EDM polishing stones

ScottRoush

ScottRoush

Joined
Jan 10, 2010
Messages
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I'm looking into getting some polishing stones to finish my blades. Can somebody tell me a bit about using them? I need to order some... how 'disposable' are these things? Do most folks get several of each grit? I see also that there are several 'grades'... some that cost $3-$4 per stone.. up to the color coded ones that are $26-$30 per stone. Also... is there any place better than another for ordering them?
 
I'm away from home, so I can't give specifics but Congress has the best selection of grades and sizes. I have been using the EDM stones for a while and recently tried their Flex in 400 grit and really like it, it seems to hold it's shape longer than the EDM.
 
and also... do most folks buy the stoning oils? Or are there other things that work that are bit more affordable???
 
I tried them and just soak them in water before using. I add a little dish soap to a spray bottle of water to spray the area I'm working on and help float away the particles. I like the results!
 
I only use the stone for clips and plunges. The 1/8" stones I got from enco break easily but the 1/4" x 1/2" from congress are more sturdy. They last longer if there's only a little bit of clean up after grinding. The better you are at grinding the longer they will last. I have them in grits 120 - 400.
 
I get my plunge really close on the belt and shape the radius on the edge of the stone on the disk. The edm required constant reshaping while the flex 400 required none at all even on a dagger.
 
Thanks a lot Mike.... that is very useful information for me. It never occured to me that you would actually shape the stone to get the radius. I'm still pretty new (using angle grinder and mill file until I get my grinder) and I've just made straight plunges to the back spine...
 
You can try Gesswein for stones (their mold and die makers catalog 1-800-243-4466)and anything else you may need for polishing. The premium white are very good, if you want a harder stone try the EDM or RA How long a stone lasts depends on the stone composition. 1/4 x 1/2 is a handy size. Hard stones can last for a dozen or so knives. You can shape the stone on a bench grinder using a coarse hard wheel. Better than going thru lots of wet dry to polish
 
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