Anyone use the Tormek T7?

[tbellemare]

It is considered a safety hazard to use the side of a bench grinder stone also but I learned it from my dad. I also learned how to work circuits hot from him and stand on the top of a step ladder. I'm still alive.

Tom

 

[MarkF]

Using the side of the stone works well.  Add a foot switch so you can hold the blade flat at a dead stop, then start the rotation.  

 

[wnagle]

It is considered a safety hazard to use the side of a bench grinder stone also but I learned it from my dad. I also learned how to work circuits hot from him and stand on the top of a step ladder. I'm still alive.

Tom

Ahhhh.... but can you do all three at the same time???    [poke]

 

[Rob-GB]

Well it took a while but I now have a T7 and it just fits into a Sys 5 with a bit of jiggling, so no more belt sander and diamond stone lash ups in the sharpening future [thumbs up] thanks for all the feedback from you guys.  ;D
Rob.

 

[RonMiller]

I like the Lee Valley system as well. Has worked quickly for me.

 

[Rob-GB]

Funny you should mention LV because I picked this up at the same time....

but the Tormek fits nicely into my needs for the sharpening of my tools and I just got brownie points from Suzy because it has knife sharpening jigs available!  ;D So much so she has not noticed the above item  [laughing] [laughing] ( See you guy's, all you need to do, is promote the positives of owning a tool and done right you can get away with be admired for your intelligent decision making  ;D )

Rob.

 

[Julian Tracy]

With badly abused chisels - you simply get it close with a standard bench grinder.

I've had the Scheppach version (Tiger 2000) for a few years now and just recently picked up a deal on a Tormek 2000.  The Tiger's wheel was never true and thusly my results or satisfaction was not too good.

With my Tormek, I also got the Diamond truing jig and used it on the Tiger and now it runs as true as can be.  The Tormek has more power, but they both work exactly the same.

I've never known what a truly sharp chisel is - now I do, and it's easy to do.  I like the hollow grind as well.

JT

 

[mouppe]

I have the Veritas medium shoulder plane and I love it. I just wish the hole was a little larger for my fat finger.

I had a bad sharpening day on Friday. I was doing a little clean-up and the CT22 hose knocked my 4000 grit sharpening stone on the floor. Cracked it clean down the middle.

 

[aloysius]

As per the title. I am looking for a new sharpening system and the Tormek T7 looks and sounds the part. Just wondered if any of you guys use one and how you rate it. I will use it mostly for chisels and plane blades with a side order of carving and turning tools.

Cheers, Rob.

I've had a very old version of the Tormek (T1000??), which is drill powered, for over 20 years.
I find it an effective, but slow, way to provide a well-defined edge which I finish on an oilstone.
What I like most is the shallow but noticeable "scallop" the 250mm. wheel makes.  You can really feel the two edges, top & bottom, of the scallop on the oilstone, which allows even a mug like me to easily make a really professional-looking micro-bevel, the thinnest edge eroding faster on the oilstone.
I also like the fact that I can drive the drill in both directions, allowing grinding both with & against the edge.
As an earlier model, it lacks such refinements as a leather wheel.  I instead use my hand to strop my cutting edges, a practise I wouldn't recommend to the uninitiated!
What I don't like is the mess it makes.  I've upgraded water trays over the years, but it still dribbles water when grinding larger tools like shears, scissors, knives & axes.
I've also found that the 12" planer blade grinding jig is utterly useless.  The Tormek stones don't really like HSS as much as carbon steel, and I just can't seem to get 3 individually ground planer blades to perfectly match each other like they can in a professional saw doctor's.
Apart from the chisel and plane blade jig, I've always preferred to grind most other edges freehand, using the plastic angle guide as a reference, and the tubular tool and jig guide as a hand (as opposed to a tool) rest.
I'm sure that there's better and more sophisticated methods out there, but my trusty, rusty Tormek will see me out.
What I don't like is the mess it makes

 

[richard.selwyn]

I have the Tormek and find it makes fast work of a rough grind (I was surprised to read above that it was too slow)
After getting something roughly right I then use the verities mark 2 honing guide and a Japanese waterstone.  If you've just bought the tormek you should have the new improved water tray which is supposed to make things a lot less messy.
I find for a quick resharpen a diamond stone and then a Japanese wet stone are quite quick ( I'm often too lazy to set up the tormek.)
Richard

 

[Amateur]

Chris,
Where did you get the tray and turntable that is under your Tormek?