06-08-2017, 08:28 AM
Rupert,
I feel strongly that both the Tormek and the Viel have the potential to do much more than their basic programming. This feeling is increased with the Viel due to the lack of information provided by the manufacturer.
One advantage Tormek has, in my opinion, over most companies is that it makes only Tormek wet grinders. It presently makes the T4 and T8. Most of the parts, as well as all the jigs and almost all of the accessories will fit either model, as well as almost all the Tormeks made since 1979. In order for the company to succeed, the Tormek must succeed.
The EZYlock shaft is an example of this. The EZYlock is a stainless steel shaft with a left hand coarse thread. Changing wheels is a snap with EZYlock. It replaced the stainless steel shaft around 2010. The stainless steel shaft had replaced the regular shaft sometime in the early 2000s. The EZYlock is compatable with all earlier models, and also replaced them as spare parts. Thus, Tormek both moves forward and takes care of its present customers.
My dealings with Viel have only been positive. I just wish information about their products was more readily available. Most of what I know about Viel came from Steve and bessex members like Rupert and Max.
In an email, I compared what I want to accomplish with modifying the Viel to using a view camera. For those of you who might not know, a view camera is large, either wood or metal, always used on a sturdy tripod and viewed under a black focusing cloth. The technology is very old, however, in capable hands, a view camera is far more versatile than any other kind of camera. The control and image quality are incredible. Think Ansel Adams working in Yosemite.
The Viel, with its large variety of belts, offers quite a variety as is. Adding a variable speed motor with a reversing switch allows the choice of optimum speed and optimum placement anywhere along the belt. It offers well controlled flat and convex grinding to complement the Tormek's range of concave grinding. At some point, I plan to modify my Viel further to accept Tormek jigs. Tormek already makes accessories to adapt its jigs to regular dry grinders and dry grinders equipped with the Oneway Wolverine system. I will probably use the more flexible Tormek adaptor for the Oneway system and my Viel.
I will continue to post and remain most grateful to those on this exchange who have guided and encouraged me.
Ken
I feel strongly that both the Tormek and the Viel have the potential to do much more than their basic programming. This feeling is increased with the Viel due to the lack of information provided by the manufacturer.
One advantage Tormek has, in my opinion, over most companies is that it makes only Tormek wet grinders. It presently makes the T4 and T8. Most of the parts, as well as all the jigs and almost all of the accessories will fit either model, as well as almost all the Tormeks made since 1979. In order for the company to succeed, the Tormek must succeed.
The EZYlock shaft is an example of this. The EZYlock is a stainless steel shaft with a left hand coarse thread. Changing wheels is a snap with EZYlock. It replaced the stainless steel shaft around 2010. The stainless steel shaft had replaced the regular shaft sometime in the early 2000s. The EZYlock is compatable with all earlier models, and also replaced them as spare parts. Thus, Tormek both moves forward and takes care of its present customers.
My dealings with Viel have only been positive. I just wish information about their products was more readily available. Most of what I know about Viel came from Steve and bessex members like Rupert and Max.
In an email, I compared what I want to accomplish with modifying the Viel to using a view camera. For those of you who might not know, a view camera is large, either wood or metal, always used on a sturdy tripod and viewed under a black focusing cloth. The technology is very old, however, in capable hands, a view camera is far more versatile than any other kind of camera. The control and image quality are incredible. Think Ansel Adams working in Yosemite.
The Viel, with its large variety of belts, offers quite a variety as is. Adding a variable speed motor with a reversing switch allows the choice of optimum speed and optimum placement anywhere along the belt. It offers well controlled flat and convex grinding to complement the Tormek's range of concave grinding. At some point, I plan to modify my Viel further to accept Tormek jigs. Tormek already makes accessories to adapt its jigs to regular dry grinders and dry grinders equipped with the Oneway Wolverine system. I will probably use the more flexible Tormek adaptor for the Oneway system and my Viel.
I will continue to post and remain most grateful to those on this exchange who have guided and encouraged me.
Ken