TORMEK DIAMOND WHEELS

Tormek Diamond Wheels make sharpening cleaner, quicker, easier and accurate.
TORMEK DIAMOND WHEELS
EXPLAINED
Tormek are happy to offer diamond wheels to our users in three different
grades; coarse, fine and extra fine. Diamond is the world’s hardest material
and functions optimally with our machine’s low wheel rotation speed.
With Tormek’s Diamond Wheels, you can sharpen all types of material, incl. steel, HSS,
ceramics and carbide.

DC-250 Diamond Wheel Coarse
The coarse grinding wheel for efficient grinding.
Rapidly repairs a dull or damaged edge. Grit
360.
DF-250 Diamond Wheel Fine
The ultimate all round wheel combining efficient
steel removal with smooth surface finish. Grit
600.
DE-250 Diamond Wheel Extra Fine
Leaves an extra fine finish and is especially
suitable for sharpening carving tools and knives
when the need for steel removal is minimal. Grit
1200.

Remember diamond wheels need only light pressure, don’t push too hard.
THE DIAMOND WHEEL’S STRUCTURE
Tormek’s Diamond Wheels are constructed with a precision machined steel frame. The frame is coated with
a single layer of diamond grit that is electrolytically anchored with nickel. The Tormek Diamond Wheels also
have a layer of diamond on the side, which enables side sharpening with the Multi Base MB-100 for a fully flat
sharpening surface.

Anti-Corrosion Concentrate ACC-150 for preventing rust

When the diamond layer is touched by the swarf from your tool, pores will be created in
the nickel coating, exposing the steel core. Therefore, always use the ACC-150 Anti-
Corrosion Concentrate in the water when sharpening with water to prevent rust on the
grinding wheel. Add 10 ml of concentrate to 250 ml water (~4%).
We recommend to always use water when sharpening with Tormek’s Diamond Wheels,
as water cooled sharpening prolongs the life of the wheel and provides a finer surface.
Use a lower sharpening pressure
New diamond wheels are sensitive to high pressure since the grits are very sharp, therefore, sharpen with a very low pressure
in the beginning. At first usage, the diamond surface will seem aggressive, so you should expect to feel and hear that some
diamond grits stand out and gives a coarser surface. After a short break-in period, the diamond crystals will stabilise to a
uniform level to give a finer surface. When sharpening with diamond, always use a lower sharpening pressure than when you
sharpen with grindstones. If you are unsure, begin with a lower sharpening pressure and gradually increase.

DIAMOND AND CBN – WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

Synthetic diamond is ideal for tool grinding and is used in the manufacturing of whetstones when highest
performance is prioritised. The diamond grits are harder and maintain the cutting properties better compared to
CBN, which means that sharpening with diamond is faster.
HSS 800
CBN, or Cubic Boron Nitride, is classified as the world’s
second hardest material according to the Knoop scale. Carbide 1600

The diagram shows different types of material and their Corundum 2200
hardness according to the Knoop scale.
Silicon carbide 2700
CBN is better suited when sharpening with a traditional
bench grinder. The high speed generates heat, which Tungsten carbide 2800
would break down the diamond grits. With the Tormek
method, where you sharpen at a low speed (90-100 rpm), Titanium carbide 3200

we can offer the possibility to sharpen with the world’s CBN 4500
hardest material, diamond.
Diamond 8800

Knoop hardness 0 2000 4000 6000 8000

Knoop hardness
Thermal performance of Diamond and CBN Knoop hardness: A scale
of hardness based on the
indentation made in the material
The diagram shows how the diamond’s hardness Diamond 8800 to be tested by a diamond point.
decreases at high temperature.

Sharpening with a low rotating speed is always beneficial. CBN 4500

No heat is generated and there is no risk of overheating
your tools.

700 ºC Temperature

Tormek Diamond Wheels make sharpening cleaner, quicker, easier and accurate.
LIFE SPAN - WHICH FACTORS IMPACT?

