No matter which grinding machine you use the most difficult part in sharpening woodturning tools is to exactly replicate the shape and the edge angle. Now we offer the Bench Grinder Mounting Set BGM-100 which makes the patented Tormek woodturning system also available for bench grinders.
Why would Tormek, the pioneer in water cooled sharpening, introduce their jigs also for bench grinders?
We believe that the water cooled Tormek machine is superior in sharpening virtually every edge tool in your shop. However, there is no secret that when it comes to woodturning tools the initial shaping can be done faster on a bench grinder. We know that some woodturners dedicated to Tormek also have access to a bench grinder and use it for the first rough shaping. It is difficult to control by hand and it is easy to remove more steel than necessary. Now you can use the same precise Tormek jigs through the whole sharpening process. There is no longer trial and error in getting the right shape on the bench grinder. You can benefit from the fast steel removal on the bench grinder and also get the finest surface on the Tormek water cooled grindstone and the leather honing wheel ‰ÛÒ all in one jig system.
If you do not yet have a Tormek machine you can still benefit from the precise Tormek jig system on your bench grinder and easily get the desired shape and edge angle. Since the Tormek system controls these factors, the tools will behave in exactly the same predictable way all the time at the lathe. The principle for setting the shape and edge angle is the same regardless of which machine you use. If you later choose to add a Tormek to your shop, you will already have the jigs you need for your turning tools.
The Key to Precise Replication
The Turning Tool Setter TTS-100 takes the guesså?work out of sharpening and is the key to the Tormek sharpening system for woodå?turning tools. There is no longer any need for trial and error to get the best edge shape for each turning operation. You just set the jig and get the shape you have selected. Thanks to the patented design it works on any stone diameter. So you can go from a 6‰Û� wheel to a 10‰Û� grindstone and achieve the same shape. The TTS-100 works on all Tormek models and together with the BGM-100 Mounting Set it can also be used on a standard bench grinder.
How does it work?
Three factors determine the shape of a gouge or a skew; the Jig Setting JS, the protrustion P and the distance to the stone of the Universal Support. By repeating them at each shaping or sharpening you will get an exact replication of the shape and edge angle every time.
Shaping and Sharpening
The Tormek method makes a distinction between the shaping and sharpening (or re-sharpening) of a tool. When shaping you remove steel to achieve the shape and edge angle you want. When sharpening you just touch up an existing shape to renew the sharpness. Once you have created the desired shape on the tool, it is an easy task to re-sharpen the tool exactly to the same shape every time.
If you have a Tormek machine, you can create the initial shape on your bench grinder and finish the sharpening on your Tormek water cooled grindstone. You get the best of two worlds; the fast steel removal from your high speed bench grinder and the fine surface from your fine water cooled grindstone and the leather honing wheel. A finer edge gives the wood a smoother finish with less need for sanding. A finer edge also stays sharp longer than a rough edge.
Which Shape Should I Use?
The Turning Tool Setter is delivered with a Selection Chart where you can see which shape is suitable for your current type of turning. These geometries are recommended by experienced woodturners and recognized woodturning training workshops around the world, e.g. Craft Supplies in the USA and Drechselstube Neckarsteinach in Germany. Of course you can also sharpen with geometries other than the shapes provided by the TTS-100 Setter.
Bench Grinder Mounting Set BGM-100
The package includes a Universal Support, a horizontal base, hardware, feet for the base you will build, and very comprehensive instructions on how to properly build your base and how to safely use the dry grinder to shape your tools.
Mount the set on either side of the grinder, or buy two sets and mount on both sides and you get a versatile sharpening system.
With the BGM-100 you can use all Tormek woodturning jigs on your bench grinder; the Gouge Jig SVD-185, the Multi Jig SVS-50 and the Tool Rest SVD-110.
About Bench Grinders
Using the right type of grinding wheel
Not all grinding wheels are suitable for the precision sharpening of edge tools. The standard wheels mounted on the grinder are often too hard and become glazed easily and clogged, which reduces steel removal and causes overheating of the tool. Worn grains must wear away so that new ones come into play. If not the grains will rub instead of cutting, which will increase the friction and heat development. Use an aluminium oxide wheel with the right binding ‰ÛÒ not too hard to avoid glazing and not too soft to avoid grooves.
Wheel Surface
The wheel surface must be kept fresh and clean. Use a diamond wheel dresser to maintain the surface in a good shape and condition.
