Flattening Oil Stones?

[OPJ]

Hi guys.

Given that my sharpening tasks contain nothing more challenging that the straight edge of a plane blade of bevelled-edge chisel, I'm happy enough using oil stones to sharpen up my tools. It's also the method I've been taught at college.

Trouble is, I only tend to buy very cheap stones - which I find do a job which is 'good enough' for the tasks I undertake (mainly involving softwoods anyway). However, on receipt of these stones (the double-sided ones) I find that each face is concaved, quite notabley.

What are your suggestions for flattening these stones before use?

Thanks again for your help.

 

[lugo35]

i would buy a good quality norton stone first off. you will not need to keep buying new stones will last for years

 

[garywayne]

Hi Olly.

I used to use oil stones. The way I flattened them was sand and water on a flag stone. (Flat flag stone).

Hope this is of some help.

 

[David C]

Silicon carbide grit, or aluminium oxide grit, or even valve grinding paste on scrap glass.

David C

 

[Anonymous]

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[Anonymous]

Do they need flattening?

Here we go again, how longs this thread going to run for?

My moneys on at least 3 pages.

 

[Anonymous]

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[David C]

Of course they need flattening if the hollow becomes pronounced. Not only do they need flattening but the old fashioned recipe of silver sand on a York paving stone suggests that a careful craftsman did this from time to time

Over hollow stones do irrepairable damage to the backs of chisels and plane blades, a point welll worth bearing in mind when buying old tools.

The dung really hits the fan if you allow a stone to get over hollow and then buy a new flat one.

I shall not on any account contribute further to this heresy!

David Charlesworth