Introduction
The Tormek T-8 Drill Bit Sharpener Kit is a comprehensive water-cooled sharpening system designed for precision sharpening of various edge tools, with a specialized focus on drill bits. This kit combines the robust Tormek T-8 Original machine with the highly accurate DBS-22 Drill Bit Sharpening Attachment, ensuring optimal sharpness and extended tool life. The water-cooled system prevents overheating of the steel, preserving the integrity of your tools.

Figure 1: The Tormek T-8 Drill Bit Sharpener Kit, showcasing the main unit and all included attachments and accessories.
Safety Information
- Always read and understand the entire manual before operating the sharpener.
- Ensure the machine is placed on a stable, level surface.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, during operation.
- Keep hands and fingers clear of the grinding wheel and honing wheel during operation.
- Do not operate the machine in wet conditions or expose it to rain.
- This machine operates at 115 volts and is designed for use exclusively in North America. Connecting it to a 220-240V power supply will cause severe damage to the motor and machine, and will void the warranty.
- Unplug the machine from the power outlet before performing any maintenance, adjustments, or when not in use.
- Keep children and unauthorized persons away from the sharpening area.
Package Contents
Your Tormek T-8 Drill Bit Sharpener Kit includes the following components:
- Tormek T-8 Original Water-Cooled Sharpening System
- DBS-22 Drill Bit Sharpening Attachment
- SE-77 Square Edge Jig
- PA-70 Honing Compound
- TT-50 Truing Tool
- WM-200 AngleMaster
- SP-650 Stone Grader
- Tormek Handbook (HB-10)
- Edge Marker (EM-15)
Product Overview
Familiarize yourself with the main components of the Tormek T-8 system.

Figure 2: Front view of the Tormek T-8, showing the grinding wheel, honing wheel, and AngleMaster.
- Grinding Wheel: The primary abrasive surface for shaping and sharpening.
- Honing Wheel: Used for deburring and polishing the edge to a razor sharpness.
- Water Trough: Holds water to cool the grinding wheel and prevent overheating of the tool.
- Universal Support: A sturdy bar where jigs are mounted, allowing precise control over the sharpening angle.
- AngleMaster (WM-200): An adjustable tool for setting and verifying the sharpening angle.
- DBS-22 Drill Bit Sharpening Attachment: Specifically designed jig for sharpening drill bits from 3 mm to 22 mm.

Figure 3: The DBS-22 Drill Bit Sharpening Attachment, showing its adjustable clamps and angle settings.
Setup
- Unpacking: Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Retain packaging for future storage or transport.
- Placement: Place the Tormek T-8 machine on a stable, flat, and dry surface. Ensure there is adequate space around the machine for safe operation.
- Fill Water Trough: Fill the water trough with clean water up to the marked level. The grinding wheel should be partially submerged.
- Install Universal Support: Insert the universal support bar into the desired holes on the machine. Ensure it is securely fastened. The position of the universal support depends on the jig and tool being sharpened.
- Power Connection: Connect the power cord to a grounded 115V AC outlet. Do not connect to 220-240V.
Operating Instructions
General Sharpening Principles
- Always use the water trough during grinding to keep the stone cool and prevent overheating of the tool.
- Use light pressure when sharpening. Let the grinding wheel do the work.
- Regularly grade the stone with the SP-650 Stone Grader to maintain its cutting properties.
- After grinding, always hone the edge on the leather honing wheel with PA-70 Honing Compound to remove the burr and achieve a polished, sharp edge.
Sharpening Drill Bits with DBS-22
The DBS-22 attachment allows for precise sharpening of drill bits with optimal point and relief angles.
- Mount the DBS-22: Attach the DBS-22 Drill Bit Sharpening Attachment to the universal support.
- Insert Drill Bit: Insert the drill bit into the jig and secure it firmly.
- Set Point Angle: Use the AngleMaster (WM-200) to set the desired point angle (e.g., 118° or 130° for general purpose drilling). Adjust the universal support or the jig itself to achieve this angle.
- Grind Primary Bevel: Start the machine. Gently bring the drill bit into contact with the grinding wheel, oscillating it slightly to ensure even grinding. Grind one flute, then rotate the drill bit 180 degrees and grind the other flute.
- Set Relief Angle: Adjust the jig to set the relief angle. This creates clearance behind the cutting edge.
- Grind Relief: Grind the relief on both flutes.
- Hone: Apply PA-70 Honing Compound to the leather honing wheel. Gently hone both flutes of the drill bit to remove any burr and polish the edge.

Figure 4: The Tormek T-8 in operation with the DBS-22 attachment, demonstrating how a drill bit is positioned for sharpening.
Using Other Jigs and Accessories
- SE-77 Square Edge Jig: Ideal for chisels and plane irons. Mount the tool in the jig, set the angle with the WM-200, and sharpen.
- TT-50 Truing Tool: Used to true and dress the grinding wheel, ensuring it remains perfectly round and flat for consistent sharpening results.
- SP-650 Stone Grader: Changes the grit surface of the grinding wheel from coarse to fine and vice versa, allowing for both rapid material removal and fine finishing.
- WM-200 AngleMaster: Essential for accurately setting and checking the sharpening angle for all tools.
- PA-70 Honing Compound: Applied to the leather honing wheel to polish the edge and remove the burr after grinding.
Maintenance
- Cleaning: After each use, empty and clean the water trough to prevent algae growth and sediment buildup. Wipe down the machine to remove any grinding residue.
- Grinding Wheel Care: Regularly true the grinding wheel with the TT-50 Truing Tool to maintain its shape and ensure a flat, even sharpening surface. Use the SP-650 Stone Grader to adjust the stone's grit as needed.
- Honing Wheel Care: Keep the leather honing wheel clean. Reapply PA-70 Honing Compound as needed to maintain its effectiveness.
- Storage: Store the machine and accessories in a dry, dust-free environment.

Figure 5: The removable water trough of the Tormek T-8, designed for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Machine does not start. | No power, faulty switch, motor issue. | Check power connection. Ensure switch is ON. If problem persists, contact support. |
| Grinding wheel not cutting effectively. | Stone surface glazed or clogged, incorrect grit. | Use SP-650 Stone Grader to refresh the surface or change grit. True the wheel with TT-50. |
| Tool edge is not sharp after honing. | Burr not fully removed, insufficient honing compound. | Ensure burr is formed during grinding. Reapply PA-70 Honing Compound and hone thoroughly. |
| Excessive vibration or noise. | Unbalanced grinding wheel, loose components. | True the grinding wheel with TT-50. Check all fasteners for tightness. |
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | TBD806 |
| Manufacturer | TORMEK |
| Voltage | 115 Volts AC |
| Power Source | AC |
| Material | Zinc |
| Package Dimensions | 16 x 16 x 16 inches |
| Drill Bit Capacity (DBS-22) | 3-22 mm |
Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or replacement parts, please refer to the official Tormek website or contact Tormek customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Important Note: This product is designed for 115V operation in North America. Use with 220-240V power will void the warranty and damage the unit.