Influence of heat on HSS steel
HSS steel can stand a much higher temperature than carbon steel without decreasing the hardness. However, at the very tip of the edge, which is very thin, the temperature can easily rise to a level which will affect the hardness. Therefore grind cautiously at the tip of the edge and do not allow it to become blue. Overå?heating HSS steel can cause a decrease in the hardness by as much as 4 HRC, which shortens the life of the edge. If you cool it in water, do not cool abruptly from a high temperature, since this can cause micro cracks invisible to the naked eye.
Grinding dust
The fine dust from the grinding wheel and steel particles from the tool can be a health hazard. It is best to use a dust extraction system, so the dust does not pollute the air. You must use a separate extraction system and not the same system as for your wood dust, since a spark could light a fire in the inflammable fine dust.
Website Search...
- Located on the top of every page of website in between VEK TOOLS Logo & Website phone number
- For best results try to use key words for what you are looking for
- Sometimes too many words will reduce the chance of finding what your looking for
- Spelling errors will reduce the chance of finding what your looking for
- Once selection has been searched you can refine your search from left hand menu
Website Chat...
- Located on bottom right of website page
- This is run by real VEK TOOLS Staff so please be patient as they could be managing 2-10 chats at the same time
- This is service is not for tool diagrams or spare parts, contact via email prestons@vektools.com.au your request
- Remember if you don't give us details to contact you back on we can't get back to you
Stock Levels...
- Stock levels are not listed on website
- We also use supplier warehouses to dispatch orders to speed up delivery or save on costs when customer isn't in Sydney
- If out of stock we also search between supplier warehouses & also other distributor stores to fill orders
In Store Pick Up...
- If you don't want to pay for delivery or need your item/s ASAP, you can select pick up in store option in check out. Just bear in mind not all stores will have everything in stock & your order might need to be transferred from another store or supplier. Nominated store will contact you once order is in & ready for pick up.
- For urgent pick ups please call 02 9756 3464 to confirm store stocks & ensure order is processed as a priority order
Order Processing...
- Our online team will usually have your order processed within the next 2-4hours(During Business Hours)
- Once order is processed we will send an update through the online portal updating rough delivery times.Please ensure you check your spam or junk mail folders as with current filters sometimes order update emails are blocked or filed into those folders
- Orders placed before 1pm during working days will usually be dispatched by the 3pm pick up
- For urgent orders please don't hesitate to contact us on 02 9756 3464 so we can try make sure order is able to cover your expectations
Shipping...
- Unlike others we try run a flat rate service for our online orders, most times this is achievable & on occasions it can't be we will notify the best possible rate so you can choose whether you would like to proceed or if you would like to organise your own freight or if you would like to cancel your order. Refunds will be processed immediately.
- For items under 1kg & could fit in a shoe box size box you may select $10 local sydney metro freight rate even if your not in that location
LOCAL SYDNEY METRO
- For Sydney metro areas we offer flat rate of $10, some occasions to which this might not count is items longer that 1.2m or heavier than 20kgs. In these scenarios we will get in contact with you via phone or email before proceeding with order
- Includes the City of Sydney, Waverley, Randwick, Canada Bay, Inner West, Bayside and Woollahra local government areas. It is capped by Hornsby at the north, the Sutherland Shire at the bottom, but does not include areas like the Blue Mountains,Riverina,Illawarra,Shoalhaven, Riverina,Hunter,New England,North Coast, or the Central Coast.
OUT OF SYDNEY METRO
- For Areas outside the above region we offer a flat rate of $20, some occasions to which this might not count is items longer that 1.2m or heavier than 20kgs. In these scenarios we will get in contact with you via phone or email before proceeding with order
Estimated Delivery Times...
- Orders placed before 1pm on a business day will be processed within 1-3 hours. In the unusual event of a delay to the despatch of your order you will be contacted as soon as possible.
- Once the order has been despatched the estimated delivery time is as follows:
Sydney Metro 1-2 business days
QLD,VIC,SA Metro 2-4 business days
NT,WA,TAS Metro 3-6 business days
Regional Areas 3-8 business days
Remote Areas 6-10 business days
*Please note that these estimated delivery times are estimates and are not guaranteed
Order Tracking...
- Once order has left our warehouse tracking will usually come through to you mobile or email address
- Direct Warehouse shipments might be delayed as we are relying on supplier warehouse to notify us
Can power tools be purchased from other countries?
- Not recomended as the tool certification varies between different countries & in Australia tools require an Australian Compliance Approval number.
- In Australia tools must be 240v power compliance.
- Purchasing tools overseas will void your tool‘s warranty in Australia.
Can I plug my tool into a generator?
- Yes you can.
