Tormek is known for quality and the new T4 keeps that tradition
alive. The improvement over the T3 is that all critical components
are now housed in a cast zinc head assembly so that the rigidity of
the T4 now approaches that of the much heavier T7. In use, this
translates to improved accuracy and capability.
The main difference between the T4 and T7 is really the size of
the grinding wheel (200mm and 250mm) and the design of the drive
train. The 14.5kg T7, being a professional model, is designed for
long life with a heavy 3mm steel body and a 200 watt motor rated
for continuous use. At 8kg, the T4 is lighter, and also less
powerful, with a 120 watt motor rated for 30 minutes continuous
operation per hour. The restricted duty may sound limiting, but in
my experience it rarely is in normal use. The T4 also has a
significantly smaller leather honing wheel at 145mm diameter
compared to the T7’s 220mm.
Tormek offer jigs and accessories for sharpening everything from
carving gouges to axes. The T4 comes with fewer accessories,
meaning users pay only for the jigs they require. Included are the
obligatory wet grind stone, leather honing wheel, stone grader,
angle master and a fantastic instruction manual/DVD. The stone
grader is crucial as it allows the grinding stone performance to be
switched between coarse and fine grit.
I tested the T4 with an array of bench chisels, plane irons,
kitchen knives and woodturning chisels and it really did perform
flawlessly. The reduced power of the T4 in comparison to the T7 is
noticeable during heavy grinding of some turning chisels or the
initial reshaping of tools, however it’s still perfectly functional
with heavy grinding taking slightly longer to perform. Once your
tools are shaped, the accuracy and repeatability that the Tormek
allows means that sharpening is a very quick process.
Unlike the T7, using the square edge jig on the honing wheel is
not possible on the T4, however freehand honing is not a difficult
skill to master.
Once you factor in the cost of additional accessories, it does
equate to a significant investment. However, the repeatability and
versatility of the system is what I love about the Tormek. If your
sharpening needs extend beyond the basic edge tools to include
turning or carving chisels then the T4, in my opinion, presents one
of the quickest routes to successful and repeatable sharpening.
Review tool supplied by Carbatec, www.carbatec.com.au More info
at www.promac.com.au
16 Australian Wood Review
TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
Tormek T4 Water Cooled Sharpening SystemReviewed by Troy
McDonald
Left: The stone grader easily converts the grindstone from
coarse 220 to fine 1000 grit.
Above: Hand held stropping with the leather wheel leaves a razor
sharp edge.
$699
www.excaliburtools.comTel: (02) 9624 7200 | Email:
[email protected]
Ask at your professional tool or hardware supplier
T O O L SQuality professional tools
Magic Gripper Pro®Door & Panel Work StandA unique tool that
uses the weight of the material to automatically clamp and hold.
Simply lift to release.
Patent EP1989476
Madein U.K.
2 PACK
Product No. EXMG100
• Headed or smooth body nails • Rusty or damaged fasteners•
Pneumatic fasteners• Carpet nails • Tacks • Staples
The easiest and fastest way to pull exposed...
Nail Pliers
Product No. HL1121
Made in Taiwan to Excalibur specifications
NEWADJUSTMENTAND LOCKING SYSTEM
