Norton India Stone VS DMT Diamond Stones? Which is better for faster results?

[MTHall720]

Crystolon is great if you don't want much refinement on you edge. If grandpa did, he probably used Arkansas stones, which are slightly slower. Just as glaciers are slightly slower than top fuel dragsters

I used Arkansas stone about 20 years ago, but found them to be very slow at the time.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

I was hoping to get some pics but had a hard time trying to get enough detail. Basically what I am seeing are patches of dark gray on the stones, and am having some difficulty even after using comet trying to clean them off. However, until now I have used them dry, so will now try wet.

IF the dark gray patches are actually swarf from steel, some Bar Keepers Friend powder, mixed to a paste with water, is a very effective way to clean it up. The BKF utilizes oxalic acid in the mix, which actually dissolves the steel particles. Wet the hones with water first, then use a toothbrush with the BKF paste to scrub for maybe 30 seconds, then rinse it thoroughly. The oxalic acid works very effectively, which also means you need to follow the directions carefully. So long as it's used properly, it works great.

You can usually find the Bar Keepers Friend powder in the grocery store, in the same area as the Comet/Ajax & other household cleansers.

 

[HeavyHanded]

All stones load up with swarf during use, some clean off faster/easier than others. I don't think there's much of a difference between an India stone and diamonds in that respect, but with the exception of my EEF DMT all my DMTs are interrupted surface. I guess the continuous ones might need more frequent cleaning than an India stone which has nooks and crannies where the swarf can collect a bit in between cleaning. I use soap and water with both types and flush the swarf frequently during use.

 

[thombrogan]

Now, let's see. I know I need a set of J-Nats for my EP, but I can't seem to remember why.

Clearly it's because you can appreciate the finish they leave on your edges and bevels paired with the added precision in application afforded by your angle-guided grinding and honing device and enjoy the object d'art quality created any time Ken hits something with a stone-cutting saw.

But the time will come to place those pieces of historical significance into a dust-resistant display case, buy about 20 1" x 6" pieces of nano-cloth and several bottles of his CBN and polycrystalline compounds and start sharpening down to 0.025µ like a grown-up. (FWIW, I rarely go finer than 0.5µ monocrystalline HA spray and do everything with unsteady hands like an overgrown juvenile delinquent even though I understand the benefits of increased precision).

 

[Ben Dover]

All stones load up with swarf during use, some clean off faster/easier than others. I don't think there's much of a difference between an India stone and diamonds in that respect, but with the exception of my EEF DMT all my DMTs are interrupted surface. I guess the continuous ones might need more frequent cleaning than an India stone which has nooks and crannies where the swarf can collect a bit in between cleaning. I use soap and water with both types and flush the swarf frequently during use.

I tend to agree. I've used EZ-Lap, DMT and ATOMA diamond plates, and both water stones and oilstones. IME, like virtually everythng else in life, they work best when kept clean.

I'll also second the use of Bar Keeper's Friend, and an old toothbrush. :thumbup:

 

[Ben Dover]

Clearly it's because you can appreciate the finish they leave on your edges and bevels paired with the added precision in application afforded by your angle-guided grinding and honing device and enjoy the object d'art quality created any time Ken hits something with a stone-cutting saw.

But the time will come to place those pieces of historical significance into a dust-resistant display case, buy about 20 1" x 6" pieces of nano-cloth and several bottles of his CBN and polycrystalline compounds and start sharpening down to 0.025µ like a grown-up. (FWIW, I rarely go finer than 0.5µ monocrystalline HA spray and do everything with unsteady hands like an overgrown juvenile delinquent even though I understand the benefits of increased precision).

Thom, you should have been an English professor! (Or perhaps a stand-up comedian!)

 

[sodak]

On diamonds, I like using water mixed with a pinch of baking soda.

I actually prefer Bourbon on the rocks, but to each his own. I hope this improves your digestion.

Crystolon is great if you don't want much refinement on you edge. If grandpa did, he probably used Arkansas stones, which are slightly slower. Just as glaciers are slightly slower than top fuel dragsters

You owe me a beer. Lost this one through my nose, laughing like a hyena...

Clearly it's because you can appreciate the finish they leave on your edges and bevels paired with the added precision in application afforded by your angle-guided grinding and honing device and enjoy the object d'art quality created any time Ken hits something with a stone-cutting saw.

But the time will come to place those pieces of historical significance into a dust-resistant display case, buy about 20 1" x 6" pieces of nano-cloth and several bottles of his CBN and polycrystalline compounds and start sharpening down to 0.025µ like a grown-up. (FWIW, I rarely go finer than 0.5µ monocrystalline HA spray and do everything with unsteady hands like an overgrown juvenile delinquent even though I understand the benefits of increased precision).

Thom, as your therapist, I must insist you make your next appointment now.

To the OP, as an overall comment, if you are looking for sheer speed, then diamonds are hard to beat. No question. But there are a lot of other factors, and they are certainly not the only answer...

 

[thombrogan]

I'm not sure I trust our doctor-patient relationship that much. You say you're there to help me, but spend every session asking about my mother. She's a married woman, so back off, Dr. Homewrecker!

 

[sodak]

*sigh* I tried.

 

[David Martin]

You guys are funny. DM

 

[Ben Dover]

You guys are funny. DM

We try!