Thread: Shapton ceramic stones help

I drop everything in a bucket and let them soak for 5 or 10 min before I use them. Or if you tip water on it and it instantly soaks in and disappears then yes it needs a swim.

I just spray my Shaptons with a bit of water before and during use.

Shaptons (and other brand ceramic stones) don't need to be kept underwater.

Just give 'em a squirt of water before use. Apparently they work better with liberal amounts of water on the surface - this prevents the ceramic material developing a glaze due to embedding of removed metal particles.

You got a 16000 grit Shapton ?? Isn't that the really expensive one????

I'd be interested to hear if you think it makes a difference to the edge obtained.

Use the Shaptons with a squirt of water when used. No soaking needed. Add a little soft soap to the water bottle. This will prevent "stiction" and lubricate the stone. Works wonderfully.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Thanks for all the replies. The 30000 is the stupidly expensive one - about $300 - the 12000 is the same price as the rest. Probably won't make much diff over the 6000 but i just got it cos i can

Gave one of my Jap chisels a quick polish on the 12000 and, believe it or not, I did notice a difference. Not sure if it's much sharper, but definitely a smoother edge, can't feel ANYTHING when running a finger lightly over it - a 6000 polished edge was still very slightly serrated to touch. It also has a serious mirror finish now

I have a king 10000 and a Jap natural stone that is about 12k, as you said, mirror finish and dangerously sharp, the slightest brush against the blade and you have blood. This level of sharpness soon spoils you too. Unless my tools are razor sharp now I.m not happy. As Derek said a little soap in the water keeps the crap out of them and it also breaks the water tension. I have a plastic jug, a drop or two of dishwashing liquid and I drop them in untill I loose all bubbles. Similar to above the 10000 doesn't realy need it, you only have to spit on it but the coarser stones realy suck it up and it gives them a chance to give up any rubbish.

Originally Posted by elanjacobs

Gave one of my Jap chisels a quick polish on the 12000 and, believe it or not, I did notice a difference. Not sure if it's much sharper, but definitely a smoother edge, can't feel ANYTHING when running a finger lightly over it - a 6000 polished edge was still very slightly serrated to touch. It also has a serious mirror finish now

Smoother = sharper = more durable edge

Regards from Perth

Derek

Originally Posted by Claw Hama

. As Derek said a little soap in the water keeps the crap out of them and it also breaks the water tension. I have a plastic jug, a drop or two of dishwashing liquid and I drop them in untill I loose all bubbles. Similar to above the 10000 doesn't realy need it, you only have to spit on it but the coarser stones realy suck it up and it gives them a chance to give up any rubbish.

And you can run them through the dishwasher if they do get gummed up (although it may not be wise to announce that you're doing it)