Thread: Water temp when lapping

Does the temperature of the water matter when lapping a stone, whether it be natural or synthetic? Such as cold, warm or hot.

I've lapped my Naniwa SS set under a constant dribble of either cold or warm but I didn't know if there were any problems using different temperatures.

I know soaking a synthetic is sometimes recommended but not for great lengths of time but not recommended for Naniwa SS as it can release the bond in the synthetic stones.

Just curious.

I think this is a good question. I don't really know, but it seems I remember reading that the Shaptons should not be used with hot water. I could be wrong, though. Either way, I use cold water with all my stones.

Steve

I have also heard never ever use hot, I shoot for room temp myself....

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I have also heard never ever use hot, I shoot for room temp myself....

+1, I don't know if it would make a difference but it seems to me hot might be too much of a good thing ?

Yes i go with cold one.

I have a 32oz spray bottle that sits out full of water. this is what I use, so my vote goes for room temp.

You guys are saying no hot water for synthetic stones, right? Natural should be alright?

Well, my two cents worth is that hot water might damage the stone, would evaporate too rapidly and is not necessary. I use a small bottle with a pop top to dribble room temp water on mine. Works for me !! Mack

Originally Posted by Victor

You guys are saying no hot water for synthetic stones, right? Natural should be alright?

I don't know if it would be alright. I suppose that the rock was subjected to temperatures a lot hotter than tap water in it's life but when I am lapping I do it under cold water and when I'm honing I'm at the sink but I use a spray bottle with room temp water. I have no evidence that the hotter water would remove more of the material than the cold but I wouldn't try it to find out. It's working so I won't fix it.

I just use water right out of the cold tap.. Just turn it on and lap under running water.

The Shaptons instructions say not to use hot water with them, and personally I'd avoid it with every stone. Just use the running cold tap or a spray bottle at room temperature.