Leakey Tormek

[Riversider]

I recently acquired a SuperGrind 2000. I want to build a stand for it so I can tuck it away when not in use.  When I googled Tormek Stand I saw several pics of the Tormek on top of the stand but placed in a plastic basin.  My question is ...  Do these machines tend to leak?
Thanks for help.
Jack

[RichColvin]

No, but you will certainly spill water, & get dripping off the tools you are sharpening. 

[John Hancock Sr]

There is the Tormek plastic matt but a much cheaper option is one of those silicone dog or cat trays from Amazon or your local pet supplies. Just get one with similar dimensions as the Tormek.

[Ken S]

Welcome to the forum, Jack.

The Tormek machines do not leak. However, there can be some spillage. Years ago, I spent a full day observing the Tormek demonstrators at a woodworking show. I paid particular attention to the amount of spillage throughout the day. The Tormeks were set up on a very expensive new Swedish workbench, with only a single layer of cardboard to protect the bench stop. I was surprised that only a few drops of water spilled out during the day. I attributed this to several things:

1) There was only enough water in the water trough for efficient wet grinding. The SG-250 will absorb water until it is saturated. At saturation, no more water is needed. As a lifelong photo darkroom user, I habitually use graduates. Inexpensive plastic kitchen graduates work well. Turn on your Tormek and pay attention to how much water is needed to reach absortion. Overfilling will cause spillage.

2) Spillage can happen when dumping the water trough. One of our members came up with a clever, inexpensive solution. A grocery store turkey baster makes a very good siphon. I siphon the water into a recycled plastic peanut butter jar. Imop up the last bit of water and the grinding sludge with a paper towel and rinse out the trough.

3) The tools you sharpen can influence spillage. Narrow blades, like chisels and plane irons keep the sharpening over the trough. Longer knives hang over outside the trough. The Advanced Water Trough has a wider lip and a ramp to catch the spillage. If you sharpen primarily woodworking tools, the regular trough works fine. For an occasional longer knife, a paper towel next to your Tormek will get the job done. If you decide to purchase an AWT, make sure to choose the version for the older machines.

In defense of the expensive Tormek Rubber Work Mat, it is a marvelous luxury. It is thick rubber and manufactured by the same company which makes the tires for the Land Rover. It is a joy to use. That stated, an inexpensive plastic tray will suffice. If I was going to make a stand, I would size the top to accommodate the Tormek RWM whether it was in hand or a possible future purchase.

Enjoy your T2000. It should serve you for many years.

Ken