Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | May 19, 2004 04:53am | #1

   You may be able to just blow the stone off with compressed air. Mineral spirits, paint thinner, can also be used. Use eye protection for either. Hopefully the stone is not hollowed out too bad. Mineral oil, the type that is sold as a laxative in the pharmacy makes a good sharpening oil. Light oils like 3 in 1 will soak into the stone and not provide much lubrication. I use an eclipse sharpening jig for straight blades like chisels and plane blades.

2. 
   jackplane | May 19, 2004 05:02pm | #2

   If it's heavily embedded oil with metal, let it soak in boiling water for 1-2 minutes to clean it. Kerosene is IMO, a superior cutting lubricant. I use no sharpening jigs; the cutting bevel dictates where to rest the steel. Use a relaxed stance as you sharpen, and experience will guide you the rest of the way.

1. 
   joinerswork | May 20, 2004 04:58am | #3

   Jack,

   I used to hone with oil cut with kerosene, never liked the smell.  Now I prefer Marvel Mystery Oil, more expensive, but after all how much does one use?  And it smells great!

   Cheers,

   Ray

1. 
   jackplane | May 20, 2004 03:41pm | #5

   Marvel Mystery Oil, finally an oil that tastes as good as it smells!

1. 
   joinerswork | May 21, 2004 12:46am | #6

   Jack,

   Uh, I never tried tasting it, do you cook with it, or put it on salads? ;-))  The smell always makes me think of those pink lozenges, you could use those instead of croutons...

   I always thought the mystery involved what the stuff was good for...

   Cheers,

   Ray

3. 
   UncleDunc | May 20, 2004 05:04am | #4

   >> Secondly, when I use it, it seems to quickly absorb the oil.

   Once you get it clean, fill it with melted vaseline. when it hardens, it's firm enough to keep the oil from sinking in, by soft enough not to interfere with sharpening.

   Fold up a little boat out of aluminum foil to hold the stone while you pour the melted vaseline over it. Melt the vaseline over hot water, not over direct heat.

4. 
   mike4244 | May 21, 2004 10:01pm | #7

   I have two oilstones that are about 30 years old. I used kerosene for years until I ran out one morning. Instead of buying more kerosene I decided to try water. Worked fine, been using water on these stones about 5 or 6 years now. I did not clean the stones, they appear clean now from lots of use.

   mike

1. 
   DavidInWindsor | May 27, 2004 02:01am | #8

   Thanks to everyone for there responses. I will try giving it a mineral spirit bath/cleaning than do a melted Vaseline treatment. Sounds more like something the wife would be getting at a spa.

   Thanks again.

5. 
   BJ | May 27, 2004 06:45pm | #9

   Are you sure it is an oil stone?  I am familiar with Norton water stones, but was not aware that  they also marketed oil stones.

1. 
   CStanford | May 27, 2004 08:11pm | #10

   Norton has sold oil stones for years and years. 

1. 
   UncleDunc | May 27, 2004 09:27pm | #11

   >> Norton has sold oil stones for years and years.

   And probably made many of the ones you see under other brand names. Norton is an old, old name in abrasives.

   http://www.nortonabrasives.com/

   Edited 5/27/2004 2:28 pm ET by Uncle Dunc