickKrung]

Assuming you have the new jig, SE-77 (please confirm) with the two little adjusting knobs (above the red ellipse in the image below), have you read and understood the manual where describes how to adjust the jig for squareness.  This has been discussed and what I and some others have posted is included in this thread, at least. 

[RichColvin]

Enrico, if you are referring to the SE-77, this jig can help https://sharpeninghandbook.info/Jigs-SE-77-Alignment.html. 

[Enricopg]

Ok, thanks for helping.

[Revor]

I used to have the same problem with my previous jig SVH 60. That was difficult to get square particularly with narrow chisels they would move during grinding. I have just upgraded to the SE-77 and that is a game changer.
Persevere with it and in no time at all you will get square ended cutting edges.

[Ken S]

Welcome to the forum, Enrico. You will need a black Sharpie type marker and a small square. Blacken the bevel of your chisel and hand push or turn on your motor for just enough time to remove the marker. Remove the jig and examine the grinding marks with your square. If they look square, you are ready to go. If not, adjust the two knobs and repeat the test procedure. Do not proceed to full sharpening until you are square. Leaving out the testing lengthen your sharpening time and shortens your chisels. This procedure will soon go very quickly. Start with a chisel around 3/4" (19mm). It is an easier learning size.

This Tormek video shows an excellent tip. Here is a link:
https://www.youtube.com/live/8uLMWXqobRM?is=K6kMw3zHDeyxdIGW

Keep us posted.

Ken

[Herman Trivilino]

As you sharpen, repeatedly check for squareness, and make adjustments as necessary.

It takes some practice, but you'll get the hang of it.

I never cared much for chisels until I got a Tormek and found out what miraculous things can be done with a sharp chisel.

The same applies to plane irons.

My father had a few planes and chisels, and he just didn't sharpen them properly. Same for the knives we used to butcher meat, etc. I grew up using tools that were improperly sharpened and had no idea what a truly sharp tool could do.

I've inherited many of his tools and thanks to the Tormek they are all razor sharp.