Edge Pro's abrasive philosophy?

[sharpandsafe]

Current Edge Pro stones are Boride Engineered Abrasives brand CS-HD hard silicon carbide for the 120 grit stone, AM-K medium-hard aluminum oxide for the 220 grit stone, Orange EDM of undisclosed abrasive/bonding for the 400 grit stone, and AS-9 EDM polishing stone of "special formulation" for the 600 and 1000 grit stones. I took the abrasive composition and bonding info from the Boride Abrasives website. EP also offers a 1200 grit alumina ceramic rod for honing/burr removal. I have heard talk of an unadvertised, mythical 1200 grit stone available from Edge Pro if you know a secret handshake.

I also gather that the selection of abrasive products available from Edge Pro has evolved over the years. Some forum commenters and bloggers seem to prefer stones that were available in the past, but no longer. Some seem to prefer other stones available from Congress Tools (Moldmaster and Flex stones). Some even seem to prefer a different lineup of Boride Abrasives stones purchased from Boride or other online resellers.

What are the reasons for Ben Dale settling on the current lineup? Is this really the best lineup of stones for "most users" or for the "average user" (which is probably what Ben is shooting for, since he could obviously offer Choseras or whatever if he wanted to)? Other thoughts?


Thanks!

 

[stitchawl]

While I can't speak for Ben Dale's reasoning in choosing stones, I CAN say that over the past 15 years he has used stones from different sources, some of which were very good while others quite bad. There was a period of time when his low grit 120 stone were absolutely horrid! It was at that time that many EdgePro users, myself included, began cutting our own stones to fit EdgePro blanks. (Well, not actually doing the cutting ourselves but rather, having a Lapidary shop cut them for us.) You can purchase the stones you like best, take them to your local lapidary, tell them the size you need, and they can slice of half a dozen from a single 6" or 8" stone in a day or two for you, and do it much more cheaply than purchasing 3rd party stones made for the EdgePro. There's no reason to use anything less than great stones when using a great holder. If you can't find a lapidary shop in your phone book, just ask at the nearest cemetery or funeral home. You may need to talk to two or three before you find one that will do the work you need on such small stones.


Stitchawl

 

[cbwx34]

I have heard talk of an unadvertised, mythical 1200 grit stone available from Edge Pro if you know a secret handshake.

It's not a myth....

(Wet it so you can see it better)...

Just involves some sacrificing... naming of first born, etc.

 

[BluntCut MetalWorks]

While I can't speak for Ben Dale's reasoning in choosing stones, I CAN say that over the past 15 years he has used stones from different sources, some of which were very good while others quite bad. There was a period of time when his low grit 120 stone were absolutely horrid! It was at that time that many EdgePro users, myself included, began cutting our own stones to fit EdgePro blanks. (Well, not actually doing the cutting ourselves but rather, having a Lapidary shop cut them for us.) You can purchase the stones you like best, take them to your local lapidary, tell them the size you need, and they can slice of half a dozen from a single 6" or 8" stone in a day or two for you, and do it much more cheaply than purchasing 3rd party stones made for the EdgePro. There's no reason to use anything less than great stones when using a great holder. If you can't find a lapidary shop in your phone book, just ask at the nearest cemetery or funeral home. You may need to talk to two or three before you find one that will do the work you need on such small stones.


Stitchawl

:thumbup: lapidary shop.

It would/could be fun try using a HF stone/title cutter with pre-glue aluminum backing to the stone surface before saw the stone 1 layer at a time, maybe less chippy. Lap the cut wavy surface after - not too efficient by cheap