|
Post by Laiquendi on Jan 31, 2013 17:22:50 GMT
Hello all. I have read many posts here about whetstones, buts theres still a few questions i cant seem to find answers to.
I was wondering if there are whetstones (of good quality) that are large for swords.? Or is 8" long the norm?. And if there are large ones for swords, where can you buy them?
Thank you.
|
|
|
Post by willhart on Jan 31, 2013 18:28:07 GMT
I've never seen a flat whetstone longer than 8-10 inches. I think that's all that you need. Although a wider stone would help more than the length. I know on other forums, people have said that waterstones cut much faster than whetstones/oilstones. I've experienced the same thing from waterstones vs. arkansas stones. So the good and the bad between these. Waterstones cut faster, are more expensive, but also get used up faster.
I order mine from either Amazon or Woodcraft.com. Whichever one is cheaper and if the cheaper waterstone from amazon has good reviews. A good starter waterstone is a 220/1000 combo.
Waterstones are definately more expensive than the generic tri-stone whetstone/oilstone that you can purchase at home depot. Depending on what you're trying to do these are the grits I recommend: 220 - for complete reshaping of the edge or reprofiling the blade 1000 - For sharpening an existing edge which is fairly sharp already or removing small nicks or scratches from the blade 4000 - For a nice fairly high polish 6000 - Only if you want to work your way up to a mirror polish
Also if you do want a real mirror polish, you're not going to find it with a waterstone/whetstone/oilstone.
|
|
|
Post by aussie-rabbit on Feb 9, 2013 14:30:42 GMT
Also an old "fine china" plate, one where the "ring" the plate sits on has the glaze worn away, "fine bone china" is around 2000 grit, WARNING - using Aunt Nellie's Wedgwood plate is likely to get you a thwack with a rolling pin
|
|
|
Post by lamebmx on Feb 9, 2013 15:02:52 GMT
you will find a mirror polish with waterstones, but thats when you staying paying big bucks for the most part.
My take has always been that most edges have some sort of curve to them, even if they were straight the wider the stone the more resistance to your stroke. Plus watching for signs of the water running over the edge instead of being pushed by the edge is easier when you do not have a crazy large surface to inspect.
The length of the stone dictates the length of your stroke. You obviously do not want to be sharpening really close to your stomach, and the far end of your reach will make it hard to control the angle and wear you out more.
When it comes to manual sharpening 8"x2" is fine, 10"x3" is nice and roomy while still being able to use the whole stone area. If you really want to speed up the process, look into powered tools. There are really slow speed grinders and ones that incorporate water cooling into them.
|
|
|
Post by Laiquendi on Feb 11, 2013 1:06:58 GMT
Thank you everyone. I will use this information while using the stones. I just got them in from buying online, 2 norton stones. A 220/1000 and a 4000/8000. I do have one more question, once I am finished using the stone, should I store it in water?
Thank you again everyone.
|
|
|
Post by aussie-rabbit on Feb 11, 2013 2:20:16 GMT
I clean mine with detergent then just put in the cupboard
|
|
|
Post by willhart on Feb 11, 2013 5:41:30 GMT
Don't store them in water. I hear long term storage can break them down. Just store them in the box they came in.
|
|
|
Post by lamebmx on Feb 12, 2013 10:41:53 GMT
That is a good question to find out for any stone. Along with how long they should be soaked before use. I believe the norton's only need like 10-15 minutes before use, but might want to double check that.
|
|