EDM stones

[Seedy Lot]

Started using EDM stones for hand sanding knives and I really like how they work.

Currently I am using Gesswein MoldMaker stones which are SiC. I really like the balance of wear and breaking down up to the 320 grit but at 400 grit and above the stones seem to have a harder bond and are not breaking down much so I am getting a loading issue.

Any recommendations or insight would be great.

 

[navman]

I had the same issue with the higher grit stones. Saturate them with whatever you use for lubrication. I use Wyndex and soak them well. Seems to work well.

 

[The_Iron_Joe]

Are you using any oil?

 

[Seedy Lot]

Are you using any oil?

No i have not been using oil for lubricant.

 

[The_Iron_Joe]

No i have not been using oil for lubricant.

Well, like navman suggested, Windex can also work, depending on the stone type. I've used mineral oil for my stones, though I know there is specific lubricant made for SiC stones in particular.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

There are several simple choices for lubrication:
Simple green and water
Soluble oil coolant concentrate and water (normally used for saws and mills)
Dawn dish soap and water

You can use mineral oil, light oil, etc., but it is not my favorite because of clean up.

 

[Stuart Davenport Knives]

I keep my stones in a tuperware of transmission fluid. Didn't pick TF on purpose, I just happened to have some laying around. Works great, but certainly not the only option.

 

[Bühlmann]

What’s a good starter kit of stones to buy?

 

[navman]

I like Falcon brand. They have a good "N" rated set for pretty cheap. 320-400-600-900-1200. You can get it with or without stoning oil.

 

[Roger Pflug]

This is the way with EDM stones. There are cheaper lappers out there but I’ve never tried them. I usually use my stones cut down to 1”

Madahu, Abrasive Tools - Pneumatic Tools TU-06 Air Lapper Turbolap Lapping Grinding Tools Turbolap Linear Saw http LINK REMOVED

 

[JV Knives]

This is the way with EDM stones. There are cheaper lappers out there but I’ve never tried them. I usually use my stones cut down to 1”

Madahu, Abrasive Tools - Pneumatic Tools TU-06 Air Lapper Turbolap Lapping Grinding Tools Turbolap Linear Saw https://a.co/d/2dKqlIb

Roger,

Do you have a good method to cut them down cleanly? I’ve wanted to size mine as well but haven’t tried yet.

 

[Roger Pflug]

I snap them at about an inch by hand and square them up on a 120 grit ceramic belt.

 

[REK Knives]

I compared 3 stones from Boride on 63hrc magnacut... The cs-hd were amazing and is my go to stone now. They sell an entire sample pack of that stone that goes from like 120-1200.

 

[Seedy Lot]

I compared 3 stones from Boride on 63hrc magnacut... The cs-hd were amazing and is my go to stone now. They sell an entire sample pack of that stone that goes from like 120-1200.

I do think SiC stones work well. The cs-hd is Borides hard bonded SiC line of stones. I am thinking for higher grits a softer bond might work better for me so something like the cs-m when I get to the 400 grit stone and above.

 

[Roger Pflug]

I got this handy set from Falcon. All varieties of hard and soft stones.

LINK REMOVED

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Rodger - PLEASE DO NOT POST LINKS TO NON-FORUM MEMBER SUPPLIERS

 

[deerrockknives]

I got the mold makers per seedy’s suggestion. I got the 3/4” wide 1/2” thick 120,240,400,600. They’re amazing and wish I knew about them years ago

 

[Wyo Coyote]

I use the fluid that Gesswein sells. Put it in a squeeze bottle. I really like the way it works. I also tried Windex, WD-40 & Simple Green. Didn't like them near as much.

 

[Mr.Wizard]

Boride Engineered Abrasives has a new alumina EDM stone:

The AS-9 PLUS is an enhanced version of our popular AS-9 stone. It was engineered to produce the same fast, smooth cutting action you can expect from the AS-9, but with superior finishing capabilities. Manufactured using premium aluminum oxide grain, the special formulation of the AS-9 PLUS produces wider scratches on the mold surface which results in an overall smoother and more brilliant finish.

Any experience with these yet, or are silicon carbide stones universally preferred?