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A handmade home for woodworkers and admirers of woodworkers. Our community icon is submitted by @[email protected] whose father was inspired to start woodworking by Norm and the New Yankee Workshop.

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Q: what’s your sharpening set up (startrek.website)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Hey all, newb here. I’m building my first workshop in my basement with hand tools only (might add power tools later) and looking for some advice.

I’m still undecided on a sharpening setup, so wondering what other people like. How fussy are water stones, and how do you manage keeping them true? Do you have any cool tricks or things you want to show off?

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Follow up question, what do you use for an abrasive fluid? I’m pretty new to sharpening and just bought diamond stones and lapping fluid, but the fluid is semi-expensive. I’ve seen about anything from just water, Windex, Krud Cleaner, and then all sorts of replies saying that each of those wreck the stone in some way. Is there a cheap alternative that you use, or should I just keep buying the lapping fluid?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Diamond stones are pretty much fine with anything you want to use. In a pinch, use them dry but wipe off the metal dust frequently (dry rag). In the shop where I don't have a sink I use a spray bottle of isopropyl alcohol (50% seems about right). In the kitchen I use soapy water. I've seen oil used but I'd rather not have the mess.

Diamond stones don't absorb so any liquid that can be cleaned off and isn't corrosive or otherwise dangerous will work.