- Ensure that the generators constant out put is at least 30% more than the power tool you are running off it
- If running more than one tool make sure combined tool wattage is less than the constant out put of the generator by at least 30%
Can power tools be purchased from other countries?
- Not recomended as the tool certification varies between different countries & in Australia tools require an Australian Compliance Approval number.
- Purchasing tools overseas will void your tool‘s warranty in Australia.
- Tools from overseas can not be claimed on tax or depreciated over three years as they are not incurring GST
- In then event of injury caused by tool your public liabilty insurance policy will be void.
What can I do to maintain my power tool?
- Keep the tool relatively clean and free from debris.
- Try to use a blow gun to blast any dust and fragments from the unit occasionaly.
- Regularly check the carbon brushes if your tool has brushes, there are now tools that run on brushless technology Carbon brushes are a component in all power tools that wear with use, and should be replaced when they wear down to a marked point
- Both carbon brushes should be replaced at the same time, and should be identical. Once they are replaced, run the tool with no load for 1 minute to ‘break in’ the brushes. Use accessories that are sharp & of a high quality grade to avoid extra load on tool.
- Select the correct gear for the application to releave overloading tool.
- Let the tool do the work without extra force.
What’s that burning smell?
- If you encounter a burning smell when using a power tool of any sort, it means that the motor is being over loaded and is overheating. Specifically, the motor’s internal fan (air radiator) can’t cool the motor’s windings fast enough and their varnish coating begins to melt & burn. If you start to smell this ‘electrical burning smell’, withdraw the machine from the work but keep it running. This will enable the impeller fan to cool the motor’s windings.This smell is generally an indication that the tool isn’t being used correctly, or that it is attempting to perform a task that it isn’t capable of.
- If this does occur & performance of the tool has changed please ensure you get the tool to our inhouse service department to completely check before more damage is caused.
How can I ensure I don’t overload my power tool?
- Use the right tool for the job
- Using one or more pilot drills
- Taking smaller cuts and multiple passes over the material
- Using cutting and cooling lubricants
- Using quality, sharp accessories
- Slowing down the speed or changing to a lower gear
- Letting the power tool do the work and not forcing it
- Regularly clearing wood chips, debris & swarf
My power tool isn’t functioning properly, what do I do?
- If your tool is still under its warranty, then all you have to do is to take it back to our inhouse service department with your proof of purchase (Tax invoice), and we will assess it and give you a solution.
- If it is not under warranty, then you can take it to a local service agent or our inhouse service department and they will give you a quote to repair it.
I have lost my power tool’s instruction manual. Where can I get a replacement?
- Most suppliers will have a library of instruction manuals on their website available for you to download.
- If you find these are not available online, call the manufacturer as they will have them.
If for some reason your not sure please always check instruction manual of tool or contact your nearest store for advice & assistance.
How do I get the best run time & life out of my cordless tools?
- Always keep the battery’s contacts/terminals clean and from coming into contact with metal or moisture
- Store the batteries in a cool, dry place & dont leave in sun for long periods(eg, on metal roof or rear of ute/truck)
- Use accessories that are sharp & of a high quality grade to avoid extra load on cordless tool
- Select the correct gear for the application to releave over current draw on batteries
- Let the tool do the work without extra force
- On Cordless Drills when tightening the chuck always use hand not machine to close the jaws
Can I use a different battery in my cordless tool?
- Most cordless tool will only be able to operate off a single voltage, there are some tools that will run dual voltage please check your instruction manual before you attempt or call our customer service to check
- Some Cordless tools can run on batteries with different capacities (amp-hour values). Note: if your tools are made to run on 3ah they might not run on a 1.5ah battery or it might prematurely wear the 1.5ah battery
- Some manufacturers/brands do not change their style of battery fitment & are reverse compatible between battery chemistries (eg a Li-ion battery may be able to be fitted to a NiCd tool). If this is the case with your cordless tool, ensure your charger can charge the both battery types of chemistry.
How long will a battery’s charge last?
- This will vary on many factors such as:the condition of the battery, the battery’s voltage & Amp Hour, speed ratings of the tool, the tool’s gearing, the application, the tools accessory and the efficiency of the cordless tool.
- A good test is when you buy a new tool to fully charge the battery & time how long it takes to fully drain, so in the future you will be able to compare condition of battery to your test results
Can I leave my batteries on the charger when I’m not using them?
- This isn’t a good idea & could harm the battery or charger.
- On some charges it will overcharge the batteries after the nominal charging time has expired.
- Always charge the batteries in a safe enviroment away from the chances of being bumped or dropped whilst charging
Can cordless tools be purchased from other countries?
