So I finally got around to using some Norton Waterstones I had purchased some time back… 1000 and 4000 grit. After reading this month’s article on hardwood peg usage, I was motivated to get my chisels really sharpened the way they should be. So I spent some time and learned how and what to do. Then comes the question I could not find an answer to: When I’m done with the waterstones, that are now filled with water, what do I do with them? Do I leave them IN the water? Do I let them dry out? (that’s what I did in this case) Or do they need to be sealed and stored? I need a little help here. Thanks.
“The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program” -Ronald Reagan
Replies
I gave up on waterstones a few years ago and switched to the Veritas sharpening system. But the water will go bad in storage of stones. IMO, it's best to take them out of the water, and five minutes before you want to use them again, immerse them in water.
I have been using waterstones for all of my sharpening for about 15 years now and I store them in water. I only change the water when I am about to start sharpening something and have never had a problem. Sometimes the water will sit over the summer without being changed because woodworking is a winter sport for me.
okay, that makes sense....what happens if we take them out as the first respondent suggests? Any harm done?"The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program" -Ronald Reagan
I wouldn't think that letting the stones dry out is a problem at all. Don't forget that they are dry when we buy them. I think that Lee Valley might even have some tips for wet stones in their catalog (or on-line probably). I just keep them wet to save time and I don't have a better spot to store them then in the water container. / Al
Got it. thanks. The reason I asked is that it looks a lot different when I am done with the stone than when I first opened it up! Didn't know if the slurry drying out makes a difference. thx."The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program" -Ronald Reagan
hi,
i have heard recently that if you let your water stones dry out between sessions, there is a chance that the minerals left behind after the water is gone can clog up the stones, reducing their efficiency. it was suggested that if you are planning to let them dry, you should wet them with distilled water, so that as the water evaporates, there is nothing for it to leave behind.
i have no idea if this is true, but it seems to make some sense to me, and with distilled water going for about $.99 a gallon here, it would be cheap insurance.
-pjw
Yes, that is one reason I came on this "side", because I remember reading comments along those lines. While I have no experience in this area, it makes sense. thanks."The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program" -Ronald Reagan
What ctsjr82 said. I too keep my 'lower' grit stones (up to #4000) in water and some Chlorox. If/when some gunk forms, change water and rinse the stones - it only takes a few seconds...
I keep the polishing stones dry - just mist and rub with nagura just before using. Meke sure that water does not freeze, though.
Best wishes,
Metod
already done!! thanks."The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program" -Ronald Reagan
Do you put anything in the water to preserve it from algae or bacterial growth?
nope
I recently used Norton waterstones at a friend's shop, and he adds a tiny amount of chlorine bleach to the water. It doesn't affect the stones and keeps any odor or unwanted critter cultures away. The stones sit in Tupperware-like containers on the sharpening counter in a climate controlled shop. Tom
great idea. thank you."The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program" -Ronald Reagan
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled