Thread: First jNat - how to prep?

Hey Guys,

Got my first inexpensive jnat just to get my feet wet. Will post a picture later but, how should I prep the stone? I know basically how to lap it (I have an Atoma 400), but what should I do first, lacquer it or lap it? Do I need to clean the stone before lacquering? Is a clear spray lacquer fine to use? (just seems easier to spray than to brush) If I were to get lacquer in the wrong place is it easy just to lap it away? Is there a special kind of lacquer to use on a stone or is the kind made for wood fine? Probably a lot of paranoid type questions but I like to know everything before jumping into a project , cheers!

I lacquered mine before lapping it because I had a feeling I'd have lacquer on the honing surface that would need cleaning away. My feeling was right. I used sand paper so the lacquer wouldn't gum up my diamond plate, then lapped the stone as usual once the excess lacquer was cleared off.

Once it was flat I polished away the diamond plate scratches to 2K, then burnished it by rubbing the surface with the Tomo nagura I was sent with it.

As for the type of lacquer I'll let someone else chime in there. I just used some paint on stuff I had lying around. I figured it was better than nothing.

I do what Marshal does and have had no problems.

I use regular Zinnsser brushing lacquer. The advantage is that an overnight soak in alcohol will remove it should you wish to.

Cheers, Steve

Personally I would lap the top and maybe tidy up the sides and bottom a bit, if needed Take any sharp edges off etc .
Sand paper can be used..
Mask off the top and a bit down the sides.Then spray or paint.
Let it dry, remove masking tape.
Use some finer sand paper on the top now.
Bingo.....but that's just me..
Got any pictures?

Originally Posted by JOB15

Personally I would lap the top and maybe tidy up the sides and bottom a bit, if needed Take any sharp edges off etc .
Sand paper can be used..
Mask off the top and a bit down the sides.Then spray or paint.
Let it dry, remove masking tape.
Use some finer sand paper on the top now.
Bingo.....but that's just me..
Got any pictures?

I don't know why I never think of things like this. I have the tape lying around for exactly this type of thing. But somehow never think to utilize it until some time after the job is long finished.

Probably because most of my staining, painting, and varnishing is wood and that typically doesn't require painters tape. Just a smooth run free coat across the entire surface.

No pics no purchase occurred.

Diamond plates to flatten then I would condition the surface with some wet and dry sandpaper at least 600 but the final surface is going be the tomo nagura anyway so that surface is what you will wind up with.

Originally Posted by Steve56

I do what Marshal does and have had no problems.

I use regular Zinnsser brushing lacquer. The advantage is that an overnight soak in alcohol will remove it should you wish to.

Cheers, Steve

I like this idea for sealing. I figure the Zinsser product is a shellac base being it thins with alcohol. If it is shellac is definitely a good water barrier, protecting the side of the stones from water seeping potentially delaminating your stone over time. It may not be as durable as traditional urushi /cashew laquers but hey you can always slap on another coat and the stuff dries fast.

Ok. I just ordered a jnat my 1st. An Ozuku asagi. Not cheap. 215 x 78 x 28 appox. 3 lb 10 oz. Its in the mail so i cant show a pic. What do i need to do before using it. I bought it from a reliable and highly trusted source. It has been test honed on two different razors and found to be great for razors . I read about sealing etc. What does one need to do to a stone like this. i haven't asked the vendor yet as i only now learn of this sealing procedure. A few words of advice guys?

Originally Posted by bobski

Ok. I just ordered a jnat my 1st. An Ozuku asagi. Not cheap. 215 x 78 x 28 appox. 3 lb 10 oz. Its in the mail so i cant show a pic. What do i need to do before using it. I bought it from a reliable and highly trusted source. It has been test honed on two different razors and found to be great for razors . I read about sealing etc. What does one need to do to a stone like this. i haven't asked the vendor yet as i only now learn of this sealing procedure. A few words of advice guys?

You have loads of choices.

Firstly I'd lap it then remove the lapping marks with a Tomo.
I have spent most of today lapping my Nakayama . I made the mistake of using sandpaper which impaired the surface with particles of glass, so I went back to the old method of Diamond plate followed by a soft Nagura (be careful, a scratch from a Tomo can send you back to the beginning)

Seal the bottom and sides. There are lots of option for that.

Build a wooden base stand.?

Do you have Naguras?