Hello:
I have been using Norton waterstones to sharpen my plane irons and chisels. I bring everything up to an 8000 grit (A 1.2 micron equivalent). I see that Shapton makes glassstones at 16000 and 30000 grits (0.92 and 0.49 microns respectively). The 16000 grit stone is a about $100 and the 30000 grit stone is $280.
I have 3 questions:
1. What abrasive material is bonded to the 1/4″ tempered glass plate?
2. Does the abrasive require a diamond lapping stone? ($289)
3. How much would I really be gaining by going to 0.49 microns versus the 1.2 micron Norton stone that I am using today? Is the difference noticeable? I don’t really want to make the investment to test it if I’m not going to benefit. However, I’ll be happy to spend the money (Well, at least willing) if I know it will make a noticeable difference.
Replies
Hi Woodmaster.
Sorry for the delay. I'm no expert on sharpening so I've forwarded your question to one of our experts who is.
Stay sharp,
Matt Berger
Fine Woodworking
Hi- sorry I did not get back to you sooner.
Regarding the Shapton stones- I have been using the Shapton stones in my school for the past 5 years and I can say i have never found anything that produces such a fine edge as quickly and consistently- including traditional Japanese waterstones and the Norton waterstones. They introduced the "glasstones" about 1 1/2 years ago and these are just a little better that the original (Pro series)- especially as they were developed for the A2 steel used in many irons today.
The abrasive is proprietary but it is some sort of ceramic which uses water as a lubricant. as with any stone they will "belly" with use but not nearly as quickly as waterstones (these are NOT waterstones!)
You can use any lapping system to flatten them- I use the Shapton "compact lapping plate" with medium and then fine abrasive grit. (Its only about $100.00) and I feel it works just as well as the diamond plate.
Now your last question- depends- I have a 16000 grit stone and I use it once in a while (on my smoother when I am doing something like tiger maple)
Do I feel that it is justified? not really- I think the edge off the 8000 is great ( but I do think the edge off the shapton 8000 is better than off the Norton 8000- go figure!)
I asked the importer what the 30000 grit stone was for- his answer? for sharpening competitions! I had no idea a sharpening competition exists!
good luck and let me know how you make out.
Bob Van Dyke
Bob,
Thank you for answering my questions so promptly. After reading your response, I did a search on the internet for Shapton Glass Stones and found a shapton website. I spoke with a gentlemen by the name of Harrelson Stanley. He is a graduate of the North Bennett Street School and has been sharpening plane blades for over 30 years. He said that he now uses the shapton system through 30,000 grit for everything he does and feels that there is a significant difference between the 8,000 grit and 30,000 grit performance. He has created a one hour video of his sharpening methods. This video contains a series of magnification photographs after each sharpening step. I ordered the video today. If the video sells me on the system, I'll purchase the set. I realize that Harrelson is selling the set. I really need to see, feel and touch the results before I offer my opinion. I'll be sure to let you know what I think. Thanks again for the response.
Scott
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