In the Shop > Wood Carving

Which to buy T3 or T3

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Woodcarving Buddy:
After much research I have decided to buy a Tormek Sharpening system. The area I am interested in specifically is sharpening carving tools. I like to carve everything from relief carving to, woodspirits, santas, and snowmen for xmas. Right know I am carving a sea turtle. So a question or a couple of questions. Which model would best suit my needs. I am leaning towards the T7 but any input you can give me will be appreciated. Another question, is rust. How often would you recommend taking the unit apart and applying grease? Last question does anyone have experience sharpening micro or detail carving tools with the Tormek. Thank you.

jeffs55:
Well, between the two I would have to say the T3. However, I think that was a typo so I humbly suggest the T7. Also, as new machine is pretty pricey I would consider looking on eBarf for a deal. I just bought a used excellent one for about $390 delivered. Just remember to look hard at the sellers feedback before you bid/ buy.

Ken S:
Good question, and one worthy of a lot of serious consideration.

I am not a carver, however, the carvers on this forum don't post very often.

Here are my thoughts:

I can't imagine carving chisels being beyond the range of the smaller T3.  The eight inch (to start with) wheel is larger than most dry grinders.  The 50 per cent duty motor is probably more than sufficient, unless you have a very busy professional carving sharpening service (doubtful).

The plastic housing is probably plenty rugged for use on a bench where is is not moved frequently.

That said, the T7 comes with the stone grader and TTS 50 diamond dresser standard.  You will want both of these, so add about a hundred dollars to the cost of the T3 in your comparisons.  The more advanced water trough is more for long knives than carving tools.

My Tormek is a T7.  I tend to overbuy, so, if I was buying a unit today, I would probably buy a T7.  I would give very serious consideration to the T7.

I hope some of the carvers will chime in.

Ken

Herman Trivilino:
I'm not a carver, either, but I do sharpen a lot of tools and many knives.  I like my 2000 (equivalent to the T7).  I don't think I'd be happy with the T3.

As to the issue of rust, the newer models have a stainless steel shaft, so rusting is not the issue it used to be.  This shaft rides on two nylon bearings.  If you hear it squeal, you should take it apart and grease the bearings.  A pretty simple task that takes only a few minutes.

If you do buy a used unit, you may want to consider the fact that the older models don't have the stainless shaft and so are more prone to the rusting issue.

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