Thread: What do you do if your hone is too dark to see the pencil marks?

I'm trying to lap a mystery hone I found in my garage, and I'm having trouble seeing the pencil marks on the dark, wet surface. I was thinking about using a white colored pencil, but colored pencils aren't graphite, right?

I think colored pencils are wax ? I have been able to see pencil marks on a dark stone once it is wet and maybe turning it a bit with light.

I wouldn't use the colored pencil, if they are wax (pretty sure Jimmy is right) it wouldn't be a good thing. According to how rough it is, you might try a sharpie...just a thought. I've used a sharpie for a jillion things, this could be a jillion +1.

I've had trouble seeing the pencil marks on a BBW, but like Jimmy said, if you angle it into the light you should be able to see them somewhat. Also, if it's an old stone, the colour of the newly lapped stone might be a different colour than the unlapped stone, so that could also help.

Use a felt tip. Wax leaves too thick a layer on the hone so is less reliable. With alcohol you can remove the felt tip ink.

I just tried using a felt tip, and it came off the stone right when I put it onto the wet sandpaper. I'm going to try a sharpie tomorrow and see how that works.

curious, has anyone tried chalk? or is it harmful to the stone?

Thanks

Originally Posted by Victor

I just tried using a felt tip, and it came off the stone right when I put it onto the wet sandpaper. I'm going to try a sharpie tomorrow and see how that works.

Did you use a waterproof felttip?

They do make Sharpe' in different colors. Perhaps try a red or blue one. That might be helpful.

Originally Posted by Kees

Did you use a waterproof felttip?

I didn't even know that exists. Isn't a sharpie considered a felt tip though?