New Tormek SG-250 Wheel? I Do This First.

I do this every time I buy a new Tormek SG-250.

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

Instead of sliding the angle guide up the stone, I slide my guide down the blade until it just touches the edge of the blade and I have zero wear on it.

[@iSharpen]

Makes much more sense doing it your way.

[@iSharpen]

@@thechumpsbeendumped.7797 update: I’ve been doing this ever since you mentioned it and it’s been a fantastic suggestion. Thanks again!

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

@@iSharpen
Thanks, I'm glad you tried it.
Are you tempted by the new angle guide? I am but I don't like the price and I'm not sure if it'll work on my non-Tormek
machine.

[@iSharpen]

@@thechumpsbeendumped.7797 I’m not tempted in the least. I think it’s over complicated, a waste of time and unnecessary. The WM-200 does the job perfectly in 3 seconds.

[@CrimeVid]

Have to say, I take the bolsters down as I go, about once a year I take them to the fast grinder, so it does not interfere on the board.

[@iSharpen]

@@CrimeVid yeah, I do the bolsters if they interfere. I also angle them up and away so they don’t interfere for the next few sharpens either.

[@johnbhancock]

Great video, did not know that about the SG-250. Will watch out. Oh - the new KS-123 has arrived at Discount Traders. Ordered mine from eBay today (just arrived) and there was a $10 discount voucher which equates to free shipping.

[@iSharpen]

Yeah, the SG is a fantastic and vastly under rated wheel. It’s only fine is being a consumable. As for the KS123, I remain unconvinced it’s better than the old WM200 although that also is consumable. I’m a pretty stubborn bastard. I like simplicity.

[@johnbhancock]

@@iSharpen I got the diamond wheels but I do find myself returning to the SG more than I thought I would. As for the JS-123 I will let you know how I go when it arrives.

[@iSharpen]

@@johnbhancock I remain unconvinced on the diamond wheels. Too sensitive and today (for example, I have 50 knives on my bench. My water will become murky very quickly and I can;t be stopping all the time to refresh my water and pour in more of their conditioner. Too expansive and time consuming. I am looking into getting a set of custom CBN wheels made though. If I pull the trigger on that I'll make an extensive video and might even start selling them if I approve them.
Today's 50 knives will all be done on the good old trusty SG-250 which I love so much. It's pretty fresh at 245mm too so it won't interfere with the leather wheel.

[@buckw65]

I ordered my first SG250 wheel. Looking forward to getting started with my knife sharpening. This video was so helpful. Keep it up please. Really enjoy learning from a craftsman

[@iSharpen]

The SG-250 is a very under rated wheel. It's all I need. Flexible and very capable of handling all tasks, especially if you pair them with diamond grading plates. They cost me $420 each but only take 25 or so knives to pay off. I can do that in one day.

[@buckw65]

@iSharpen I've got some diamond plates off Amazon to tune in the grinding finish. Can hardly wait for my wheel to show up. Love'in the channel and the free education. Could you do a video of the tormek angle guage .... principles of use...stuff like that. Thanks again

[@iSharpen]

@@buckw65 what wheel have you been using until now? If you search for Tormek anglemaster there are some excellent videos already up by others. But sure I could make my own. I like to cover aspects of Tormek use not covered by others and how my methods are “wrong” and different.

[@buckw65]

@iSharpen I've just been playing with the out of true wheel the machine came with. It's basically a WEN grinder wheel. Really course wheel.

[@iSharpen]

@@buckw65 New AngleMaster video (sort of) --> ua-cam.com/video/Dssrae5kcKw/v-deo.html

[@kens4741]

Well done, informative video. The worn pointer on the Anglemaster is available as a replacement part for $4.75 US (see link)
Shipping costs can be high for small parts.I would ordertwo or three, as well as sny future needed parts in one shipping chsrge.

[@iSharpen]

Really?! No way! That's the best news. I've wasted $120 buying new units when I only had to buy a $5 piece?. No link came through. I'll search for it on eBay.

[@iSharpen]

Not finding it anywhere. Can you post a link and I'll include it in the description and yes I'll buy a dozen to future proof my operations.

[@iSharpen]

Further... I just found a local 3D printer who makes instant quotes from a stl (3D printer) file. I just uploaded one I found here www.printables.com/model/70568-tormek-wm200-spare-part and with the highest quality setting it's just $20 which is still a hell of a lot cheaper than $60 for a whole Anglemaster but not as cheap as your $5 part which I'm still hoping to get a link to.

[@iSharpen]

Just made a video prompted by your comment --> ua-cam.com/video/Dssrae5kcKw/v-deo.html

[@iSharpen]

Got that link?

[@adamtabbit]

Love your videos, just ordered a t8 coming next week, any tips on setup and first sharpen cheers

[@iSharpen]

@@adamtabbit welcome to the club! I have loads of tips! Probably best to watch as many of my longer vids where I show the whole process to begin with. Then head over to my channel’s community page and look for the video request post. Ask me what you need to know. There are a lot of false myths that need to be busted. The SG-250 is all you’re going to need.
1) sharpen most knives at 15 degrees per side
2) achieve an apex. You’ll know you’re there when you can feel the burr.
3) hone lightly until the edge feels smooth against your fingernail like you see me doing all the time.
Done.
Start a knife sharpening business as soon as you can achieve consistency on at least a dozen knives.
Buy a US430 universal rest.
Dont practice on cheap knives. They behave differently to decent knives. The burr is extra sticky on a cheap knife but comes off easy on a decent knife. Sharpen it, test on the thinnest paper you can find.
Don’t over hone!
If you can make a kangaroo tail strop you’ll get a finer edge. If you can’t find a kangaroo tail strop try buffalo leather. It’s got ridges that are similar.
You don’t need a strop to get very sharp edges. But it helps if you want really, really, really sharp edges.
That’s enough to get you going.
Oh and buy some diamond plates for grading the SG-250. It’ll make your life easier. Look for my Tormek hack video. It explains everything.
Good luck. Ask questions and remember…likes are free. 😉

[@adamtabbit]

​@iSharpen thanks for the tips, just ordered diamond plates
I guess alot of practice is all that's left lol
Appreciate your time, cheers

[@PatrickBesanson]

Any chance of sharing that eBay link for the 80 and 320 diamond plates? I know there are a lot of options but I figure you trust those to be the most dependable and cost effective.

[@iSharpen]

@@PatrickBesanson I made a whole video on the diamond plates with a link in the description and what to look for. Vendors change. But the link and video will steer you in the right direction Patrick. I’ll fish out the link to that video shortly for you.

[@iSharpen]

@@PatrickBesanson ua-cam.com/video/6GQTnw4-p_4/v-deo.html

[@kvernesdotten]

1:18 - It would be kinda funny if you couldnt find anything sharp around to open the box with haha

[@iSharpen]

Funny you should say that. I just bought myself a Spartan Swiss Army Knife that I carry in my pockets now for the first time in my life. I’ve never been a pocket knife kind of guy. But now I’ve joined the ranks of the every day carry club.

[@kvernesdotten]

@@iSharpen Welcome to the club! Its usually a modified Cybertool M or a simple folding knife here, its really hard to go back once used to having one in your pocket. Its used for little things all day. Super big fan of the victorinox scissors :D

[@iSharpen]

@@kvernesdotten it’s true, I’ve used it daily all the time. Even used it for cutting my steak last night, just to amuse my dog who didn’t seem interested except for a taste. I keep it razor sharp (naturally). It’s been handy.