Replies

1. 
   cabman | Sep 23, 2003 05:21am | #1

   Run it on your belt sander.

   No, but seriously, take a piece of 6 mil glass and put some sand paper on it. Rub the stone on the paper with some oil.

   You might need a couple different grits, and it takes a bit to do, but it works.

   Darren

1. 
   b1gcountry | Sep 23, 2003 11:11pm | #2

   I just found out the other day that I can true my waterstones with only a piece of plate glass. No sandpaper needed. Just not sure it will work on an oilstone.

   Tom

2. 
   Steinmetz | Sep 23, 2003 11:59pm | #3

   Ray, If it's really worn. deep six it  If only marginaly worn, you can soak it in a bucket of water (overnight0 and rub it on wet concrete in figure eight motions. 

    Every once in a while move to a different area of the side walk (Your neighbor's?) so as not to scuff a depression in the cement.

    When even, let dry then set it in a pan of vaselene and gently warm it till it absorbs some in it's pores. Don't do this in the house Stein.

3. 
   firemarshalmike | Sep 24, 2003 04:00am | #4

   Check out Lee Valley. They have lapping grit and plate glass that can be used to flatten oil stones. I think the whole deal will run $25. http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?page=33017&category=1,43072&ccurrency=2&SID=

   I picked up 3 Arkansas stones at a yard sale for $17. The Lee Valley set up worked great on the one stone I've flattened so far.

   I gather the stones have some sentimental value since they were your grandfathers. I would keep them even if you don't use them. I have tools from both grandfathers. Some are usable, some not. I keep it all except absolute junk. I'll pass them to my children along with my collection of tools.

1. 
   mlbfreestyle | Sep 24, 2003 06:43am | #5

   I regularly use an "EZ-Lap coarse diamond plate to flatten my oil stones when they become dished.  My plate is approx 2" x 8".  I dip the stone in a bucket of warm water with Spic and Span or other grease cutting soap ever couple of minutes or so during the process.  It takes several minutes to flatten a stone dished by 5 or 10 thousandths.  They end up quite flat.  I use this on several grades of stone (Norton double-sided, soft Ark. and ####).  I think this diamond plate is too coarse for my hard black stone.  I would probably have to dress it further with something finer (like carbide paper on glass, etc.).

1. 
   Crunk | Sep 24, 2003 02:26pm | #6

   The combination oilstone that you are talking about is inexpensive.  Beyond rubbing it out on concrete, the equippage you'll need to flatten it will very likely cost almost as much as a brand new stone.

   I'd buy a new stone.

1. 
   SPOONBIT | Sep 25, 2003 06:01am | #7

   Thanks for the ideas. Even though this stone has sentimental meaning, it has some DEEP gouges in it. I think the best thing to do is get a set of new stones, and KEEP them flat. Thanks again.

1. 
   Crunk | Sep 25, 2003 11:09pm | #8

   I think that's the best course of action.

    Obviously, your grandfather sharpened tools on the stone - presumably tools he used to make things.  Hopefully you have some other fruits of his labor.