Thread: Water Stones

The instructions on my 800 & 1200 said to keep them in water, and for the 6000, to remove from the water after use. I've kept them all in the water for years now - no apparent problems.

Mine usually end up drying out because I forget to put them back in the water, but it's not a problem, just stick them back in water next time you need them and they'll be ready in a minute. I don't think it makes any difference to the stones if they're stored dry or wet, it's just a bit more convenient if they're already wet.

As Alex said - a stone pond is useful - else good old 'tupperware'!

Cheers!

Alex - I'm not chasing you

The venerable Alex also omitted to mention the splash of bleach (or in my case a chip off those pool chlorine tablets) to keep the water clean.

He well knows this cause he told me.

46150,
I hate to sound cheap, but I cut the funnel section off the top of a 4 litre apple juice container, filled it with water and put my stone in. It sits on top of the work bench for when I need it. The other thing I have is one of those cheap trigger spray bottles to spray some water onto the stone whilst I am using it - best to keep it wet.
Anthony

Thanks for all the tips.The bleach idea solves my next question,Thanks again........AL

The only time that they need to be out of water is if there is a danger of it freezing, which may destroy the stone.

Originally Posted by Bodgy

The venerable Alex also omitted to mention the splash of bleach (or in my case a chip off those pool chlorine tablets) to keep the water clean.

He well knows this cause he told me.

So someone WAS listening.

Originally Posted by TassieKiwi

The only time that they need to be out of water is if there is a danger of it freezing, which may destroy the stone.

Which would happen a lot in South Australia.

I no longer use my LV Stone Pond to wet store waterstones. It does not have a water-tight lid and the water will evaporate. So I now use a large Tupperware-type container that seals well. Large enough for 300, 800 and 1200 King stones. Half fill with water and a splash of bleach. The 8000 King is stored in the dry Stone Pond.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Not all waterstones should be kept in water. In general, coarse and medium grit synthetic stones can be left in water, but not finish stones, Debado stones, Shapton stones, or natural stones. Here is an informative site on the care of waterstones.
http://japanwoodworker.com/page.asp?content_id=2663
and the one on natural stone preparation:
http://japanwoodworker.com/page.asp?content_id=2817
Hope this helps answer your question.
Don

Originally Posted by Wooden Luddite

46150,
I hate to sound cheap, but ...... The other thing I have is one of those cheap trigger spray bottles to spray some water onto the stone whilst I am using it - best to keep it wet.
Anthony

Anthony,

Rather than a spray bottle, you can pierce a hole in the top of an old 1.25L softdrink bottle. A squeeze and a controlled stream of water can be directed on your stones - I'm cheaper.

Those bottles are 99c!

Or free when your missus empties one of those spray and wipe type cleaners...

And if you get one that's had bleach in it, you wont need to add bleach to your water. There's no skate like a cheap skate