No, this isn’t about guys standing out in the cold.
Maybe at the risk of re-opening the sharpening stone debate of oil vs. water stones, I am wondering if anyone has lost a water stone because of below freezing temperatures?
I have to move my shop to a building which remains unheated except while I am working in it. Far enough North that below zero temps are likely. I’ve heard warnings that water stones can freeze and crack but never ran into anybody that experienced it. How long do they need to dry out to be safe from damage?
TIA
Replies
If your shop gets that cold you should worry about your glues as well.
I keep my waterstones my glues and all the stuff at risk in a small insolated cabinet with a "golden rod" in it. The device is normally used to keep moisture off gun safes, you plug it in and it give out enough heat to keep everything from freezing.
I guess a length of plumbing electric tape would work as well.
C.
I use windshield washer fluid for my water stones
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In addition to the potential problems from freezing, next spring you will probably run into the problem of condensation, especially on your cast iron table tops.
I am in upstate NY and I am too busy preparing income tax returns in the spring to get into the shop much. The expense of heating it when not in use is just too much. I wax everything and cover what I can with old mattress pads, etc. but still have some problems.
Since my shop is in an attached garage I just take the water stones, glue, et al into the house for the winter.
Perhaps you could do what we would do for our doghouse during the winter so she could stay outside. We put in a false floor with holes in it. Below that we put a 100 W light bulb which kept her very comfortable in some of the coldest times. Should be able to keep a well-insulated storage box at a reasonable temperature.
Was going to suggest the same thing as dherzig suggested. A lightbulb in a box is all you need. Just build a 2x4x12 or 16" deep cabinet adn place one 70watt bulb inside. it's usually all you'll need for keeping glue, finishes, and other items from freezing.
I'm sure it would solve your problem very nicely.
michael
Even though your post does not mention it, everyone seems to have assumed you have electricity in this storage building....so will I.
I once ran a small business that required keeping several liquid items in stock through the winter. The solution was an old refrigerator. With the unit shut off all that was necessary to keep the contents toasty warm was to break the light switch to prevent it from turning off the interior light and a 40w bulb. Worked very well.
Rennie
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I'd try anti-freeze.
Really.
Was that internally in the woodworker or for the stones?
Internally of course if you want to keep the sones from freezing, works well for ice fishing !
C.
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