Replies

1. 
   jtol | Jan 05, 2011 07:04pm | #1

   It's usually recommended that you leave them soaking in water all the time. I keep my three Norton stones in a covered tupperware container with just enough water to cover them.

   Just make sure that you don't leave the container in a place that can drop below freezing. If the water freezes, it can crack the stones. Change the water periodically to get rid of grit buildup and to prevent mildew. It's easier to keep the water clean if you rinse off a stone that you've used before you return it to the container. 

1. 
   Guitarguy | Jan 05, 2011 10:20pm | #4

   Have your stones been soaking for a long time?

1. 
   jtol | Jan 06, 2011 08:01pm | #7

   i have Norton stones: 1000, 4000 and 8000. They've been soaking constantly for two years. I use them often, since I work almost exclusively with hand tools. They have not crumbled or been damaged in any way by the water. They work just as well as when they were new.

2. 
   DonStephan | Jan 05, 2011 07:59pm | #2

   More recent suggestions I've seen are to store the stones dry, then let them soak 5 min before use.  The concern was that prolonged soaking may soften the binder causing the stones to wear more quickly.

1. 
   Guitarguy | Jan 05, 2011 10:19pm | #3

   This is the exact problem that I was concerned about.  I'd like to hear what Norton's point of view is.

3. 
   MikeBinYEG | Jan 06, 2011 12:44am | #5

   I'm not sure it matters either way.  I soak my 220, 4000/8000 for a 5 mins or so before I use them and I have had good results.

   I like to store them dry to keep things cleaner.  

   On another note I just got this dany for keeping them flat it works like a charm.  An 8" Diamond – 325x/1200x 

   http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=33005&cat=1,43072

     

       

    

4. 
   Jrussi | Jan 06, 2011 12:16pm | #6

   No Problems

   I've had my Norton stones (800, 1200, and 8000) in water for at least a year without any ill effects.

5. 
   roc | Jan 07, 2011 01:03am | #8

   Yah gots t read the instructions that comes with the stones

   the 1000 and 4000 leave in the water indefinitely

   the 8000 stays dry until used and then wet it.

   The 220 ?

   If it is anything like mine, Waaaaayyyyyy too soft to be of any use, chuck that in a river and let is soak all it wants.

   The Tupperware is the key, with a lid, they don't get slimy and the stones are fine for ever and ever.

   Here is one bit of advice :  after flattening the stones be sure there is still a slight bevel all around the edges.  If there is none put a bevel on using a coarser stone, I like to use my diamond plate.  If there is no edge bevel then you will get chipping along the perimeter of the stone.

   PS: the ones saying they "heard" not to soak the stones long term, that's Shapton.  Shapton stones are never submerged or left in water.  Just wet and rinse and store dry.

   In the pic; that green dude.  He's a Shapton.  For christmas I invited one of his kin to visit , a 15,000 Shapton not shown.  She moved in to stay.  We are all getting along just fine.

   
1. 
   Guitarguy | Jan 07, 2011 07:27am | #9

   I am looking at the users guide that came with the stones and it only says to soak them for ten minutes.  There is nothing about long term soaking in the instructions.