Replies

1. 
   derekcohen | Dec 10, 2006 03:35pm | #1

   Don

   I built this "waterstone board". It enables me to clamp one waterstone at a time (I keep a King 800 and 1200 in a sealed Tupperware to prevent water evaporation). To the left is a clamped sheet of 220 grit drywall mesh used to flatten the waterstones. It is fixed on one side only so that it can be swabbed underneath as needed. On the board is a 8000 King.

   View Image

   Regards from Perth

   Derek

1. 
   marking | Dec 12, 2006 06:31am | #5

   Re: 220 grit drywall mesh for flattening.
   Thank you , thank you, thank you. It is a solution that should have seemed obvious. I'm really giving myself a dope slap.
   I've just recently discovered (been using) waterstones and have been impressed with the results. Although Scary Sharp seems an attractive alternative.

2. 
   sapwood | Dec 10, 2006 11:41pm | #2

   I made a simple shallow box out of particleboard and lined the inside with formica, caulked the seams with silicon seal. It holds water although I never fill it. The stones are doused before and after use. They stay wet or damp actually. The mess is contained. Actually I've never cleaned it out. Oh yeah..... the lid to the box is lined also. I've been using this for over 20 years.

3. 
   dherzig | Dec 11, 2006 01:01am | #3

   A cookie sheet works well.

4. 
   DonStephan | Dec 12, 2006 03:04am | #4

   20 years on laminate and silicone - WOW!!! Must have cured it in the neighborhood nuclear reactor before the first use ...

   Tried a cookie sheet once, still on the bottom shelf of the sharpening cabinet. Slid around too much for my taste, but whatever works ...

   Used the pet food placemat again yesterday and today, and other than an occasional urge to scratch behind my ear or sit up and beg, I have no complaints whatsoever. Wish all my wild ideas worked half as well.

5. 
   vincentedwards | Dec 12, 2006 09:16pm | #6

   That's a great idea! Thanks for sharing.

   I thought you might want to see what shapton (the sharpening pros) came up with
   as the solution to the waterstone placement issue.

   http://www.shaptonstones.com/

   for larger image:
   http://www.shaptonstones.com/images/HoldersShapton/Pond-w_2-stones.jpg

   The Pond is $149.95 and the Holders are $79.95 each.

   ...Don, i think you saved yourself some money!

   --------
   Vincent

6. 
   Frozen | Dec 12, 2006 11:54pm | #7

   As usual, I find myself recommending a Veritas product:

   http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=33027&cat=1,43072,43071

   After a few years the aluminum parts are getting corroded, but it still keeps everything ready to go.

   “Expectation strolls through the spacious fields of Time towards Opportunity.”
   Umberto Eco, The Island of the Day Before
1. 
   DonStephan | Dec 13, 2006 04:34am | #8

   I tried one but the aluminum bars had some play where they met the housing, allowing the stones to rock slightly from side to side while honing, which I found unacceptable. Lee Valley issued a full credit for the return.

1. 
   Frozen | Dec 13, 2006 04:13pm | #9

   I've never had a problem with slack that I noticed. The bars have always been snug where they fit into the box, if that's what you mean. I got one of the first generation models, with a different locking mechanism for the stones. They sent me replacements when they re-designed them. “Expectation strolls through the spacious fields of Time towards Opportunity.”
   Umberto Eco, The Island of the Day Before

2. 
   Jimma | Dec 14, 2006 01:13am | #11

   Me, too.

7. 
   GRW | Dec 13, 2006 09:13pm | #10

   I store the stones in a tupperware box. The top has edges deep enough to hold about 1" of water. So I sharpen in the lid and store them in the box with the lid on. I store them dry, and soak prior to use.

   I flatten the stones on a 8"X8"x16" contrete block.  I've had my waterstones since 1983.

8. 
   JulianBE | Dec 14, 2006 04:45pm | #12

   I bolted together a simple frame of aluminum angle that spans the dump sink in the basement.  The frame holds a 9 by 12 granite surface plate and a 220 grit waterstone, and the tap can swing over them.  A 1000/4000 and an 8000 sit immersed in an upright tupperware container beside the frame.  I flatten backs with abrasive paper on the granite, and occasionally flatten the 220 likewise.  Usual sharpening thus: put the 1000/4000 and the 8000 on the plate and sharpen through their grits, when I'm done with them, give the stones a quick rub on the 220.  Total time about 3 minutes. I got the granite plate from Lee Valley, and having a truly flat surface has revolutionized sharpening for me, it's much easier and faster when the waterstones are consistently flat, and I get consistently great edges, especially after a light polish on a leather strop with green stuff.  The frame allows you to rinse things off at will, and all the stuff falls into the sink.  Also, there is still room for the diaper bucket.

1. 
   JLMCDANIEL | Dec 15, 2006 05:58am | #13

   Here's about as neat a set-up as I've seen.

   View Image     View Image

   http://www.shopnotes.com/issues/081/extras/ultimate-sharpening-station/

   It's from "Shopnotes" vol14 issue 81

   Jack