Thread: Cheap Bevel Setting stone/Lapping stone

Hey guys so a awhile a go I was in my local Home Depot when I can across a Norton 6x2x3/4in bench stone with a coarse side and a fine side for about 5 bucks so I picked it up. Now it says to use oil with it but I have treated just like there water stones and found it work great on the fine side for setting a bevel and the course side worked good on chips and lapping my 4k/8k Norton.

This is it on Home depots page Norton 6 x 2 x 3/4 In. Bench Stone - 87933 at The Home Depot

How has this stone worked out for you?

This stone has work out good for me. I use it to set all my bevels and have used it to take small nicks out of old blades I have picked up. I also use it to flatten my Norton 4/8 when I use it.

Good deal. I picked one up, too. I also got the oil. I figure I'll try it out that way and see what results I get.

Once you've had oil on it it'll be oily until you give it a really deep cleaning. I'd be careful about transferring the oil to your water hones by lapping them. Also, be sure to lap the bargain hone flat or it'll reshape whatever you lap with it.

There are some bargain diamond plates out there too. If you get one, check it against a good straightedge or trustworthy flat surface before touching it to your hones. The one I bought went right back to the store and I got a DMT instead.

Aren't these stones usually 120/240 grit approximately? Seems like overkill for bevel setting.

Also, make sure you lap this stone before trying to lap other stones.

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

Aren't these stones usually 120/240 grit approximately?

Actually it doesn't say, but both sides feel rougher than the 4K side of my Norton.

I also bought some wet/dry sandpaper and a 12"x12" piece of marble tile from The Home Depot. It's very, very flat. How would this compare to a DMT stone for lapping?

Originally Posted by roughkype

Once you've had oil on it it'll be oily until you give it a really deep cleaning. I'd be careful about transferring the oil to your water hones by lapping them.

I will avoid the oil. Thank you.

Originally Posted by markdfhr

Actually it doesn't say, but both sides feel rougher than the 4K side of my Norton.

I also bought some wet/dry sandpaper and a 12"x12" piece of marble tile from The Home Depot. It's very, very flat. How would this compare to a DMT stone for lapping?

That's a good lapping solution. If you know someone who has a tile cutter you can trim down the tile so it's easier to work with it in the sink--lapping often needs running water.

The Home Depot hone will be orders of magnitude coarser than your Norton 4k. I'd use it for only the most abused razors, and to sharpen lawn mowers and cold chisels. I've got one of them, and it's not allowed in the house. I'm afraid it would bully the other hones for being a bunch of pampered sissies.

Originally Posted by roughkype

lapping often needs running water.

Another good idea, thanks.

I have my home depot hone on top of my other hones. I thought I heard whimpering coming from over there.