*
I am trying to learn the art of sharpening. I recently acquired 2 waterstones, in 800/4000 and 1200 grits. The 800 and 1200 stones cut agressively and evenly, but I am having problems with the 4000 stone.
In use, larger tools want to stick to it, as the paste ‘suctions’ them down on the stone, essentially locking them into place. They also seem to float on the fluid, witnessed by the feel as the tool on the stone, and also by the polish pattern, ie, frequently only around the edges of the tool or iron.
Recently I tried to flatten the back of a spokeshave iron. The800, 1200 stones cut the right way, and gave me the nice dull even, flay gray you are tooking for, but the iron refused to polish on the 4000 stone (I finally resorted to 1500, 2000 wet/dry paper on a polished marble slab, it worked).
Any tips on using the finer Japanese stones? What little success I’ve achieved leaves me aching for more, the result is beautiful, but painfully inconsistent.
Charles
Replies
*
Charles: Japanese waterstones are my preferred method to sharpen. When the tool starts to drag, it's because the stone is getting too dry. Splash a little water on the stone, and it will move easily. The stone should be dead flat. Put a sheet of #400 wet-or-dry abrasive paper on a flat surface and rub the stone over it. Then look at the stone and note the abraded area. A low spot will have a darker color. Continue to rub the stone until flat. Experiment with a narrow chisel, like a 1/4 in., so that you get quicker results. A 4000 should give a mirror finish. Be patient, it takes time.
*The stones I bought from The Japan Woodworker came with an instruction sheet which recommended a basic kit consisting of a coarse stone, a natural "blue stone", and a finish stone. To them, an 800 and a 1200 are coarse stones. Your problem may be caused by going from coarse to fine without an intermediate stone. You're trying to remove rough scratches with a fine stone which removes very little material. It could be done, but you'd be at it all day. Check http://www.japanwoodworker.com (1-800-537-7820). You could ask them; get it from the horse's mouth. Also read Japanese Woodworking Tools by Toshio Odate (A Taunton Press book).
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled