2 edge pro guestions

[joesrx]

1. What is a good way of flattening the stones without getting their kit, or is the kit worth it.

2. The set I am getting (used) does not have the 1000 grit stone, should I get one or get something finer, like the chosera 2000, 3000 or 5000 stone instead. Are the polishing tapes as good as these stones.

thanks

 

[Blues]

I have the kit and it works quite well. Whether it is worth it (vs. flattening on diamond hones, cinder block or some other method) is a personal decision, I guess.

I can say that it will last a very long time and does a great job of giving your hones a consistently nice surface to work with. (You just need a pinch of the silicon carbide and just a few drops of water.)
It also works very quickly if you haven't allowed your hones to get too far out of proper condition.

If you didn't want to use the 1000 grit stone I think you could finish up nicely on ceramic hones as an alternative. I often do that but the 1000 grit stone is nice to have and will last for a very long time.

I find that I don't bother with the tapes much. I suppose if I was more fixated on obtaining the "perfect" edge I might be, but I find I can do quite well enough without the tapes.

 

[OldDude1]

The following works for me. A flat smooth area of poured cement (basement, patio, garage floor, etc.) will do. Draw an " X "on the stone face in magic marker. Rub the stone in a circular motion on the flat cement surface. Builder's sand on the cement will help. Avoid beach sand. The beach sand grains are smoother and may contain SALT. The motion will abrade away the magic marker on the high spots first. Concentrate pressure on the backing plate in those areas where the marker remains. These are the low (Dished out) areas. When the marker is gone the stone is functionally flat. An inexpensive combination coarse and fine Silicone Carbide stone, ($5 to $10) at a major chain hardware store, will speed up the process. Just use it with or without the sand. Use the coarse side for the 120 grit EdegePro stone and the fine side for the EdgePro 220 grit and up. Wash the EdgePro stones well before using, to remove any remaining oversize grit. Dust off the hardware store stone and store it until next time.
I like and use the 1000 grit stone. As Blues stated the tapes are fun but not necessary.
OldDude1