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I just came across these two while looking at a woodworking site. Prices seem very good. Any thoughts, particularly on the Chinese 12,000 grit stone?
Granite Block:
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx...D=4864&cs=4920
Chinese hone:
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=4920
Apparently this is the vaunted 12K Chinese waterstone that is being raved for producing THE sharp edge. Being a champion AD whatever, I bought one. Being a procratinator of the first water, I have yet to try it.
up to my axles in mud and still spinning my wheels, Bruce
--Oh and the surface plate - it's what to use if you want to get something really flat. Runout on these things is about a .0001" and that ain't much at all.
If you are interested in a granite surface plate, try here: http://www.grizzly.com/catalog/2007/Main/631
You can get the smallest one for 13 bucks.
It's a grade "B" plate, but that accuracy is held to +/- .0001" tolerances (which is good enough to lap hones with). The A you linked is accurate within +/- .00005 (which could be overkill unless you are very strict about accuracy :))
http://www.measurenow.com/Controls/Surface_Plates.aspx
Yes that is the infamous Chinese 12k that a lot of us have, its my only finishing stone and its very slow cutting
I have the Chinese stone and have used it. I don't like it because it's slow. I also think the stone is dirty and I don't like the feel of it. The coticule works faster and better for me.
Surface plates. The Woodcraft plate is from China and is "pretty flat". Surface plates come rated as Grade A and B and "toolroom" quality with or without ledges and of various thicknesses. I have a few dozen surface plates ranging from a 6' x 4' x 1' thick granite one (it's now my front step on my house) from the Rock of Ages quarry to smaller ones in the 12" x 12" and 18" x 24" size. I have 3 round ones 36" in diameter from a jet engine factory that went out of business. They're real beauties.
The best surface plates are the pink ones from the Starrett Co. in Athol, MA. Why? Pink granite has the highest percentage of quartz which is very hard and the stones stay flatter longer. In industry, surface plates are kept in temperature and humidity controlled rooms and are tested regularly for flatness. They are usually certified by a testing agency once a year.
Keeping them clean is imperative and I have a couple of gallons of regulation Surface Plate Cleaner. It does make a difference as water or soap will leave a residue you can't feel with your hand but will throw off a measurement.
For my metal work I use only the pink Starrett plates. The black ones wear more quickly but the price is right if you're not doing much with them. Watch the shipping cost on these things! They're heavy.
I have a couple of small ones I would sell if someone were interested. One is black and one is pink.
I purchased the same stone from Woodcraft (who are excellent retailers) and I am quite happy with the 12K Chinese stone. It does cut slow but it gives a very good edge.
I have noticed some blades take better to the 12K while other seem to like the strop finish much better.