- Not recomended as the tool certification varies between different countries & in Australia tools require an Australian Compliance Approval number.
- Purchasing tools overseas will void your tool‘s warranty in Australia.
- Tools from overseas can not be claimed on tax or depreciated over three years as they are not incurring GST
- In then event of injury caused by tool your public liabilty insurance policy will be void
Can I plug my charger into a generator?
- Tool battery chargers should not be plugged into a generator.
- If you have to make sure the generator is an Invertor Generator or Single Sign Wave Generator
- There are some chargers available that can handle the surges in voltage and current that generators produce – If this is the case it will be specified by the charger’s manufacturer in the manual.
What can I do to maintain my cordless tool?
- Keep the tool relatively clean and free from debris.
- Try to use a blow gun to blast any dust and fragments from the unit occasionaly.
- Regularly check the carbon brushes if your tool has brushes, there are now tools that run on brushless technology Carbon brushes are a component in all power tools that wear with use, and should be replaced when they wear down to a marked point
- Both carbon brushes should be replaced at the same time, and should be identical. Once they are replaced, run the tool with no load for 1 minute to ‘break in’ the brushes.
- Use accessories that are sharp & of a high quality grade to avoid extra load on cordless tool
- Select the correct gear for the application to releave over current draw on batteries
- Let the tool do the work without extra force
What’s that burning smell?
- If you encounter a burning smell when using a power tool of any sort, it means that the motor is being over loaded and is overheating. Specifically, the motor’s internal fan (air radiator) can’t cool the motor’s windings fast enough and their varnish coating begins to melt & burn. If you start to smell this ‘electrical burning smell’, withdraw the machine from the work but keep it running. This will enable the impeller fan to cool the motor’s windings.
- This smell is generally an indication that the tool isn’t being used correctly, or that it is attempting to perform a task that it isn’t capable of.
- If this does occur & performance of the tool has changed please ensure you get the tool to our inhouse service department to completely check before more damage is caused
How can I ensure I don’t overload my cordless tool?
- Using one or more pilot drills
- Taking smaller cuts and multiple passes over the material
- Using cutting and cooling lubricants
- Using quality, sharp accessories
- Slowing down the speed or changing to a lower gear
- Letting the drill do the work and not forcing it
- Regularly clearing wood chips, debris & swarf
My cordless tool isn’t functioning properly, what do I do?
- If your tool is still under its warranty, then all you have to do is to take it back to our inhouse service department with your proof of purchase (Tax invoice), and we will assess it and give you a solution.
- If it is not under warranty, then you can take it to a local service agent or our inhouse service department and they will give you a quote to repair it.
I have lost my cordless tool’s instruction manual. Where can I get a replacement?
- Most suppliers will have a library of instruction manuals on their website available for you to download.
- If you find these are not available online, call the manufacturer as they will have them
If for some reason your not sure please always check instruction manual of tool or contact your nearest store for advice & assistance.
Which types of tools use compressed air?
The most common air tools are paint sprayers, air wrenches, air sanders, nail guns and air drills.
What are the advantages of using air tools?
- Air tools provide a lot more force than power tools driven by electric motors.
- Air tools have fewer moving parts and no electric motor to wear out making them more durable than power tools or cordless tools.
- Air tools can be used where tools creating spark can't such as service stations or other areas with highly flammable product enviroments
- Their durability and simplicity make them ideal for extended use in large-scale construction projects and in commercial factory work applications.
What extra equipment do I need to use air tools?
- To operate air tools, you will need a compressed air source, filtration and safety gear.
- Ensure that air compressor has a filter & air regulator
- Always wear goggles and any other safety gear specified by the air tool and air compressor safety instructions.
What can I do to maintain my air tool?
- Run the air tool at the right pressure
- Always have a clean air source by having the appropriate filtration to remove water from air lines
- Oil air tools regurlarly with quality air tool oil as per instruction manual of tool
- Use accessories that are sharp & of a high quality grade to avoid extra load on the air tool
How much air pressure is needed to operate an air tool?
- Most air tools will need at least 70psi (pounds per square inch) to operate.
- Most air tools will have markings or stickers on tool to stipulate max pressure
- Always check the instructions that come with your air tools and adjust the air compressor to fit the specifications.
I have lost my air tool’s instruction manual. Where can I get a replacement?
- Most suppliers will have a library of instruction manuals on their website available for you to download.
- If you find these are not available online, call the manufacturer as they will have them
If for some reason your not sure please always check instruction manual of tool or contact your nearest store for advice & assistance.