Hand sanding

dirtyphil

dirtyphil

Joined
Mar 19, 2014
Messages
165
I just watched Gough Customs latest video and he used mold polishing stones for finish grinding. Always looking for a quicker/easier method of sanding I bought some of the sticks from McMaster in grits 220 thru 800. Now how to use them...? As they are rectangle I guess maybe grind down one end into a “v” shape at a comfy angle, throw on some lube, and start rubbing the surface? Anyone use them? Any technique to it? Thanks...
 
I have the same stones, only used them a few times for special problems, I need to explore them more
I don't think you need to grind the corners down, they corners wear away quickly or you could just practice with the corner on some scrap steel, try using some windex or citrus cleaner spray along with the stones.
 
I haven’t seen those before but thought about the concept. I just wonder how long they will hold true flat. I guess you would have to continually dress them.
 
i tried some, they work but they wear away, and become non-flat. probably due to my technique though.
 
I've used them to get into radiuses and when I mill grooves on a blade or pistol slide.
 
Like any tool, die stones require skill and don't necessarily make things go faster. You must learn the basic skills first in order to use advanced skills.

Hand sanding takes time and practice, practice, practice. Use a hard backing block if you want it to look good. Make long pulls down the blade from ricasso to tip on the final steps of each grit.
 
With each change of grit, you should also change the direction of the stroke. that way you can see that all the previous scratches left by a courser grit have been removed. Which has nothing to do with the use of the stones in question. Norton makes a variety of different shaped oil stones that are quite durable, in a variety of grits which might be an option although they can be a little expensive.
 
I have cheap emd stones from China.
I find that they cut more agressively on hardened (stainless) steel.
I use them if a blade returns from HT with scratches. I first use the stone, then sandpaper. Sandpaper leaves a way better finish
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
Like any tool, die stones require skill and don't necessarily make things go faster. You must learn the basic skills first in order to use advanced skills.

Hand sanding takes time and practice, practice, practice. Use a hard backing block if you want it to look good. Make long pulls down the blade from ricasso to tip on the final steps of each grit.
Click to expand...

I always have trouble when coming off of the tip and seem to think thin the very tip a little too much, how do you prevent that on the pull strokes?
 
razor edge- use less pressure when you approach the tip. your downward pressure gets multiplied when there is less metal to push down on.
 
I tried the stones years ago when I first started making knives. Didn't care for them. I prefer good paper (Rhynowet) and a hard backer.
 
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