The life span of a diamond wheel is affected by several external factors,

e.g. how often you sharpen, sharpening pressure and if you shape your
tools often. This means that we cannot give our diamond wheels an
exact life span, but we know several professionals who have used our
diamond wheels in their workshop for over a year, without noticeable wear.
Compared to CBN, diamond wheels have a longer life span. This is because
diamond is clearly harder and resistant to abrasion for much longer.

How you maintain your Tormek Diamond Wheel also affects the life span. We
recommend to always sharpen with water, since it prolongs the life of the diamond
wheel. When sharpening with water, always use ACC-150 Anti-Corrosion
Concentrate to prevent rust on your grinding wheel. Add 10 ml of concentrate to
250 ml water (~4 %). If you want to save the mix overnight, remember to lower
the water trough to prevent discoloration on the diamond wheel. As long as there
is water in the water trough, the concentrate retains its characteristics. Please
note that ACC-150 does not contain any fungicide, so be aware that no biological
particles are left in the water trough if you want to save your mix. It is also good to
let the diamond wheel drain after use.
“It achieves an incredible edge in seconds. I recommend using it with water and
their anti-corrosion additive, this helps keep the wheel clean and prevent magnetic
filings sticking to the tool edge. The wheels stay flat with no dressing and are a
dream to use. I have been using the 600 grit for over one and a half years with
superb results and was keen to try the 1200 grit. If you have to reshape your
tools then an additional purchase of the coarse wheel would be a good idea. It is
quite effective at material removal.”
Glenn Lucas March 2018
glennlucaswoodturning.com

DIAMOND WHEEL VS GRINDSTONE

If you are new to sharpening, we recommend that you start by using the Tormek Original
Grindstone.

One big advantage is that you can easily change the grit size with the Stone Grader SP-650. From
220 grit to the equivalent of 1000 grit, where the first one will cut more aggressively and the latter will
give a finer finish.
Grindstones and diamond wheels both have their strong advantages. The diamond ‘s
characteristics provide a high and constant abrasive power and a wheel that always has a
full-size diameter which remains flat. It can be of great use if you often sharpen the same tool, as
it simplifies both the setting and grinding. Our Diamond Wheels also have a diamond layer on the
outside, which allows for a completely flat grinding surface with the Multi Base MB-100.
We also offer Tormek Blackstone Silicon 220 grit, especially
developed to shape and sharpen HSS and other exotic alloyed steels.
For those who appreciate a true mirror finish, we have the Tormek
Japanese Waterstone with 4000 grit. Please note that you shouldn’t
sharpen on the side of our grindstones, as they cannot be trued flat again.
You can alternate between sharpening with a grindstone and a diamond wheel on the same
machine. The particles from the grinding wheels sink to the bottom due to their weight, which
means you cannot damage your diamond wheel if there are stone particles in the water trough
and vice versa.

No need for the Stone Grader or Diamond truing Tool with Tormek Diamond Wheels.
WHICH GRINDING WHEEL SHOULD I CHOOSE?

Before you decide which grinding wheel to choose, start thinking about your future sharpening needs. Will you
sharpen a range of tools with different angles? Do you want several features in one grinding wheel? Are you
looking for the finest surface finish? Your needs will guide your choice.

SG-250 Original Grindstone (220–1000 grit) code: 910079

For sharpening of all types of edge tools. Developed to combine efficient steel removal,
smooth surface finish and long life. Is always recommended for beginners, as you get a
flexible stone with two cutting features.

SB-250 Blackstone Silicon (220–1000 grit) code: 702803

Developed for shaping and sharpening HSS and other exotic alloyed steels. Delivers fast
steel removal.

SJ-250 Japanese Waterstone (4000 grit) code: 702802

Provides excellent surface finish where a minimum of steel removal is needed. You will get a
mirror finish. Especially suited for carving tools and knives.

DC-250 Diamond Wheel Coarse (360 grit) code: 104773

Rapidly repairs a dull or damaged edge. The diamond layer on the outside allows for a
completely flat grinding surface when used in conjunction with the Multi Base MB-100.

