07-01-2017, 02:39 PM
Rupert, a most thoughtful post, and one which reflects an experienced and deep thinking artisan.
Your thoughts on the ideal shaft diameter, .497", with a D flat, are spot on. I was disappointed with the machining done by the motor shop. The Viel pulley fits on the reduced shaft, however, my fit is a bit tight for a slip fit. The finish is rougher than I would expect from a machinist, and the flat is just a hint of a flat compared with the original motor. I dealt with an established company. I would not be a repeat customer. (I hope this candid reporting may help others on our forum.)
Running the Viel/Penn combo with 12volts. Clever;that never occurred to me. That sounds like just the ticket for mobile sharpeners.
I think pairing the Viel with my Tormek will let me use each for its best uses. The Tormek excels with tools like chisels. People do sharpen axes with it, however, I think the Viel is the natural choice for convex edges.
I enjoy your thoughts, Rupert.
Henry, I think your Viel is the best thing going at this point. Hopefully others will join in the quest and continue pushing back the frontier. Your addition of the smaller wheel will add significantly to the machine's torque, which might be a significant factor fot knife makers.
Using standard and Scotch-Brite belts, I have not needed to adjust tracking. This may change as I start using leather belts. The no tool knobs seem very convenient.
I look forward to future posts.
Ken
ps Rupert, I would like to learn more about "Rupert's Secret Weapon". I have just started to try an eight inch by one inch hard felt wheel on my Tormek T4. No conclusions yet.
Your thoughts on the ideal shaft diameter, .497", with a D flat, are spot on. I was disappointed with the machining done by the motor shop. The Viel pulley fits on the reduced shaft, however, my fit is a bit tight for a slip fit. The finish is rougher than I would expect from a machinist, and the flat is just a hint of a flat compared with the original motor. I dealt with an established company. I would not be a repeat customer. (I hope this candid reporting may help others on our forum.)
Running the Viel/Penn combo with 12volts. Clever;that never occurred to me. That sounds like just the ticket for mobile sharpeners.
I think pairing the Viel with my Tormek will let me use each for its best uses. The Tormek excels with tools like chisels. People do sharpen axes with it, however, I think the Viel is the natural choice for convex edges.
I enjoy your thoughts, Rupert.
Henry, I think your Viel is the best thing going at this point. Hopefully others will join in the quest and continue pushing back the frontier. Your addition of the smaller wheel will add significantly to the machine's torque, which might be a significant factor fot knife makers.
Using standard and Scotch-Brite belts, I have not needed to adjust tracking. This may change as I start using leather belts. The no tool knobs seem very convenient.
I look forward to future posts.
Ken
ps Rupert, I would like to learn more about "Rupert's Secret Weapon". I have just started to try an eight inch by one inch hard felt wheel on my Tormek T4. No conclusions yet.