Tormek Sharpener

[Joy]

I just received my new Tormek and was surprised at the instruction to soak the honing wheel in oil and then apply the honing paste. Can I use other kinds of honing compound....or only the paste that came with the machine? How often will I need to reapply the oil?

Thanks
Joy

[Bob_in_TN]

Hi Joy, Think you'll like your Tormek. If you look at the bottom of the page you just posted on you''ll see links to other threads that have already discussed the Tormek. I use the paste that came with the machine, a tube lasts for a long time, it works, and I figure that they should know what works with their machine. On the other hand, they also want to make more money off of you! I don't think anyone can tell you how often to re-oil the honing wheel, don't know what you decided to use for the oil, but regardless, you'll just have to get a feel for it. Don't let it dry out and harden up. Enjoy!

[Joy]

Thank you, Bob, for pointing out the other links at the bottom of the page. I am still "feeling" my way around here. I am already enjoying the Tormek. There is no way I can cost justify it...but it is a joy to just turn around and hone my tool and keep working. And I will "let" my husband use it on his turning gouges....if he says, "please".

[slivers&dust]

I’m fairly new with the Tormek too but have gotten a lot of great advice here on it. Here is what I can tell you about conditioning the wheel. I didn’t get the break-in kit with mine so I use mineral oil and applied it to coat the leather completely for the initial conditioning. I also apply a light coat if I haven’t used it in awhile and the leather is looking dry. If I’m stropping several tools in a row, say after I finish a carving, I apply the honing compound every 2-3 tools. While the machine is off, rotate the wheel by hand while applying a thin coat of compound.

When I first started I would, not knowing any better, try to extend the compound by not adding enough. With the combination of mineral oil and compound you can really get a polished, sharp edge so don’t be afraid to use the compound. I also don’t bother to set the tool up in the jig when honing but rather rest it against the tool rest at the right angel (checked by eye) If the wheel wants to pull the tool add a touch of oil or compound (in the same way mentioned above). I keep a small container of oil next to mine and use a small 1/2 inch brush, kind of like a basting brush for applications, again I apply it by rotating the wheel by hand and painting on the oil in a thin coat.

Hope that makes sense and helps

[wade clark]

Joy,
They're incredible machines! I love mine. Don't worry about justifying the cost, you've got it now and I think it's worth a lot to be able to hone so quickly. It's a pleasure to use!
Wade

[Bob_in_TN]

That's great if you and your husband both have a need for it. I don't worry about my wife getting near mine. Shortly after I got mine, I told my wife I was going to sharpen at least one of her paring knives, Well, I did and the next time I came in the kitchen, it looked as though someone had butchered a hog or two, blood everywhere. It wasn't that bad of a cut, but she did find blood. I was told not to EVER sharpen her knives again!! And I haven't!

[mdallensr]

I used my Tormek again this weekend. I got a few more of the Henry Taylor tools from Woodcraft's sale and had to re-shape the bevels and finish the sharpening. It really helps to read the instructions, watch the video, and learn how to use it. It is a joy (no pun intended, Joy) to grab the right jig, insert the gouge, set the correct angle and go without fumbling around and cheerfully starting over.

If you got the contoured leather wheel, you'll find it very useful. If you didn't get it, put it on your wish list. It really makes carving easier when the concave surface of your gouges is polished, and that wheel does it easily. You can also create a secondary, micro-bevel on the inside surface of your gouges, and that makes your tools easier to use and sharpen. The sharp edge of the leather wheel is meant for the inside of V-tools, and that works like a dream.

The advantage of mineral oil on the leather wheel is that it doesn't dry out, and once you have it conditioned, you won't need to add oil more that once or twice a year. I've had my Tormek for more than five years and I'm on my third tube of the honing compound. For the $2-3 bucks per year for the honing compound, I'm not going to look for a substitute.

I found something the Tormek won't do. The small jig for palm tools works by rocking back and forth on the support arm. If you try to grind or strop a small veiner, it won't rock to the side far enough to get the top of the "U".

As I was working on my tools this weekend, I noticed some differences between the Henry Taylor tools and Pfeils, but that's another thread. Mike

[Joy]

[quote=slivers&dust]
When I first started I would, not knowing any better, try to extend the compound by not adding enough. With the combination of mineral oil and compound you can really get a polished, sharp edge so don’t be afraid to use the compound. ]

You got me!!! That was exactly what I was doing. And now Mike tells me it cheap....so what was I worried about?

Bob, my husband said he was never sharpening another kitchen knife....it is now my job. I think you got the better deal...maybe if he cuts himself?????

Thanks for all your input.
Joy