Thread: Mounting hones on a base, how I do it.

Today I received two new hones in the mail, both with no bases. I mount synthetics on bases to limit the amount of bend of the hone as it wets and dries, so I decided to make a short how-to as I go.

First the choice of wood is important. Since the stones will be wet a lot the wood of choice for the base has to be water resistant and/or sealed well with varnish of some kind. I like to use Cedar for bases, as it has fiber structure that does not allow for much water to absorb, it is light wood, and it is very easy to cut with no tools. I got a 36"x 8"x1" Cedar board from eBay, measured the dimensions of the hones and cut with hand saw two pieces for bases.

Second the way the wood is cut is important, the pictures show the correct orientation of the grain to produce strong base that will not warp with time.





I sealed the bases with Shellac, it is cheap, and readily available and seals great. I have bases made 3 years ago sealed with Shellac that have not shown any sign of wear due to water exposure.



Gorilla glue works great for the purpose, it is water proof, and so far has not disappointed me, I have mounted quite a few hones with it.



I also scratched the hones surface to be glued to the base, probably not needed, but just in case.