Workshop Tip: Silicone baking mat secures waterstones

I use a silicone baking mat (available on Amazon for under $10) as a waterproof, nonslip surface under my diamond plates and waterstones. I trimmed the mat and laid it on top of a plywood bench hook to create a simple but effective sharpening station, which I set up on the counter near my sink. It can also be clamped in a vise. The mat and the stones remain very stable throughout the sharpening process.

—JOHN BARFIELD, Toledo, Ohio

Illustrations by Dan Thornton
From Fine Woodworking issue #281

	Sharpening stone holder is simple and stable This simple holder grips a combination waterstone firmly yet makes it easy to flip to the opposite side. I made it from 1-in.-thick acrylic I had on hand, but other…
	Improved Sharpening-Stone Holder Sharpen tools at the workbench with this vice-mounting accessory
	Bench Hook Holds Sharpening Stones Sharpen chisels and plane irons at your workbench with this time-saving workbench accessory

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Mist Coolant System

A mister for keeping tools cool while you hone them on your grinder. This mister has a base that can be screwed to a support near your grinding wheel or drill press. It conveniently hooks up to a small shop compressor, and by charging it with coolant, you can keep tools rust free.

Buy at Amazon

Rockler Silicone Sharpening Stone Tray

At 6 in. wide, with plenty of length for standard waterstones, they have grippy dimples that keep the stones stable and level, plus wide channels all around to catch the water. They also lock together, side by side, so I can have all of my stones available at the same time.

Buy at Rockler