Greetings,
It is a bit chagrined that I ask, but what are some alternatives to achieving the same function as the Tormek SJ Japanese Waterstone wheel (4000 grit)? Deburring and polishing after bevel setting and refinement using coarser grindstones are its primary functions. I'm exploring and in fact have embarked on acquiring and trying paper wheels with diamond pastes, with information and assistance from Mr. KnifeGrinders. Mr. Grepper suggested I post regarding my trevails and quest as there are many here with relevant expertise.
Trevails:
At the conclusion of a short season of knife and scissors sharpening at farmers markets, I was loading up, with only the SJ wheel still on the table. An open can of acetone was also on the table. The table collapsed, sending both to the pavement, chipping (and cracking) the stone and soaking it in acetone. Documented on the Tormek forum. After the acetone evaporated, the cracks have closed up quite a bit, but the stone is still toast.
Potential Solutions:
It has been commented that there are some great and better methods than the SJ stone. I have the diamond pastes as used by Mr. KnifeGrinders and am awaiting delivery of paper wheels to try them out. Mr. Grepper said his choice would be a 4000 grit belt.
The cost of replacing the SJ wheel is quite high ($401 + shipping) and equals or exceeds the alternative of a variable speed/modified Viel 1x40 belt sander as sold/recommended by Steve Bottorff. I was seriously looking at this option and was about to pull the trigger when I realized I might be able to modify my existing 1x30" belt sander with the variable speed drive Steve refers to. That stalled a few weeks ago. It seems very much more attractive now and would provide quite a bit more capability and speed for this and other tasks.
I would like to hear from others regarding their processes and any recommendations you may care to offer.
Thanks,
Rick
It is a bit chagrined that I ask, but what are some alternatives to achieving the same function as the Tormek SJ Japanese Waterstone wheel (4000 grit)? Deburring and polishing after bevel setting and refinement using coarser grindstones are its primary functions. I'm exploring and in fact have embarked on acquiring and trying paper wheels with diamond pastes, with information and assistance from Mr. KnifeGrinders. Mr. Grepper suggested I post regarding my trevails and quest as there are many here with relevant expertise.
Trevails:
At the conclusion of a short season of knife and scissors sharpening at farmers markets, I was loading up, with only the SJ wheel still on the table. An open can of acetone was also on the table. The table collapsed, sending both to the pavement, chipping (and cracking) the stone and soaking it in acetone. Documented on the Tormek forum. After the acetone evaporated, the cracks have closed up quite a bit, but the stone is still toast.
Potential Solutions:
It has been commented that there are some great and better methods than the SJ stone. I have the diamond pastes as used by Mr. KnifeGrinders and am awaiting delivery of paper wheels to try them out. Mr. Grepper said his choice would be a 4000 grit belt.
The cost of replacing the SJ wheel is quite high ($401 + shipping) and equals or exceeds the alternative of a variable speed/modified Viel 1x40 belt sander as sold/recommended by Steve Bottorff. I was seriously looking at this option and was about to pull the trigger when I realized I might be able to modify my existing 1x30" belt sander with the variable speed drive Steve refers to. That stalled a few weeks ago. It seems very much more attractive now and would provide quite a bit more capability and speed for this and other tasks.
I would like to hear from others regarding their processes and any recommendations you may care to offer.
Thanks,
Rick