Jig collar bumps leg of support on long knives T8

[BPalv]

As I pull the jig along the Tormek Universal support, when the jig gets to the support, the collar of the jig bumps the support leaving a corresponding bump on my bevel.  This is just an issue on longer knives.
Does anyone have a technique, modification or different jig that alleviates this?

[Ken S]

As you say this issue is just with longer knives, I suggest that the standard universal support is not long enough. The extended range US-430 support should solve your problem. Having a second universal support will be useful many times. Here is a link:

https://tormek.com/en/products/accessories/us-430-extended-universal-support

Ken

[tgbto]

I am curious though as to what configuration leads to bumping the jig collar into the support legs. It would mean that the top of USB is at or below top-of-wheel level, right ? If that's the case, the angle has to be small indeed...

As for the US-430 not being part of the standard T8 delivery, I think that's a bit cheap.

[Ken S]

As for the US-430 not being part of the standard T8 delivery, I think that's a bit cheap.

I was involved in both the reintroduction of the US-400 and the US-430 and would like to  share what I learned from these processes:

The US-400 was originally part of the T-400, a specialized machine specifically designed for sharpening kitchen knives. The frame was longer than the standard Tormek. The longer  frame and the longer US-400 accommodated longer knives. Wootz (Vadim of Knife Grinders) was the first member to post about the US-400. He located and purchased one in Italy, quite a feat as Wootz lived in Australia. A small group of us, represented by forum member and Tormek dealer, Steve Bottorff, asked Tormek CEO, Håkan Persson to consider reintroduce it. Håkan agreed to produce a limited run. As I recall, it was for fifty units. These sold out quickly.

I emailed Håkan, suggesting that the US-400 would be amore useful tool if the legs were longer to accommodate taller cleavers. Håkan liked the idea and the US-430 was born and gifted me one of the first ones. I do not know whether I was the only one to make the suggestion.

The US-400 was never intended to be used with the regular Tormek models, even though it is compatable with them. The longer support is really only used in sharpening longer knives. Just as those who sharpen  knives exclusively occasionally complain about having  to pay for including the SE-77 with the T8, woodworkers might complain about paying to include a US-430.

I would classify the US-430, along with the rotating base and rubber work mat, as useful accessories where there is a need.

Ken