Thread: Make your own paddle strop

I noticed that Dan had mentioned using ash and mdf for the base of his bench hones. Was that a 6 micron paddle you had in your original picture 2sharp? I was looking to make a medium grit hone that would serve a similar purpose as a 4000 norton stone and I thought I could combine these ideas buy using a 6 micron diamond paper.

Originally Posted by claytor

I noticed that Dan had mentioned using ash and mdf for the base of his bench hones. Was that a 6 micron paddle you had in your original picture 2sharp? I was looking to make a medium grit hone that would serve a similar purpose as a 4000 norton stone and I thought I could combine these ideas buy using a 6 micron diamond paper.

Yes that is a 6.0 on one side and 3.0 on the other. I don't have any experience with the diamond papers but it should work. Make sure the paddles are sanded as smooth and as flat as you can before applying the paper, balsa or leather.

bj

Originally Posted by alpinmack

I don't know why more guys don't make their own.

Lots of admirable workmanship on this thread. I wish I could make my own, but I do not have the tools, workspace or skill.

You guys should consider putting some balsa wood paddles on the B/S/T!

i am make some myself should the back side of the leather be up or the smooth side and should you sand them some

What grit do you guys finish sanding the blsa wood with?

+Buckler

try using 220, some 600 then 1000, or some combination similar. The thing with this is it is not rocket science. Just make it smooth and use a flat surface to support your sandpaper especially if your other option is your hands.
aaron

Considering how soft balsa wood is, aren't you concerned about the sandpaper grit becoming embedded in the wood?

I wanted a leather strop to use with paste. I happened to have some thick, top-grain cowhide left over from something or other, so I made a paddle out of stiff pine. Then, I took advantage of the fact that leather stretches when wet, and soaked the leather and tacked it tightly over the ends of the paddle. Use lots of tacks so there isn't any room to warp the leather between tacks, and be sure to tack at least 3/8 inch below the surface of the paddle so you won't hit anything.

When the leather dries, it becomes as tight as -- well, you get the idea.

I've been impressed by the craftsmanship shown on this thread. Mine is strictly utilitarian.

j

I have now made my balsa strops using the thread photos as examples

I made 2 so I now have 4 sides

Question is what do I do next - I am really new to this so need a little guidance

so i have a typical newb question here. these things all look great and having recently sliced my strop almost in half i would love to make my own contraption but will any of these balsa ones replace a leather strop?

i saw one person posted that they like the balsa better then leather implying that they don't use the leather now. leather of the right texture is not an easy thing for me to find around here and a strop is even harder so if i can make something a little different to try out that would be great.