Replies

1. 
   mvflaim | Aug 19, 2007 05:57am | #1

   I have the same problem when I use their gauge. So now I square up the blade with a try square instead of relying on the side of the gauge.

   mike

    

2. 
   BruceS | Aug 19, 2007 04:29pm | #2

   I have the Jet version of that grinder and found the the F shaped bar was not perfectly square to the wheel.  Check for square on the face and the side of the wheel and axially with a try square.    Also a light touch is needed while grinding,  moderate force will deflect the F bar.   I also paste wax the F bar so it slides very smoothly.   Another tip is the mark the edge to be ground with a magic marker and make a light pass to insure your grinding where you want.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

3. 
   MattInPA | Aug 20, 2007 07:10pm | #3

   here is another problem that you may be having that I have experienced. It would apply to chisels and small plane irons  that have a bevel along the side (I'll warn you that it's going to be difficult for me to put this in writing).

   When you overtighten the knob of the jig that is farthest away from the side intended to square the blade you may skew the chisel/shoulder plane iron in the jig itself. This problem is most obvious with japanese chises that have a triangular profile and chisels that have a very small width. The result is an edge that is always skewed regardless of the number of corrections you make.

   You have to make sure that the chisel's back is parallel to the stationary face of the jig. If you don't understand what I'm trying to say, take a 1/4 in. bevel edged chisel and thighten the referenced knob before the other, your chisel could be out of parallel as much as the bevel angle.

   Edit: I have solved this problem by using the jig, on occasion, upside down. The main problem is that the adjustable bracket will need to be placed much higher and the amount of possible deflection caused by the user is increased. The tightening knobs can also get in the way. A good upgrade for the jig would be the added feature of being able to screw the knobs in from the other side. (If anybody from Tormek is listening, that one's free.)

   
   

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   Edited 8/20/2007 12:21 pm ET by MattInPA

4. 
   philip_r | Aug 21, 2007 05:03am | #4

   I purchased mine from Sharp Tools USA and it came with an insert that addressed your question (which I think you can download from their site).  The flyer stated that this is the most-common problem

   Here are the common problems:

   1. The stone needs truing
   2. You are overworking one side of the blade
   3. This is the most likely one as it was the topic of the flyer - one of the knobs is tighter than the other one

   I use a felt tip marker (sharpie) and swipe the area to be sharpened.  From there, I engage the stone and check the mark and adjust the knobs, as necessary.  Give it a try and see if it works.   If not, let me know and I'll see if I can find the "instructions".

    

   Good luck.

    

5. 
   frenchy | Aug 21, 2007 05:34am | #5

   bob barnett

     I use my tormek only as a rough shaper.. for final finish sharpening I use the scary sharp method..

     If you go back to when they did the comparison with various shapening methods the Tormex winds up with a slight burr on the finish side and the edge really isn't quite as sharp as you can get using the scary sharp method..

    I've found that's an excellant compromise for speed and a really extremly sharp method..

1. 
   philip_r | Aug 21, 2007 04:49pm | #6

   Agreed.  However, I turn to waterstones for the final step.

1. 
   frenchy | Aug 22, 2007 09:02pm | #7

   Tbagn,

       I've used both methods but found that the scary sharp wound up faster and sharper. 

    Like anything else it depends on what you get used to and are comfortable with.. I've made myself enough little jigs and storing methods that to do scary sharp is moments while wetsones needs setup time..

     

1. 
   bob_barnett | Aug 23, 2007 04:12am | #8

   I would like to thank all of you for the replys and the excellent tips.  I think I can do a beter job thanks to your assistance.

   Bob

1. 
   Carl4747 | Aug 24, 2007 05:17am | #9

   Bob, I had the same problem and asked the Tormek vendor at the Woodworking Show what the problem was.  He said most people tighten the clamp too much.  He said to barely tighten it and that solved the problem for me.

   Carl