Tormec sharpening system ...

[Ron Smith ... Richmond, VA]

If you'll bear with me, I'm pretty new to turning and have a lot of questions that have probably been asked quite a few times already. I've been reading about the various sharpening systems available for us folks that can't quite get the hang of freehand sharpening. With the wide variety of jigs and setups available, what is the better choice ... the wet-sytem Tormec or the Wolverine with a slow speed grinder (1750 rpm)? Is it a matter of personal preference, or is there really a major advantage for sharpening turning tools? I don't want to ruin any expensive tools, but I don't want to overkill it with an expensive system if it isn't necessary. Help ...

[Garrett Lambert]

Like anything that's hyped, it's not the universal panacaea that it's made out to be. That said, it's the closest thing to it.

I bought the complete package last year.

The good: Perfect for flat tools such as chisels and plane blades. Wonderful for bringing any kind of edge tool including turning gouges back to original - or any other - specification, and keeping them there. Repeatability is exact. The video is good, as is the book, but it would be a lot better if it included tables for angles etc. (They're readily available on lots of internet sittes.)

The not-so-good: This is not the tool for quick touch-ups if the tool needs a complicated jig, of which there are many. To achieve repeatability requires careful bookkeeping of several set-up factors. Some of this can be alleviated with some simple home-made wooden jigs, but not all of it. Several of the jigs take time to set up and require practice to use properly, but they do do what they are supposed to do, something no other system duplicates. The stone is softer than I expected, and uneven wear is a factor. While it can be trued, it isn't as easy as advertised, and truing does take the stone down. Sharpening is also not nearly so fast as advertised. I find the leather honing wheel far slower and less effective than my home-made arbor with an impregnated rubber honing wheel mounted on it.

Would I buy it again? Yes, but with the knowledge that it doesn't replace the other elements in my sharpening inventory, pArticulalry the simple, cheap high speed grinder with white/white stone. I made a cart that holds the Tormek - the top slides out to provide more room - the honing wheels I mentioned, and a regular high speed grinder with a fine coraborundum wheel and a white wheel (photo below). You can see which unit is closest to my lathe.

<IMG SRC="http://www3.telus.net/GLI/SharpCart.jpg">

So long as you know that the Tormek does its job slowly but exceedingly well, and that it complements rather than replaces the grinder, it's an excellent if expensive piece of equipment.

Cheers, Garrett

[David Propst]

Hi Ron,

I have a Tormek and absolutely love the edge it puts on a gouge. The difference is significant and much longer lasting than the edge I was able to achieve with a slow speed grinder. Wolverine system, and white wheels.

That being said, the Tormek is a sharpening tool and not a shaping tool. It takes <i>forever</i> to shape a gouge on it. For shaping I use the grinder.

I would recommend you start with a good quality slow speed grinder, 80 grit 1" white wheels, and the Wolverine system. In a year or two get a Tormek if you want. While I do feel the Tormek is a superior sharpening tool, I could do without it. A good grinder set-up is essential.

There is tons of info on this subject in the Pond archives.

Best Regards,

David

[Barbara Gill]

Hi Ron. There is a woodturninmg club in your area, Woodturners Anonymous of Richmond.
Their meetings are held at the Chickahominy Middle school on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00pm. I don't have the name of the contact person but since they are a member of the AAW I am sure the information is on that page.
http://www.woodturner.org/

[Ron Smith ... Richmond, VA]

Unfortunately I work evenings (which has limited my finding clubs) but I'll sure check them out to see if there's any way to meet some in the mornings. Maybe some of them work evenings too. I know there are some thet meet at the Woodcfart store at Willow Lawn around noon, so I plan on haunting them soon. Thanks again.

[Dennis McDonaugh]

Ron, I have a Tormek and its great for sharpening turning tools. It's not great for touching up edges while turning because it takes too long to put the tool into the jig and its slow speed takes a long time to grind an edge. I think you need both grinder and tormek to have the best of both worlds, especially if you have HSS tools and aren't worried about heating up the edge.

[Dennis Peacock]

I have a Tormek AND a Delta Variable Speed Grinder. I use the grinder to shape the edge and the Tormek for putting on the finer edge. I have found that for me, I do better by using the Tormek because I am very poor on controlling the tool while grinding. I have almost grount my 1/4" spindle gounge away trying to figure out how to sharpen on the grinder. I went back to the Tormek and it is still alive and well for now.....IMHO.....Use the Tormek to help make your tools last longer and cutting edge last longer, use the grinder to reshape the edges, light touchup and etc....I even use the Tormek while turning for touchups......I primarily use the Tormek while turning on gouges only......this way, the setup is fast and easy while keeping as much of the tools steel as possible and still get a new sharp edge.

All in all....I couldn't live without having BOTH the Tormek and Grinder in my shop.......The sharpness of <b>all</b> my tools in my shop have made a LOT of difference in the joy of using my tools.

Now you have my 2¢ worth,
Dennis - :D

[Rik Rickerson]

I agree with the others. My grinder allows me to shape tools and give them a quick edge. My Tormek enables me to make them razor sharp. Once you get over the sticker shock of the Tormek, you'll never regret purchasing it.

Rik