EDM polishing stones care

[ScottRoush]

Just got some EDM stones for hand finishing. How do you best care for these to prolong life and how to prepare them for using? I heard something about soaking in oil first....

 

[Fellhoelter]

In my moldmaking days, we always used kerosene.

 

[ScottRoush]

to clean and soak??

 

[Fellhoelter]

Yep, used it during cleaning, soaking, using...

There may be better stuff now though, kero stinks.

 

[blindhogg]

I use mineral oil, dip in a oil right before using and often to keep stones from loading up.
Chris

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

I have been using WD40. It is about useless as a lubricant, which I figure makes it a pretty good cutting fluid. *shrug*

 

[argel55]

have a friend that uses the lamp oil.

 

[ScottRoush]

I was hoping somebody would say WD40. But I swear I read somewhere that they should be stored in distilled water???

 

[Fellhoelter]

We never used water, just stinky oil.

 

[Mike Quesenberry]

I keep mine in water with a couple drop of dishwashing soap in a tupperware container.

 

[JBS TOOLMAKER]

We use mineral oil or water. Just keep them wet.WD-40 works but you don't want your skin soakin up that stuff for hours at a time.I have spent 10 hour days polishing molds and 3D die sections. As long as they stay wet they will be clean and sharp.