Thread: Chosera 5K breaking?

I am considering adding a Chosera 5k and 10K to my kit, but was told that the 5k has a reputation for breaking. Has anyone experienced this and would it be advisable to glue to a base from the start?

I can't comment on the breaking, but in my opinion, it is always nice to glue a stone to a base, unless you have a reason to use it hand held and want to get to both sides.

The only stones I don't glue to a base are the ones that are so large that they're like having a stone with a base, anyway.

(just make sure that whatever base you affix to them, it's something that won't flex with changes in temperature or water/humidity).

I have been using the Chosera's a lot over the last 12 Months or so, and have not seen any signs of that as of yet. I soak mine for 15 mins or so before use And keep them submerged for a whole evening a couple times a week. After use I let them slowly dry in a towel. I think it was holli4pirating that reported some cracks in his 1K a while back, but other than that, I haven't heard much about Chosera faults on here. There are quite a few of us who use them round here, so I would think we'd have heard more about this if they were all that easy to break

Originally Posted by DaveW

I can't comment on the breaking, but in my opinion, it is always nice to glue a stone to a base, unless you have a reason to use it hand held and want to get to both sides.

The only stones I don't glue to a base are the ones that are so large that they're like having a stone with a base, anyway.

(just make sure that whatever base you affix to them, it's something that won't flex with changes in temperature or water/humidity).

May I ask what you use/recommend for a base, and what glue? I was thinking a maple base, but as I think about it, the water bath may cause cupping or bowing.

Originally Posted by DBurnette

May I ask what you use/recommend for a base, and what glue? I was thinking a maple base, but as I think about it, the water bath may cause cupping or bowing.

Glue them to granite or marble, using marine grade epoxy.

Originally Posted by DBurnette

I am considering adding a Chosera 5k and 10K to my kit, but was told that the 5k has a reputation for breaking. Has anyone experienced this and would it be advisable to glue to a base from the start?

they can break if they are without base, if they are on a base you are safe.

I'd agree with the above. Scuff the surface of the marble/granite piece used with silicon carbide (black) sandpaper if you use that to give the glue a good grip. May not be required, but it would only help things.

I had a bunch of quartersawn kingwood and cocobolo on hand, though, that wasn't really wide enough to use productively (about 3 1/2 inches wide and an inch thick), and used that. It has nice mass and doesn't move when it gets wet.

If I were to use maple, i'd want it to be quartersawn from a tree that grew straight, though if it's sealed, it probably wouldn't move.

Walnut is a well behaved wood, one where quartersawn isn't quite as critical, but it's not as heavy. I have at least one stone (thinking, can't remember if more...) on walnut sealed with shellac, that has stayed flat, and it is flatsawn wood (no special type).

It may be that we don't need to be that critical of wood - I've seen a lot of ratty looking bases on old japanese stones. I don't intend to find out on my stones, though.

Anyway, I've always used epoxy, too, just not marine grade (devcon 2 ton epoxy would be fine). It gives a nice gap fill and bedding to the stone and is still strong. I guess I've been using epoxied stones for about 6 years under very heavy pressure sometimes (when working over a vintage woodworking tool) and had no issues.

Another option, btw, that's easy to score and snap is 1/2"+ thick glass. Wood is the easiest to work with, though.

A possibly cheaper way to glue the stone to a base is to get cedar wood cut it to size and use gorilla glue. I have done this to my 5k super stone and many Jnats, and it works like a charm.

This is the first I've heard this about Chosera. How do they break?. For Chosera, I only have the 1k, and I use a stone holder. I soak it as directed, and leave it out to dry for at least 48 hours. I have no problems. I have several J nats that are glued to bases, Cypress I believe. They are notorious for cracking, breaking. Many are sold with lacquer on the sides to prevent this.

I've heard of Naniwas warping, but nothing about Chosera. Some Chosera's, like the 1k on SRD comes glued to a base.

What I like about Synthetic's like the Chosera or Norton's, even the extra thick Naniwa's you can use all sides if you like. Once glued to a base, you loose that option.

Originally Posted by zib

This is the first I've heard this about Chosera. How do they break?. For Chosera, I only have the 1k, and I use a stone holder. I soak it as directed, and leave it out to dry for at least 48 hours. I have no problems. I have several J nats that are glued to bases, Cypress I believe. They are notorious for cracking, breaking. Many are sold with lacquer on the sides to prevent this.

I've heard of Naniwas warping, but nothing about Chosera. Some Chosera's, like the 1k on SRD comes glued to a base.

What I like about Synthetic's like the Chosera or Norton's, even the extra thick Naniwa's you can use all sides if you like. Once glued to a base, you loose that option.

Rich,
I have seen reports that when the stone gets on the thinner side it can develop cracks and then break.
I am not sure if this is a result of improper drying or it is the stone itself. I mounted mine on a base long a go and now that I am almost half way trough it has not developed any cracks. I do not take any special care in drying it it however never leaves the room I store it in or hone on it.