Thread: Norton 3 Whetstone set Soakage

Dear Fellow Razorheads-Just received my Norton 3 stone set and was wondering how long to soak the stone before usage. I have heard everything from 15 minutes to 2 weeks. If soaked too long, the stones can separate where they're glued, correct? FWIW, I also have a DMT 325 flattening stone en route,along with a $14.00 Nagura stone that I bought at Woodcraft. Again, thank you for any specific information-Gearhead

You didn't mention your grits (not your breakfast, the grits of your stones), but I soak my 4K 20 minutes and sometimes forget it for a day or so without a problem. The 1K gets the same treatment. The 8K requires no soaking and doesn't benefit from it.

Dear ACE-Thanx for the quick reply!. My 220/1000 and 4000/8000 are each dual stones-that's why I'm leary of soaking them too long This three stone set also comes with a Norton lapping stone, cases for each whetstone and a "how to" DVD. I did buy an inexpensive Nagura after viewing one of the Gem honing videos.Is it possible to soak the 4K stone in just a VERY shallow pan of water, to keep the 8K dry, or does it matter?-Gearhead.

I leave my nortons (1k 4k 8k) soaking all the time. I had the combo hone too, and it sat for weeks on end. No harm done.
The 8k does not NEED soaked, but I do it anyway. hurts nothing.

Glad to hear this. Mine have been in water for a week and a half now. Never gave it a thought really.

I left my norton combos in a tub of until the water evaporated lol no visual harm done. But that doesn't mean it's fine to do so.

Prior to that, I'd soak about an hour then hone. Once done I rinsed them off and let dry before putting away in their respective case.

Originally Posted by gearhead222

Dear ACE-Thanx for the quick reply!. My 220/1000 and 4000/8000 are each dual stones-that's why I'm leary of soaking them too long This three stone set also comes with a Norton lapping stone, cases for each whetstone and a "how to" DVD. I did buy an inexpensive Nagura after viewing one of the Gem honing videos.Is it possible to soak the 4K stone in just a VERY shallow pan of water, to keep the 8K dry, or does it matter?-Gearhead.

The 8K may not benefit from soaking, but I've tried and it did no harm.

My Norton stones been soaking for 8 months. I took it out once and let it dry while I was away on vacation. Not saying that's ideal, but it works for me.

Just making sure you know not to try to use the hones without lapping them well. It'll take a fair bit more lapping than you might imagine. I didn't get mine right for quite a while. Gssixgunn has a youtube vid. Check it out.

Gearhead,
I soak my 4K/8K until I no longer see bubbles coming from it. The exact time that takes is unimportant. If I have used it within the last day or two it bubbles less vigorously and takes less time to saturate.
Be sure to soak the stone before you lap it and keep it nice and wet during lapping. I initially lapped mine on a Corian countertop but found that I had produced a stone that was slightly crowned. After I switched to a piece of granite to use as a flat surface I was able to get the stone truly flat. I use the 325 DMT to maintain the stone surfaces.
This is more info than you asked for but I hope you can find it useful.
Happy honing!!