Tormek T4 Grinding Machine, 120 W

Product Information

I believe Jeff Farris' comment about the awkwardness of a 7 1/2" wheel on a T7 is accurate. I do not believe me meant any implications in that statement about the commercial life of a T4 stone. A beginning knife sharpener can go far with the standard knife jig and a short knife tool. I have the long knife jig, but have never used it. I find the standard jig quite adequate for my eight and ten inch slicers, my thinnest long knives. Your needs may be different; my wife and I eat very little meat. If you use long thin knives, add the long knife jig. Incidentally, there is a newer and an older model of the long knife jig. The older jig has a clamping surface of 100mm, hence, the "100" designation. If you are serious about long thin knives, you will want the newer 140mm model with a 140mm clamping surface. Millions more rotations? Perhaps Stig can provide some test results from Tormek AB so that we can add some data to this debate. The Tormek T-8 sharpening machine maximises the precision with its revolutionary fully cast housing. This new design, together with a number of elaborated details, gives you the best conditions possible for a successful sharpening with top results. The T-4 model is the latest incarnation in a long line of Tormek water-cooled grinding systems. In common with its larger siblings, the T-7 and T-8, it is ideal for sharpening cabinetmaking hand tools, knives, scissors and woodcarving and turning tools. It comes supplied with two useful accessories, the first of which is the SP-650 Stone Grader that can be used to keep the stone cutting efficiently as well as changing the surface from a (220g) coarse cut to (1,000g) fine. The equivalent of 2,500-3,000g can be achieved on the leather wheel. The second is the AngleMaster, an adjustable device used to set the correct angle for grinding plane and chisel blades. Magnets on the reverse side of the AngleMaster mean that it is easy to store it conveniently on the steel machine plate.

I recall the quote from Jeff Farris. I believe the awkwardness comes more from the smaller wheel being used in the same size housing. A full size (10" or 250mm) grinding wheel projects far enough above the housing to allow a lot of room for tool movement. The statement could also be rephrased to say that once a wheel has been ground down to 75% of its original diameter it becomes awkward. Almost every Tormek owner requires the TT-50 truing tool. Only those who only use the leather honing wheel for buffing and polishing and those who enjoy having a pristine Tormek on display in their workshops for bragging rights are excluded.

The housing of the T4 is smaller than the T7. I would expect the 75% wear limit to remain a reasonable guide. In the case of a 250mm 8" wheel, a 75% remainder would be 150mm or 6".

The equivalent of 6,000g can be achieved on the leather wheel. The second is the AngleMaster, an adjustable device used to set the correct angle for grinding plane and chisel blades. Magnets on the reverse side of the AngleMaster mean that it is easy to store it conveniently on the steel machine plate. Also supplied is the unique Tormek Handbook, where all the information that is required to shape, sharpen and hone your tools to perfection can be found. The T-4 uses a powerful, industrial AC motor and the shaft supporting the wheels is made from corrosion resistant stainless steel. I should note that there is much discussion on the forum about the short knife jigs made by Herman and Ionut. These are certainly useful, and should be included with every accomplished Tormek user's outfit. (I have two, one for the T7 and one for the T4.) My advice for a beginner would be to start with the Tormek short knife tool. It is easy to use. Herman will tell you, quite honestly, that his jig is easy to use, also. I agree. I also think that many things come easier when one has Herman's experience. Once you become fluent with knives, you will probably want to explore making one of Herman's jigs. It's a good jig.Woodcarving Carving Sets Full Size Carving Tools Sculpture Tools Palm Carving Tools Carving Knives Carving Accessories Power Carving Tools Burrs & Accessories Chestnut Products Eclipse Magnetics Eclipse Professional Tools Gorilla Laguna UK Record Power Robert Sorby Silverline Sundström Titebond All Brands All the product development, engineering work and production are completedin Sweden. The company is located in Lindesberg, a small town in the heart of Bergslagen, an area known for its history in mining. The production is carried out in close cooperation with selected suppliers, all specialised and the best in their fields. This ensures the highest quality and a continuous access to the best and most modern manufacturing technology. Ideally, I would learn how to use the Tormek with the SE-76 jig and some mid range bench chisels. Once that has become fluent, one may choose either path with knives. There is no dead end choice. I would expect the SG-250 to outlast the SG-200. It should; it costs almost twice as much as the SG-200.