Thread: soaking a norton

I have just purchased a 4000/8000 Norton and have a quandry on my hands.
I have used single grit stones in the past and have usually just left them soaking in water.
Given that the 8000 is ok with just a spritze of H2O and the 4000 is a soak type how does one handle the 4000/8000?
Can it just be left in water like the single grit stones or does the bonded two grit stone need something special for handling?
Norton's website is less than revealing in this regard.

Lynn lets his soak all the time. I wouldn't worry about soaking it!

I plunk mine in a vase, 15 minutes prior to using it.

Originally Posted by shotwell1234

Lynn lets his soak all the time. I wouldn't worry about soaking it!

He's also worn out seven or eight of them by this point, so I'm not sure that he's ever soaked one particular hone for more than a few months at a time.

It seems like a lot of guys do just leave them soaking all the time, but that's not necessary unless you're honing every day. There have been a couple of reports of the bond working loose eventually, but I suspect those were the exceptions rather than the rule.

If you'll only be using it a few times a month, I suggest letting it dry out between uses. It does take two or three days to dry, though.

Josh

I have been told leaving one soaking all the time will not only cause them to separate but they will grow a sort of mold.

Mold...yikes!...I can see your point though. Moisture and stones sitting for a while would be a nice medium for some mold...but if you keep it clean and change the water frequently I don't think it should grow anything.

yea kinda like a swimming pool with no chlorine yuk i would leave mine dry out guys like lynn need theirs wet all the time he probably uses a water stabilizer to prevent the nasties from growing

A few drops of chlorine bleach will keep anything from growing on the hone otherwise especially in the summer it will start to grow.

Don't forget, nortons are synthetic stones and more apt to dissolve than natural stone. I asked Howard that exact question not long ago and his response mirrored what I have already posted.

I've got a single 4000, a single 8000, and a 220/1000 combo......(not to mention a yellow coticule & a 12,000 Kitayama).

I treat them all the same !

When you want to use them, put them in a basin full of water about 20 minutes before hand.

Set them on the table (on a clean shop rag), and have a small cup of water handy.

Douche the stones frequently with a little water as you hone.

When done for the night, rinse the stone off well (under running water),
Dry it, and put it safely away until next time !

Marko.......