DF-250 Diamond Wheel Fine (600 grit) code: 104771

Provides a fine surface finish on all types of edge tools. Combines efficient steel removal
with smooth surface finish. The diamond layer on the outside allows for a completely flat
grinding surface when used in conjunction with the Multi Base MB-100.

DE-250 Diamond Wheel Extra Fine (1200 grit) code: 104770

Provides an extra fine surface finish. Ideal for sharpening knives and carving tools, where
a minimum of steel removal is needed. The diamond layer on the outside allows for a
completely flat grinding surface when used in conjunction with the Multi Base MB-100.

Tormek Diamond Wheels make sharpening cleaner, quicker, easier and accurate.
SUMMARY
Diamond is the world’s hardest material – twice as
hard as CBN and therefore ideal for sharpening.
CBN is commonly used when sharpening with a
high rotation speed, as diamond would be broken
down by the high temperature.
Thanks to Tormek’s low rotation speed, diamond
wheels can be used for grinding steel.
Water cooled sharpening is always recommended
by Tormek. It prolongs the diamond wheel’s life
span and gives a finer finish.
Use the additive for clean results, use less water and lower the trough after use.
Use less water in the water trough when
sharpening with diamond compared to when
sharpening with grindstones.
Always use ACC-150 Anti-Corrosion Concentrate
to prevent rust when wet sharpening with a Tormek
Diamond Wheel.
Lower the water trough when you finish to let the
diamond wheel drain.
Look to your own needs when deciding which
grinding wheel to choose.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Aren’t diamond and CBN the same thing? Why does it splash so much water when I sharpen with
a diamond wheel?
No, they are two different materials. Diamond is the world’s
hardest material and CBN the second hardest. Their Diamond wheels do not absorb any water, unlike our
structure resembles of each other, but diamond cannot be grindstones. It is therefore recommended to use less water in
used at too high temperatures as the diamond grits will be the water trough when sharpening with the Tormek Diamond
broken down. Thanks to the low rotation speed on Tormek’s Wheels.
machines, diamond is the optimal choice.
How should I maintain a diamond wheel?
Do I have to use water when sharpening with Tormek’s
Always lower the water trough in between sharpenings to
Diamond Wheels?
prevent discolouring. Remember to always use a lower
You can sharpen dry as well, but we always recommend sharpening pressure than you do when sharpening with a
using water. It prolongs the wheel’s life span and provides grindstone.If you are unsure, begin with a lower sharpening
a finer surface. Remember to use ACC-150 Anti-Corrosion pressure and gradually increase.
Concentrate when sharpening with water.
Are diamond wheels better than grindstones?
To decide which grinding wheel is the best for you, you have
to look at your particular needs. Read more on our diamond
wheels and grindstones and find the right grinding wheel for
you.
My new diamond wheel sharpens very aggressively, is
this normal?
Yes. At first usage, you should expect to feel and hear that
some diamond grits stand out, which makes the wheel
more aggressive. After a short break-in period, the diamond
crystals will stabilize to a uniform level.
Does the Diamond Wheel Extra Fine provide a finer
surface compared to the Japanese Waterstone?
These grinding wheels have 1200 and 4000 grits
respectively. You will achieve a fine result, no matter which
grinding wheel you choose, but the Japanese Waterstone
gives a higher finish.
Which machines are the Tormek Diamond Wheels
compatible with?
Our diamond wheels are currently available for Tormek
machines with a 250 mm grinding wheel, for example Tormek
T-8, Tormek T-7 and Tormek 2000. Please note that we
cannot guarantee any results if you use our grinding wheels
on a machine produced by another manufacture.
I have been using my Tormek Diamond Wheel for a
while and don’t think it is as aggressive now as it used
to be, is this normal?
Yes, after a short break-in period, the diamond wheel will
achieve its designed characteristics. When your diamond
wheel is new, some diamond grits stand out, which makes
the wheel more aggressive.

Tormek Diamond Wheels make sharpening cleaner, quicker, easier and accurate.
 To find out more ask your Tormek dealer,
to find your nearest go to brimarc.com/tormek.

To order or if you require further information call 03332 406 967,

email email@brimarc.com or speak to your Account Manager