Thread: Mounting an Apache Strata to a pedestal

Special laquer exists to seal Japanes hones. Might work for your stone as well.

So here it is so far.

The base is Bacote with a cedar stain to give it a slight reddish hue and shellac finish. Apparently, shellac is one of the few clear finishes that will cure on oily woods of this type.

As you can see the broken corner has been repaired/supported by black epoxy. I really debated doing this buy decided to err on the safe side, even if it was at the cost of aesthetics. I want this to hone to last.

The stone was boned to the base with T-88 epoxy.

I am looking for opinions on whether or not I should seal the sides now. maybe a black lacquer to cover the epoxy repair? What do you think?

I realize that this is probably a debatable approach. Many would likely leave this hone as it was. I, on the other hand felt the need to preserve it and enhance it's capabilities by making it more useable.

Another pic.

I like the look of the repaired corner. I would leave just as it is right now.

I have wondered whether these are worth the effort... I suspect I can guess your answer! Nice looking setup!

Originally Posted by Atchbo

I have wondered whether these are worth the effort... I suspect I can guess your answer! Nice looking setup!

I am very fond of this hone. It is easy to use and puts a wonderfully smooth and keen edge on everything I have run across it. It is my only "natural" stone, so I have no credible comparison. I am not a collector of hones. My RAD takes priority. But, I can honestly say that I would be perfectly content to settle down with this hone as my only finisher.

Originally Posted by Straightandproud

Another pic.

Looks good!! I too would leave it, as is. Sealing the sides would be just appearance, and lapping might eventually cause the sealer to migrate to the surface.

I guess I missed the part about the bottom being so uneven. Nice job on the repair and mount.

Regards,

Howard

Nice work, I would leave it as it and use away! That is a stunning piece of wood that you found for the mount

Beautyfull job , well done .
What was that three again and where did you buy it , its very pretty ,
Again i like the result , a lot . Good job

Originally Posted by RusenBG

Beautyfull job , well done .
What was that three again and where did you buy it , its very pretty ,
Again i like the result , a lot . Good job

Thank you.

The wood is South/Central American Bacote. It is in the rosewood family. Very dense and oily. Stands up to moisture very well. I got a big chunk of it at a local woodworking supply store. It is readily available online but moderately expensive.

I will be leaving this hone as it is. Thank you all for the opinions.