Tormek Comparison
Compare Tormek models - which model is right for you?
In the 40+ years that Tormek has been making wetgrind sharpeners, they have continuously improved their machines and jigs for ever increasing
accuracy and consistency. All Tormek machines use longlife motors as the drivetrain for the grindstone and leather stropping wheel.
All models accept the full range of optional jigs and accessories to handle all of your sharpening needs. (Some jigs may have limited
capabilities on the T-4.) You'll be able to get sharp edges on your tools and knives no matter which model you choose.
Sharpening with a Tormek
At the heart of every Tormek sharpener is a 220 grit aluminum oxide grinding wheel running at low speed in a water bath. Your tool's
edge will stay nice and cool throughout the entire grinding operation so you won't risk overheating the steel and ruining the
temper.
After grinding at 220 grit, you can grade the stone to 1000 grit and continue honing on the same wheel using the same jigs settings.
Once you've ground the edge sharp, all of the Tormek models provide a leather wheel strop to give your edge a final hone for a razor
sharp finish.
Model Differences
There are three major differences between the models: square edge jig, wheel size and motor duty rating.
- Motor Duty — The T-8 Sharpener uses a motor rated for continuous duty.
The T-4 Sharpener uses a motor rated for use 30 out of every 60 minutes. Unless you're running a sharpening service, the lower duty rating
won't make any difference.
- Wheel Size — The T-8 Sharpener uses a 10" wheel. The T-4 Sharpener
uses an 8" wheel. The smaller wheel will put a slightly more pronounced hollow grind on the tool's edge.
- Square Edge Jig — The T-8 Sharpener comes with the SE-77 Square Edge Jig.
The T-4 Sharpener does not come with a square edge jig.The Square Edge Jig is used for sharpening plane irons and chisels and is very important for woodworkers.
If you buy a T-4 for woodworking, you will need to purchase the Square Edge Jig separately.
See the specification chart below to compare details about the differences between the models. If you still have questions after reading
through our guide, please call or email. Our expert staff will
be happy to help.
Sharpener
Specifications |
 |
 |
| TORMEK T-8 |
TORMEK T-4 |
| Housing
| Cast zinc top & frame
Sides in ABS plastic |
Cast zinc top
& ABS plastic |
| Grindstone
| 250mm × 50mm
(10" × 2") |
200mm × 40mm
(8" × 1-5/8") |
| Leather Honing Wheel
| 220mm × 31mm
(8-5/8" × 1-7/32") |
145mm × 26mm
(5" × 1") |
| Scale for stone diameter
| Yes |
Yes |
| Drive wheel
| Zinc |
Plastic |
| Main shaft in stainless steel
| Yes |
Yes |
| Stone locking
| Stainless Steel
EzyLock |
Composite
EzyLock |
| Water trough
| With screw lift, magnet,
water chute & scrape |
Standard |
| Carrying handle
| Yes |
Yes |
Quick coupling for
the honing wheel
| Yes |
No |
Hone with the Square Edge Jig
on the leather wheel?
| Yes |
No |
| Motor – 115v, 60 Hz
| 200 W (input) |
120 W (input) |
| Motor duty
| Continuous |
30 min/hour |
| Running speed
| 100 RPM |
120 RPM |
Width
Depth
Height
| 270mm (10 5/8")
270mm (10 5/8")
330mm (12") |
230mm (9 1/16")
200mm (7 7/8")
260mm (10 1/4") |
| Weight
| 14.8 kg(32.6 lbs) |
8.0 kg(17.6 lbs) |
Includes
Square Edge Jig
AngleMaster WM-200
Honing Compound PA-70
Leather Wheel Oil
Handbook
Tormek DVD
Truing Tool TT-50
Stone Grader SP-650
Accessory tray for storage
|
SE-77
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes |
None
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No |
Optional Grindstones
Blackstone Silicon
Japanese Waterstone
|
Yes
Yes |
No
Yes |
| Warranty
| 7 years |
7 years |
| Metric specifications are binding. Imperial measurements are approximate. |