DMT aligner not consistent ...

awestib

awestib

Joined
Dec 29, 2008
Messages
1,647
Hi:
I just got the DMT aligner with the Diafolds and started sharpening the knives. The angle adjustment is a bit cheap I find and it would be nice if it was made of metal (as the Gatco system is).

Anyway, already with clamping in the very first knife I noticed a problem with the correct angle. The angle changes every time a bit, although you use the same "holes" for the rod. That is because the aligner bends quite a bit depending how tight you clamp the knife in. The tighter you screw, the more obtuse the angle gets. That's is because the clamp is not rigid enough ad bends outwards.

Not sure if this is really a practical concern or rather a theoretical one since most will check the correct angle with marker etc. anyway but I can see a problem here!
Just started using the aligner so any such experience from you guys?

Thanks!
 
Just a thought. Too much pressure is no good for anything. Let the weight of the Diafolds do the work. Only clamp tight enough to hold the blade in place. If you use pressure on the blade when using the Diafolds the blade will have to be held tighter in the clamp.
Sometimes less is more. Good Luck
 
To be more specific, yes the clamp will bend slightly but it will not be enough to effect sharpening to the point of not getting a sharp edge. I wish it had metal adjustment arms too.


Setting the clamp the right way is something you will need to play with. It helps if you put a little masking tape on the blade first then set the clamp over that. Next place the clamp loose on the blade and with your fingers pinch the clamp to the blade. Set the metal screw snug then back off 1/4 turn. Tighten plastic screw fully and begin sharpening. Make sure to check that the clamp does not move first, if it does you didn't adjust right.
 
I use my Lansky clamp with my DMT rod/stone combos on the smaller blades. I like metal too!
 
Even the metal clamps (Lansky, GATCO) aren't immune to over-tightening. Overdoing it with the screws on those can gradually strip the threading in the clamp (it's metal, but SOFT metal) or, in the case of the rearward screw, the screw will burrow into the metal.

As others have pointed out, make sure the clamp is mounted correctly & fully flush with the blade's sides. Use some tape for 'grip' if need be. And by all means, use LIGHT pressure with the hones. But there's no need to over-tighten the screws.
 
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