I finally got a nice set of sharpening equipment, including 2 double-grit sharpening stones and several jigs from Lee Valley.
After I figured out how to use them I drained the water out of the plastic bin, put the stones back in the wooden boxes they came in, and put everything back in the same plastic box with a lid on top.
A month or two later I opened it and to my horror discovered that the wooden boxes were completely covered with a thick layer of mold, and every steel part of the lee valley jigs was rusted.
I cleaned everything up as well as I could, and to avoid this problem in the future I decided to store the stones (Pride Abrasive Ceramic Water Stone) submerged in water in the same plastic bin, and keep everything else outside of that bin.
But now I wonder if mold will still grow in there. I figure even without wood, there might be enough organic material there to sustain it.
I could add a bit of chlorine bleach to that water, that should keep everything dead. But I wanted to ask here if the chlorine might cause any problems with the sharpening stones or the jigs or the steel?
Replies
The Lee Valley website says:
"As these stones are relatively porous, they require a thorough soaking before use."
I think what Lee Valley is trying to say is you should store the stones dry. That is - allow them to dry completely before putting them away.
I used KING waterstones for years and they were exactly the same. I dried them before storage and soaked them for 15 minutes prior to use.
For years I used an old dish strainer as a drying rack with my waterstones lined up like dinner plates. It would take 12 to 24 hours before they were dry enough to put away.
Also note that some man-made waterstones can be damaged by long submersion. They become too soft. I don't know if the Lee Valley stones are this type or not.
Mike
Do you know what problem is prevented by drying them before storage?
Drying them before storage will prevent mold and, if they are in proximity to metal, will prevent rust.
Mike
You kept the metal sharpening jigs underwater for two months?
The jigs shouldn't be stored underwater, and certainly not in chlorinated water.
May I recommend oilstones or abrasives on glass? With the latter you can easily find abrasive films as fine or finer than the finest water stone. You can also buy loose abrasives meant to polish precision optical lenses and these are finer than any honing stone or paper by orders of magnitude.
I personally wouldn't do waterstones without a sink and running water in the shop, and likely not even then. The chance that I'd be willing to schlep clean water into the shop on anything that looks like a regular basis is remote, ditto storing water in containers for the same reason.
Over time, woodworking often has several inflection points where it makes sense to cut your losses and move on to another solution or change the tack you're on. This may be one of them.
I've used every system, and experienced all the things that those above have mentioned, including moldy stones.
About 15 years ago I switched to diamond stones and have never looked back. I have an ultrafine ceramic, dry, as a finishing stone, and sometimes strip.
No more water, slurry, oil, or any of that.
It's what works best for me.
I'm with John_C2 on this one... I actually have gotten it to one diamond stone (300/1000 two sided) and a ceramic stone (16k) to finish. I use a little window cleaner as my lubricant on both. Thinking of buying a little of the brand name lube, but honestly, I'm perfectly happy with window cleaner.
I've used oil stones, sandpaper, some water stones, etc. The current set up of two stones has been the simplest, easiest and most efficient method I've tried yet. No real mess, and quick. No need for a tub of water, either!
Another diamond stone fan here. I don't know that I even have a typical stone in the shop anymore. If I do I have long forgotten where it is. I do run a wider range of grits than mentioned but, that probably morphed into being due to various metals and irons that need attention.
To your original concern, any objects along with moisture enclosed and tucked away where it's nice and dark will breed ill for things not designed to live underwater. I would clean up as best you can and leave the box open to the air and leave it where the air is moving a bit.
TMK most higher grit stones are not recommended kept in water.
I don’t keep any of my water stones under 4000k submerged
But to answer your question yes you can add a little bleach to a stone pond. At least I’ve never had it hurt any stone I use.
I use both diamond and water, at the higher grits I feel the water stones are faster, but like all things sharpening whatever works for you.
For tools, go Diamond and finish on water stone. You can buy a good 400/1000 grit Diamond plate for $30 that will last years if not a lifetime. Finish on 8-16k stone and Chrome Oxide or any good metal polish on a piece of wood.
You do not need to store waterstones in water, a quick soak is all you need, Add water to the stone as needed with a squirt bottle, hone over a plastic food tray to contain the water and mess.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled