Thread: 2 new nat stones

Hello Stewie.
I do not know anything about those stones other than they are used to 'sharpen things'.
I am interested th know why do you coat the sides with shellac? And why glue to a glass plate?
Glueing to the glass is for ease of handling and security when in use?
Thanks
Lyle.

Lyle; Natural Water Stones are sealed to prevent water from soaking into the sides and getting trapped within in the stone. Water is invasive and it can turn hard rock into mush if it's left unattended. It can also cause seams and fissures to swell and split. Gluing the Natural Water Stones to a glass base provides a permanent stable base, that's not effected over time from being soaked in water. A wooden base is much more susceptible to water damage.

Japanese Natural stones as an example, are generally sealed using Cashew Lacquer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKeRRZcXNIs

The upside with using Shellac is that you can re coated after 1-2 min, Cashew Lacquer takes a great deal longer to dry.

Hopefully that answers your questions.

Stewie;

Stewie,

What types of sharpening stones or media do you prefer? Why? I've never really don't put much thought into this area and use diamond plates, a water stone, several silicon carbide oil stones and a few Arkansas stones. I've read about different sharpening stones and devices but haven't needed anything beyond what I have.

Thanks,
Rob

L-R Norton Crystolon Oilstone (medium grit); Water Stones - Aoto Nakato (2000-3000 grit); MST Muller (8000 grit); Chinese Guangxi (12000 grit).


40 degree bed / 1 degree skew; Smoothing Plane.


Working reverse grain.

Stewie;