Just got a new fine india gouge for curved blades (norton) and it came pretty rough, rough compared to my fine india como stone that I have come to love (also norton). Was wondering if I can lap this to smooth it out before using it, and second if by doing this will it change the grit or the stone or is that determined by the nature of the stone ultimately?
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lapping benchstones specifically fine india
- Thread starter JDsharp
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- Jun 4, 2010
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In my experience, specifically with the India stone, lapping it will smooth it out as it comes from the factory. It will clean up quite a bit but is still a "medium" finish at the low end though is near perfect for EDU and working tools. It shouldn't take a ton of work to pull off, maybe ten or fifteen minutes tops.
It is possible to glaze it somewhat and it will function at an even higher polish, but will also grind more slowly and have difficulty cleanly removing burrs.
If you do lap it, use a loose grit if possible, and plenty of water. I usually use another flat stone, often an Arkansas that I know is flat will make a good base. Apply 120 or 220 grit silicon carbide, splash of water, blob of dishsoap. Lap till the grit breaks down and add some fresh stuff if needed. If no loose grit or in your case a curved surface, a fresh sheet of 120 wet/dry and plenty of water will still do a fine job. The hardest possible backer is a big help.
It is possible to glaze it somewhat and it will function at an even higher polish, but will also grind more slowly and have difficulty cleanly removing burrs.
If you do lap it, use a loose grit if possible, and plenty of water. I usually use another flat stone, often an Arkansas that I know is flat will make a good base. Apply 120 or 220 grit silicon carbide, splash of water, blob of dishsoap. Lap till the grit breaks down and add some fresh stuff if needed. If no loose grit or in your case a curved surface, a fresh sheet of 120 wet/dry and plenty of water will still do a fine job. The hardest possible backer is a big help.
Thanks for input! The fine india combo is actually becoming sort of a family heirloom with the way it grinds right not, hoping to get the new stone to that eventually. With the combo It puts a better edge than my 1/6k king stone. Nothing but a quick strop after for D2. I tried to smooth out the new stone a little and got it workable with 100 grit. When I get a chance i will refine it a little better and finish it with 220.
David Martin
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- Apr 7, 2008
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- 19,520
Rappy,-- correct. Lapping will not change the grit. But it will level the stone. Making it usable and smoother. Even 'feeling' finer.
Ernie, that seems to be the way they come now days. An 1/8" is a lot of lapping. When new I'm not concerned about this gritty feel as long as it is level. That will wear off during break-in and the stone becomes smoother. I did some of mine on a rough level area of concrete and plenty of H20. This prevented them from glazing. Once level I left them alone and after sharpening a few knives on them they became smoother. They will naturally become smoother with wear. But starting with it level is important. DM
Ernie, that seems to be the way they come now days. An 1/8" is a lot of lapping. When new I'm not concerned about this gritty feel as long as it is level. That will wear off during break-in and the stone becomes smoother. I did some of mine on a rough level area of concrete and plenty of H20. This prevented them from glazing. Once level I left them alone and after sharpening a few knives on them they became smoother. They will naturally become smoother with wear. But starting with it level is important. DM