I will post two replies for clarity. In an earlier post on this thread, Rupert suggested using a foot switch with a Tormek. This is a very useful idea, especially when flattening the backs of chisels. The constraint is that the foot switch only works with older Tormeks. Somewhere in the 2010 time frame Tormek changed switches. My first 2009 vintage Tormek T7 had the older switch. Unfortunately it was stolen. The 2011 vintage T7 I purchased to replace it had the new, improved safety switch. I can see the safety benefit of a switch which automatically turned off during a power interruption. That is a great idea for something like a table saw. It seems like overkill for a Tormek, although regulators might not see the difference.
The easy way to tell what switch you have is to turn on your Tormek, unplug it, and plug the cord back in. If the Tormek starts up again, you have the older switch and the foot switch will Work.
New and improved does not necessarily mean works better.
Ken
Immediately after changing to a variable speed motor with my Viel, I sharpened a pair of loppers. The new lower speed was sweet. I used a blue 120 grit belt which anyone except a thrifty old Yankee would have thought long gone. To my surprise, the very worn belt cut well.
I do not mean to be an advocate for using worn out belts. I do believe the grinding touch plays a more important part than most of us realize. Atmy suggestion, Grepper ran some tests with his magic microscope. I found the difference in the edges astounding when he compared the same wheel with a heavy touch and when finished with a light touch. The same difference might apply when using grinding belts.
Dave Schweitzer, owner of D-Way tools, demonstrates how to clean a CBN wheel used to grind too doft a material. He just briefly grinds a piece of hard steel. Grepper, the same technique might refresh your belts.
The more I learn about sharpening, the more I realize how much I do not jnow.
Ken
The easy way to tell what switch you have is to turn on your Tormek, unplug it, and plug the cord back in. If the Tormek starts up again, you have the older switch and the foot switch will Work.
New and improved does not necessarily mean works better.
Ken
Immediately after changing to a variable speed motor with my Viel, I sharpened a pair of loppers. The new lower speed was sweet. I used a blue 120 grit belt which anyone except a thrifty old Yankee would have thought long gone. To my surprise, the very worn belt cut well.
I do not mean to be an advocate for using worn out belts. I do believe the grinding touch plays a more important part than most of us realize. Atmy suggestion, Grepper ran some tests with his magic microscope. I found the difference in the edges astounding when he compared the same wheel with a heavy touch and when finished with a light touch. The same difference might apply when using grinding belts.
Dave Schweitzer, owner of D-Way tools, demonstrates how to clean a CBN wheel used to grind too doft a material. He just briefly grinds a piece of hard steel. Grepper, the same technique might refresh your belts.
The more I learn about sharpening, the more I realize how much I do not jnow.
Ken