Replies

1. 
   highfigh | Mar 04, 2006 05:54am | #1

   Make sure it's very flat and smooth, with no fractures or voids. If you can't find one without voids, don't worry- it can be filled with epoxy and that's the way counters are filled in in most cases. It doesn't need to be really thick since you do have to move it at least once. I bought an 18" x 18" granite tile and it works great. Mine is polished but even that isn't really necessary. Water will keep the sandpaper from sliding on it and will also keep the dust down from the srarpening/honing process. If you do this dry, wear a mask.

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
2. 
   BG | Mar 04, 2006 02:19pm | #2

   JW,
   Hit the dumpster first...I have a four foot piece for flattening and a couple of 12" square (thin) for the automotive sandpapers(up to 2000 grit)

3. 
   bones | Mar 04, 2006 05:51pm | #3

   I use the scary sharp method for sharpening. I got a slab from woodcraft. Here is the link. 

   http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=4864

4. 
   user-65718 | Mar 04, 2006 06:08pm | #4

   I use a scrap of polished granite countertop material. It's 4 inches wide by 24 inches deep. I got it at a construction materials and fixtures salvage yard in my area for $5

   
   

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   Edited 3/4/2006 11:31 am by Elliott Aldrich

5. 
   tangomike | Mar 06, 2006 05:58am | #5

   this is one of those cases where a piece of scrap really can out-do the specialty item. When I had my granite countertops installed in my kitchen there was this sweet little cutoff about 12" wide left over, I had it sitting in a corner of my shop for about a year before I realized I could spray adhesive a piece of sandpaper on it for flattening the sole of a plane. As a bonus, the bullnose on the front serves as a nice hook to hold it stationary on my bench.

   I'd recomend dropping by a countertop installer's shop and see what they are throwing away.

1. 
   jwcamelshump | Mar 06, 2006 06:02am | #6

   Thanks for the great feedback. I've got a bunch of granite sheds, counter top shops and the like around here. I think I'll find something with a little luck.

   Thanks, Jon