Quote Originally Posted by smgunn View Post
I did want to say that I'm not trying to prove or disprove anything about Arkansas stones. I wouldn't want anyone to think that I'm attempting to conduct definitive tests here. There are too many variables involved with a test like for anyone other than me to draw any conclusions. I've already got a bunch of questions just about my first try alone: Should I have done more strokes? should I have come after the 8K instead? Should I have lapped the stone finer? Each time I try something different I'll have 10 more Questions about that I'm sure. But the biggest factor to all of this is YMMV. All in all I really have some beautiful stones that I want to find out how I can use them and how well they work for me.



Sean
Hi Sean,

I am happy to find your successful use of the Ark. It does take some time for even a finely lapped translucent to calm down in terms of their polishing capabilities.

Another experiment that I have found them to work very well is to apply various slurries. With a norton prep stone, the arkie is transformed into an aggresive metal mover. With fine slurries of Jnats and eschers they impart edges that closely resemble the finishes of the slurry material. Arkies are great at this because they do not suck up water and they suface is just porous enough for the slurry particles to lock in and really cut fast. I realize that many hard stones are capable of this, but if you have not tried it with an arkie you are missing something IMHO.

Most of my translucent arks come from Dan's and they are good. I have heard from various people that Norton quarries a very high quality and consistantly good stone too. Dan made me an 8X3 that took quite a while to break in, but the large surface is great and makes honing easier. Thanks for posting of your fun adventures and I look forward to hear more of what worked and what did not.