Water stones

[Chris B]

Had great results from my last post regarding my band saw, could anybody advise me on what water stone to get I am thinking maybe 3000 and 8000 where is the cheapest place to buy them from


Thanks


Chris

 

[Ed Bray]

I bought a 3000/8000 twin waterstone from ebay, it works well, but I only use it after going through some of my diamond stones depending on how much work needs doing, I have 180, 300/600, 1000/1200 (3" x 8" diamond stones) and the twin diamond stones are by Ultex and from ITS and at a really good price.

Just be aware, you will need a diamond stone large enough to flatten the waterstone after use as it will otherwise soon become dished and less useful.

 

[Peter Sefton]

Or flatten them on Scary sharp on glass

 

[Phil Pascoe]

On the very rare occasion I've thought to flatten a waterstone I've done it easily on a concrete coping stone on the garden wall. If you are careful using them you don't need to flatten them often. Jacob will be along soon to tell you all you need is a double sided oil stone, anyway.

 

[Ed Bray]

Or flatten them on Scary sharp on glass

Didn't think of that, good call if you haven't got the cash for a diamond stone, it would also depend on how often you are using the waterstone.

 

[Jacob]

...
Just be aware, you will need a diamond stone large enough to flatten the waterstone after use as it will otherwise soon become dished and less useful.

But if you have a diamond stone you might as well use that for sharpening instead of wasting it on a water-stone (which is no good anyway as you have to keep flattening them apparently). Modern sharpening is completely insane but generates a lot of mild amusement at Fort Grimsdale.

 

[matthewwh]

The same can be said for glass and lapping film too.

A lot depends on how you hone (guided or freehand), where you work (workshop based or moving about), the scale and standard of work you are doing, there are a lot of questions to ask yourself before investing in sharpening kit. We sell oil, water, diamond, scary, compound etc, if you want any pointers or to confirm your reasoning, just give me a shout.

eBay is a pretty good bet for cheap waterstones, I'd stick to known brands though, some of the really cheap ones have all the abrasive qualities of a well buttered ham sandwich.

 

[Ed Bray]

some of the really cheap ones have all the abrasive qualities of a well buttered ham sandwich.

Does it matter what type of bread and butter you use?

 

[DiscoStu]

As far as I can tell sharpening all appears to be a bit of vodo and black magic. Nobody seems to have a definitive answer. You got whetstone wheels, sharpening stones, leather wheels, bits of glass with liquid on it, bits of film etc etc I'll be honest I bought a £50 Clarke whetstone and grinder and I can get things sharp on it, but that's it. I don't have all the angle jigs or leather stropping stuff. I was debating about getting the Triton or Scheppach sharpening system as they have all the jigs that is need and a leather honing wheel. But I don't really know the best option for sharpening.

 

[Chris B]

Thanks every one what are your thoughts on double sided stones or a stone for each application

 

[Jacob]

Thanks every one what are your thoughts on double sided stones or a stone for each application

If you are new to sharpening I'd recommend a double sided oil stone as all you'll need for a few years. You could add a power grinder - ideally a belt sander or linisher (wheel bench grinders are cheap but not good).

 

[SurreyHills]

Double sided stones are good, I have a 1,000/6,000. But they can be quite narrow which can makes sharpening some plane blades a faff as the blade is wider than the stone.


Cheers
Andy

 

[Jacob]

Double sided stones are good, I have a 1,000/6,000. But they can be quite narrow which can makes sharpening some plane blades a faff as the blade is wider than the stone.


Cheers
Andy

Oh yes blow me down I'd never noticed! I don't know how I manage it (nor the other millions of sharpeners who use narrow stones) it's a mystery. :lol:

 

[matthewwh]

[-X Lowest form of wit Mr B..!

Narrow stones can be useful, particularly for chisels where you can hang the cutting edge out over the far side to avoid convexity in the back.

The reason we only sell broader waterstones is that you can easily and cheaply compensate for the one benefit of a narrow stone with a narrow strip of lapping film stuck to glass, giving you the best of both worlds and a system that will last longer and you will enjoy using.

The narrow ones appeal to busy people who are looking for something that says waterstone with the smallest possible number next to it, and therefore also to most retailers, which leaves us and the thinking customers in peace.