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

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