09-15-2018, 06:23 AM
(09-15-2018, 05:49 AM)SHARPCO Wrote: Hello Ken,
Can you tell me what skills you have learned about truing tool?
Hello, Sharpco.
I believe I had the same misconception about the truing tool and "precious Tormek grinding wheel" shared by many newer Tormek users. I was reluctant to use the truing tool for two reasons: First, I was not comfortable using it. Second, I did not want to wear out "my precious Tormek grinding wheel".
I have since realized that the Tormek grinding wheels are like brake parts or tires on a vehicle. They are long term consumable items designed to wear out and eventually be replaced after long service.
My learning experience was reshaping a turning skew and gouge with the SB blackstone. The SB kept glazing. The stone grader did not fix the problem for me. I could easily have done the work using my Norton 3X 46 or 80 grit wheel on the Tormek, however, I was determined to see the job through with the SB. The only choice left was to use the TT-50 truing tool to dress the wheel. I had to keep doing this enough that I left a second support bar set up with the truing tool pre set.
This was unsatisfactory, however, it forced me to become comfortable with the truing tool. From that experience, I have developed the work habit of using the truing tool frequently with very light cuts. By light, I mean starting with only touching the high spots on the wheel and lowering the cutter half a microadjust number with each pass. Once a light pass touches the entire wheel surface I stop. No extra pass "for good measure". This insures that my grinding wheel is cutting at full efficiency. It is like rotating your vehicle tires to minimize wear.
I can take deeper cuts. I ended up doing that with the SB. For everyday work, several light passes just suits me better. I encourage all Tormek users to become comfortable with the truing tool.
Ken