Any ideas?

[The*Cincinnati*Kid]

I just got a stone in the mail that I bought off ebay. I rolled the dice and I think I crapped out. It came stuck in a block of wood, so I cut it out. I think the previous owner used oil on it or laquered it into the wood because it is caked with black shit :-/ (anybodys guess) top bottom and sides. I tried dial and a wet/dry sanding sponge it with minimal results. Any suggestions on how to clean it up? I'm thinking about using paint thinner on it. Will paint thinner hurt it in any way if it is not a natural stone? Any suggestions on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated.

Anyone have a guess on what it is? 73/4" X 21/8" X 6/8" It gives off a tan slurry, like the dots in the first pic, but it is a BITCH to get slurry raised!!! Tons of preasure and like 150 strokes with a small survival knife sharpening stone produced minimal slurry.

Thanks
Louis.

 

[kikaso]

Louis,

I would recommend using a Norton flattening stone: http://www.amazon.com/Norton-Flatte..._1?ie=UTF8&s=industrial&qid=1295710086&sr=8-1

or using a DMT Diamond Stone: http://www.amazon.com/DMT-D8X-Conti...OKNY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1295710139&sr=8-2

The Norton stone is around 60 grit so it will leave a very rough surface. The DMT stone is 120--I think...

You should soak stone in water and flatten/clean in this process: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Duwt8oMZRaA

It looks like your stone is pretty beat up, but it wouldn't hurt giving it a try. Also, I've heard of some people using concrete to flatten a stone--just be sure it's flat concrete and the stone is very wet, (soak for over a day.)

Flattening the stone will clean it also. I wouldn't recommend using anything but warm water.

Also, the block of wood that came glued to it may have been a stand to keep stone from moving while sharpening. (see video)

Best,
Enrique