tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976499952885642848.post3690940611511858295..comments2022-02-25T10:50:38.538-08:00Comments on Oregon Woodworker by Andy Margeson: My problem with waterstonesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976499952885642848.post-21638781463656488952013-02-01T21:17:00.123-08:002013-02-01T21:17:00.123-08:00I took a look at waterstones, and luckily passed o...I took a look at waterstones, and luckily passed on it despite how much every one raves about them.<br /><br />The mess is the major turn off for me, every waterstone sharpening area I've ever seen is a goopy gritty mess. No thank you. <br /><br />I managed to get a fantastic translucent arkansas oil stone from TFWW with a bonus check, but it was worth it. I have also not gone A2 and use mostly vintage plane blades anyway so it's less of a concern to me.<br /><br />However, I think the single most important thing about sharpening is this: get it sharp and get to work on the wood. Use whatever works, and don't fret about it.Badger Woodworkshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18259857649096197619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976499952885642848.post-69539823232611234632013-01-31T16:27:04.920-08:002013-01-31T16:27:04.920-08:00Andy, I'm thinking about doing the same thing....Andy, I'm thinking about doing the same thing. I already have an extra course plate and thinking about just getting a fine/superfine and selling off the waterstones.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02445205826862096705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976499952885642848.post-84014093977245174212013-01-31T11:10:50.340-08:002013-01-31T11:10:50.340-08:00Andy:
I have mostly vintage and O1 steel, but do ...Andy:<br /><br />I have mostly vintage and O1 steel, but do have a few A2 blades and I use oilstones. The Norton Medium India oilstone is quick and will easily sharpen A2 steel. I then briefly use a natural soft arkansas, a black arkansas, and then strop. If you want to save some money, you could get the medium India ($17), the soft arkansas ($35-40) and strop, which you already have. The soft arkansas does a great job sharpening O1 steel without changing the camber I have on a blade. It also acts as a polishing stone for A2. <br /><br />I got my India stone from Tools for Working Wood and the Soft Arkansas from Hall's Pro Edge.<br /><br />I hope this helps. <br /><br />JasonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976499952885642848.post-88387677489241482042013-01-31T10:53:37.954-08:002013-01-31T10:53:37.954-08:00Hey Andy, I sharpen A2 chisels and plane irons on ...Hey Andy, I sharpen A2 chisels and plane irons on oilstones, having discarded my waterstones for much the same reasons you have (I'm in WA, and the last thing I need in the shop is more damp). The key is to dress the oilstones with a diamond hone to keep a fresh cutting surface, though you won't get a high polish as from a worn-in Arkansas. I don't recommend changing if you have a method you're comfortable with, though!Adam R. Maxwellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14544244685304728869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976499952885642848.post-48613981902988985522013-01-31T10:12:58.440-08:002013-01-31T10:12:58.440-08:00Andy, I went a similar way - started with scary sh...Andy, I went a similar way - started with scary sharp, moved to waterstones in an unheated garage, and have now been using diamond plates with Spyderco (George Wilson's recommendation) with a strop at the end. Works wonderfully, nice and quick with little mess and hassle. Shaunnoreply@blogger.com