Thread: Sealing synthetics

Hmm...maybe that was the manual of arms for the super stones? Might've been thinking of the same video JimmyHAD was thinking about.

If they're used splash & go then that changes things a bit since they shouldn't get enough water to swell up much.

My Chosera 1k, 3k, and 5k s are all sealed. The jury is still out on whether this is good or not. It makes sense to me and I like the way sealed stones feel in the hand.

Originally Posted by bluesman7

My Chosera 1k, 3k, and 5k s are all sealed. The jury is still out on whether this is good or not. It makes sense to me and I like the way sealed stones feel in the hand.

I must ask kind sir,
How long ago did you seal them and what did you use? Is the hone cracking at all?

Thank you,

Scott

Originally Posted by Marshal

Hmm...maybe that was the manual of arms for the super stones? Might've been thinking of the same video JimmyHAD was thinking about.

If they're used splash & go then that changes things a bit since they shouldn't get enough water to swell up much.

Marshal -- Even in Glen's video, he makes no claims of swelling..just that they "stabilize" (believe that's the word he used). He simply soaks them for a few minutes before he uses each stone since they apparently work better for him that way. But, he's first to admit to being somewhat OCD and splash and go may work fine too. After he's done with a particular, hone, he wipes it dry with a towel. I've done the same thing in my Naniwa SS progression and have had zero problems with the stones.

Well, I lost a rubber foot on my 10k base, but other than that no problems. (bought mine in 2012 so they are mounted to plastic stands w/ 4 rubber feet)

And, I'd like to punch the brainiac in Naniwa's marketing department who insisted Super Stones should be named Specialty stones and the Choseras should be called Pros. Talk about introducing confusion for no good reason but a paycheck!

Originally Posted by S0LITARYS0LDIER

I must ask kind sir,
How long ago did you seal them and what did you use? Is the hone cracking at all?

Thank you,

Scott

My 5k was sealed when I bought it (used) and it has developed almost imperceptible checks. My 3k came with checks (used) but seemed to heal itself by filling the checks with binder material.It has been sealed for a couple of months. My 1k came with very minor checks (used) but they have disappeared (lapped out) and it is now check free. I just recently sealed it. I used nail polish.

Originally Posted by Speedster

Marshal -- Even in Glen's video, he makes no claims of swelling..just that they "stabilize" (believe that's the word he used). He simply soaks them for a few minutes before he uses each stone since they apparently work better for him that way. But, he's first to admit to being somewhat OCD and splash and go may work fine too. After he's done with a particular, hone, he wipes it dry with a towel. I've done the same thing in my Naniwa SS progression and have had zero problems with the stones.

Well, I lost a rubber foot on my 10k base, but other than that no problems. (bought mine in 2012 so they are mounted to plastic stands w/ 4 rubber feet)

The Super Stones most definitely swell and I believe that's what's meant by stabilizing. They seem to swell in water for a few minutes before they stabilize or stop swelling.

Originally Posted by BeJay

The Super Stones most definitely swell and I believe that's what's meant by stabilizing. They seem to swell in water for a few minutes before they stabilize or stop swelling.

This. Its been a while, so video info and things I've read may be sort of melding together. But there's the crazing issue discuseed here, and the warping issue that some folks were having with one line or the other. I think SS, more so than pro. Letting them soak a minute allowed them to swell evenly and reduces lapping & warpage.

I don't think they swell much, just enough for those of us who are extra particular about a flat honing surface to notice they were lapping the ever living heck out of the stone to keep it the way they like it.

And I second the motion to punch that marketing guy. Right in the throat. Super stone and Chosera was easy to remember. Didn't really need changing, and now we have 2 designations each for what is essentially the same 2 grades of stone.

You guys are forgetting the "Sharpening Stone" line which is the specialty line but 20mm instead of 10. Just to add to confusion even more.

Originally Posted by bluesman7

My Chosera 1k, 3k, and 5k s are all sealed. The jury is still out on whether this is good or not. It makes sense to me and I like the way sealed stones feel in the hand.

My Choseras are Mounted to Cedar Bases and sealed just like if they were J-Nats

I have had zero issues since doing so,,

I am about through the 1k Chosera and made a trade for a new Pro 1k I am going to start this one mounted and sealed

My Naniwa Supers I have done nothing to, other then use them, I did waste a bit of good hone down the drain before I learned to let them stabilize first by chasing the "Flat"


ps: I use Min-wax Wood Sealer on the bases and the hones to seal them it allows for flexing