Thread: Soaking stones in distilled water

I had noticed Lynn mentioning soaking his honing stones in distilled water. This raised a question in my mind. If soaking stones in hard tap water, is it possible after some time to have a buildup of calcium and other minerals in the stones that could affect their honing properties? I just got to wondering about this since these minerals can build up in a shower stall, for example, and become very hard and rough. Any thoughts?

Not all stones stay in a bucket only a few of them , and the distiller water is to keep the water from turning green with the mold and mildew is what I was told , but don't do this with most of the stones. Tc

My initial thought is that unless you permanently keep stones in water that this should not be a problem. As you lap a stone to expose fresh surface, inherently you would be removing these impurities from the surface. Having said that, could they, in theory, degrade the binding agent in artificial stones over time? Perhaps...that would depend, in my mind, more on chemical treatment and Ph of the local water vs. distilled water than mineral deposits. Just my theories.

My two bevel setters are stored in softened water from the tap. A small splash of bleach is added.

I use Reverse Osmosis water for honing and sanding. No real need but it does prevent any possible build up. Also, the city water has a lot of solids which, in theory, could scratch the edge and/or stone.

WhT is the benefit of soaking a stone in water? Could it not over Time soak up some water thus breaking down some of the stone inside and crumbling apart? I haven't stores any in water but if there's a benefit I would.

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

Not all stones stay in a bucket only a few of them , and the distiller water is to keep the water from turning green with the mold and mildew is what I was told , but don't do this with most of the stones. Tc

Yes, I believe soaking Naniwa stone/hones like that is definitely not recommended.

Bob

If you're talking natural rock there are very few that will be affected by soaking in water. Certain types like some sandstones and very porous rocks might be affected long term meaning many many years. Synthetic stones are another matter depending on glue used or binders and all that.

The advantage is some stones need to be soaked before use and this way you are always ready to go without waiting 20 minutes or more. Actually you don't have to soak any stones as long as you continuously put water on them as you use them which could be in convenient. Some can absorb water like a sponge.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

If you're talking natural rock there are very few that will be affected by soaking in water. Certain types like some sandstones and very porous rocks might be affected long term meaning many many years. Synthetic stones are another matter depending on glue used or binders and all that.

The advantage is some stones need to be soaked before use and this way you are always ready to go without waiting 20 minutes or more. Actually you don't have to soak any stones as long as you continuously put water on them as you use them which could be in convenient. Some can absorb water like a sponge.

Spendur is correct. My two bevel setters suck water like a dry camel.