Baxsin

I have adjusted the focus rings on my scopes to fine focus on the high power range with the scope positioned against the knife’s edge, on the bevel side, where I use it when viewing the bevel.  Then I wrapped the focus ring with silver aluminum tape to hold the ring in position.  Any fine focus adjustments from that point I can make simply by s…[Read more]

Try to make sure the glass surface is cleaned and dust free before adhering the lapping films.  A single spec of dust can make a tiny bump in the film’s surface that may effect how the film works.

Strops are always the last step for me.  I finish every sharpening and polishing progression with the strops.

Thomas, this is from the W.E. website “Knowledge Base”.

Please check it out: https://support.wickededgeusa.com/portal/kb/articles/lapping-films-what-they-are-and-how-to-use-them

It’s not too bad.  Everything only fits together one way.  You do have to remove the vise from the mounting base to access the four screws in the vises base plate.  There are no springs so pieces will not spring out and go flying.  Work on a towel or rag to catch parts and keep them from getting lost.  The whole process only takes a few minu…[Read more]

here’s Ed K’s set-up for the Gen 3 Pro:

Ed K is forum member: NotSharpEnuff

Do you think that?  This pictures before I got the 1500/ 2200/ and 3000 grit diamond stones!

Opening the vise and cleaning out the steel dust off the parts will bring back the motion you expect.  I’d also use a dry wax lubricant made for bicycles for my vises.  I do this about twice a year as a regular maintenance practice or sooner when needed.  I haven’t found the need to remove any washers and I have and use regularly four different W.…[Read more]

Strops IMO will enhance any edge sharpness as a final step in your sharpening progression, for whatever stone grit you choose to end your sharpening with.  I’d get and use the strops first.  I’d start with the 4µ/2µ strop pair.  You’ll see a real enhancement to your sharpened edges with the strops.  Be aware the strops have a learning curve unto…[Read more]

I agree with Alan 100% if your only looking at the edge from a utility or practical point of view.  Yes 600 grit or 800 grit will yield all that is needed for a basically sharp cutting toothy edge when applied properly.

An edge sharpened to a finer grit will have a more precise and thinner apex and will be measurably sharper.  A simple ana…[Read more]

BTW, I only zero the angle cube at the very beginning of the sharpening session.  Then not again, till another, or different knife.

My theory is that helps overcomes any inconsistencies seen in mounting or plate thickness or plastic paddle molding seen from stone to stone.  It’s usually only a very slight micro-angle adjustment.  Only on one stone, my 800/1000 is it the same from side to side.  Every other pair requires fine tuning.

I suggest you try different things and look at the visual results with the USB scope.  Be systematic about it so you can keep track of cause and effect.  Do it one way on both knife sides.  Make subtle pressure and finger position changes and look at the effect or results in the scratch pattern. Do it slowly and systematically enough that you ca…[Read more]

Richard, I found I did the same thing when I was just getting started.  My technique has improved so I don’t see those drastic scratch differences any longer.  I found, for me it was a pressure related and hand and finger position on the paddles related result.  When I found a single hand and finger position that I used comfortably for all my di…[Read more]

Alan, depending on the smart phone, or tablet you may have and the USB microscope model you may purchase, using an inexpensive adapter plug called OTG for “on the go”, you may be able to use the scope with your phone or tablet and not need a laptop.  I did this before I had a laptop.

Here’s another Rack-It I just finished building and mailed off to Forum member “Buzz B”.  This is an XL Table Top model Rack-It. It has 3 slide out storage drawers for accessories.  It accommodates 56 stone paddles or 28 pairs.

Thanks Buzz!

Just mailed forum member “Eagle Greg’s” 24 post table top Rack-It:

Enjoy it Greg!

The Tormek Small Knife Adapter allows you to clamp the knife by the handle, in stead of by the blade in a clamping position that is above or out in front of vise where the stones won’t collide with the vise or jaws.   It’s just another handy adapter to use when the standard clamping method proves difficult to work with.

Malachy, you can clamp a knife high up in the vise so just the tips of the vise jaws are clamping the knife spine.  The knife does not need to be resting down on the pins of the depth key.  As long as the knife is held tightly and securely this clamping position will work to allow you to sharpen it.  Often by raising the knife’s position it’ll al…[Read more]

Michael, I’m glad it worked for you.  I’m sorry your thread got taken off on a tangent.

Just so you know rubbing diamond stones together, especially the very coarse diamond stones is strictly not recommended.  That is a way to easily damage the plating and ruin the stones.  The methods we recommended using the diamond stones on a piece of fla…[Read more]