09-14-2018, 03:19 AM
I have a similar problem with my Tormek SB-250 blackstone. I purchased it eight years ago, and I have never been able to get it to cut well. It glazes quickly for me. I found the stone grader ineffective with it and got tired of using the truing tool too frequently to refresh the cutting edge. It is now in the box, where it has been most of the last eight years.
Is my stone defective? I do not think so. Several sharpeners I know and respect have successfully used their blackstones enough to wear them out, some have worn out several. I have concluded that my problem with the blackstone is most probably my lack of skill using it. In my defense, while Tormek has done an outstanding job of explaining how to use the standard issue SG grinding wheels in the handbook, the blackstone is barely mentioned. It shares only two brief paragraphs with the SJ 4000 grit Japanese grinding wheel. I have happily used the SG since 2009. Someday, when I have a lot of spare time, I will spent some quiet time working through my difficulties with the SB.
One positive side effect of this frustration is that it forced me to become very proficient with the truing tool, a skill which has proved useful. Working through your frustration with leather strops may cause you to become proficient with a USB microscope. With patience and diligence, I mastered the truing tool. With the same patience and diligence, you will master the strop. That skill will serve you well.
Enjoy the journey.
Ken
Is my stone defective? I do not think so. Several sharpeners I know and respect have successfully used their blackstones enough to wear them out, some have worn out several. I have concluded that my problem with the blackstone is most probably my lack of skill using it. In my defense, while Tormek has done an outstanding job of explaining how to use the standard issue SG grinding wheels in the handbook, the blackstone is barely mentioned. It shares only two brief paragraphs with the SJ 4000 grit Japanese grinding wheel. I have happily used the SG since 2009. Someday, when I have a lot of spare time, I will spent some quiet time working through my difficulties with the SB.
One positive side effect of this frustration is that it forced me to become very proficient with the truing tool, a skill which has proved useful. Working through your frustration with leather strops may cause you to become proficient with a USB microscope. With patience and diligence, I mastered the truing tool. With the same patience and diligence, you will master the strop. That skill will serve you well.
Enjoy the journey.
Ken