Oil??????

[Doc_Holidaze]

I was under the impresion that oil was not nessesary for sharpening and didnt help the end result. I thought the only real purpose it served was to "wash" away metal from the stone. I may be wrong, but would this washing away of excess metal help keep the stones in new condition? If this is the sole purpose of oil for sharpening than could one use a air compressor for a cleaner faster route to keep stones clean? I guess the question is since im a noob at all this, does anything i said make any sense. Please BF, disscus, and feel free to add your two cents.

 

[HeavyHanded]

There are many opinions on this subject, mine have run the full range. Currently I use the oil every time I work with vitreous or natural stones. It floats most of the metal and loose abrasive off the surface. On natural stones it helps prevent glazing of the stone. In the case of silicon carbide stones it seems to encourage the faster release of abrasive from the binder, making the stone work more like a waterstone and keeps the surface like-new. It also seems to allow for a lighter touch = finer edge than the rated grit value. On diamond plates I prefer soapy water, sandpaper I usually use dry (I don't work much with sandpaper anymore) but sometimes a drop or two of water has good effect. On ceramic stones like Spyderco, I use soapy water or nothing - oil doesn't seem to improve grinding.
Use of an air compressor might be a bad idea - inhalation of metal and grinding abrasives proven to cause a number of health problems. Better to wipe the surface or wait till you're done with the stone and clean it some other way.

HH

 

[Doc_Holidaze]

There are many opinions on this subject, mine have run the full range. Currently I use the oil every time I work with vitreous or natural stones. It floats most of the metal and loose abrasive off the surface. On natural stones it helps prevent glazing of the stone. In the case of silicon carbide stones it seems to encourage the faster release of abrasive from the binder, making the stone work more like a waterstone and keeps the surface like-new. It also seems to allow for a lighter touch = finer edge than the rated grit value. On diamond plates I prefer soapy water, sandpaper I usually use dry (I don't work much with sandpaper anymore) but sometimes a drop or two of water has good effect. On ceramic stones like Spyderco, I use soapy water or nothing - oil doesn't seem to improve grinding.
Use of an air compressor might be a bad idea - inhalation of metal and grinding abrasives proven to cause a number of health problems. Better to wipe the surface or wait till you're done with the stone and clean it some other way.

HH

i thought of that this morning about breathing in the metal dust, cause i got bad lungs as it is. maybe blowing the stones outside seperate from your workspace with a basic paper mask or wet tshirt wraped around the face would solve this problem

 

[theHobbyist]

Heavy, why soapy water with diamond? Do you find that it clears the stones better, if so whats your ratio? Currently I use honing oil on all of my stones, diamond included.

Doc, if you're concerned about breathing that stuff in you should get a proper mask. I got one from WoodCraft for $30.00.

As for a post cleaning ritual I would stay away from blowing off your stones... a good washing is my preferred way, not scrubbing mind you, a soak in some clean water and I'll rub the face of my stones with my fingers

 

[HeavyHanded]

Heavy, why soapy water with diamond? Do you find that it clears the stones better, if so whats your ratio? Currently I use honing oil on all of my stones, diamond included.

Doc, if you're concerned about breathing that stuff in you should get a proper mask. I got one from WoodCraft for $30.00.

As for a post cleaning ritual I would stay away from blowing off your stones... a good washing is my preferred way, not scrubbing mind you, a soak in some clean water and I'll rub the face of my stones with my fingers

I'm pretty sure this is just force of habit - when I bought my first diamond plates the guy at the wood shop told me not to use oil. My own understanding is most oils would be OK but anything with a solvent in it could compromise the nickel plating if not wiped off well. I did try mineral oil on 'em but the diamond plates, for me, have better feedback with soapy water. In all reality they don't need anything and a rag could be used to wipe the swarf off during use, but I get better feedback with a fluid on the surface. Just a drop or two dishsoap on the plate and a few drops of water - add as needed.

 

[David Martin]

I have used and tested many substances on the surface of stones as well and found oil to be a favorite of mine giving good results. It does lower the friction action of steel against stone allowing for a finer touch and less stone wear. Plus, in the stone cleaning department the swarf remains on the stone until it's just wiped off. Mineral oil being a low expense item and offers many uses so another plus in this equation. Just try different methods and see what you think. DM