Welcme to the forum, Ed.
The problem many beginning Tormek users have is that they don't remember being beginners with other skills. Are you old enough to remember learning to drive with a stick shift? Beng fluent with starting on a hill takes some finesse. If we are not still sitting on that hill, presumably we learned that skill. While it has become a long distant memory when we first learned to ride a bicycle without the trainng wheels, who can forget either the terror or excitement of watching our children or grandchildren make that first ride?
Please read the first topic, "Tormek Tips". Read just the initial post. (The topic became bloated and is in need of a major revision.) The knife people of the forum will cry "waste of time" learning to sharpen a chisel, just like piano students detest learning scales. Do this practice right; do not short cut or avoid it. It will teach you the fundamentals of the Tormek in digestable, bite sized pieces. When you become proficient and practiced with using the Tormek with Irwin Blue Chip 3/4” bench chisels, switching to knives will be a minor change, whether you choose to grind into or trailing the edge. (You should master both directions.)
Buy a couple of these specigic chisels. Do not buy a set of several different widths. These are learning tools. They are not cheap tools; they are inexpensive tools. Your T8 came with the necessary jig. Each chisel should cost around ten dollars US. Online prices vary; spend a little time compArison shopping. Do not obsess over grinding the edge square. Sharpness is important; squareness can wait. Incidentally, I have purchased around a dozen of these 3/4” Blue Chip chisels. Having more than one lets you quickly and easily compare different stages of grinding.
For your benefit right now, the chisel is securely clamped it the square edge jig. The square edge jig is secured in the universal support bar; it cannot jump around. You gain vonfidence.
I am presently going through the same kind of learning process that you are. I am learning how to turn with a wood lathe. The most versatile turning tool is the dreaded skew chisel. It can catch, a jolting and unnerving experience. Consequently, many turners avoid the skew. By watching Alan Lacer's online videos, I learned to substitute the traditional four prong drive center with a safety center. This does not eliminate catches; it tames them. Without the fear of the skew, I can concentrate on proficiency.
You will soon develop that proficient confidence with the Tormek. Be patient; you will soon be an old hand with your clutch foot.
Keep us posted; you are with friends and not alone.
Ken
