Thread: Crazy bench-hone idea

Try calling a local sign (vinyl graphics) shop and see if they would be willing to sell you the little bit you'll need.

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

Matt, where can I go and buy one? I wouldn't feel too good about "borrowing" lol.

What Miles said. A local sign shop, any one that offers car signs may be able to slide you some pieces off the roll at a lower price than usual. If not, I may have some lying around, but I think it was borrowed from a Private Passions saleswo/man.

These magnet sheets can also be used to make the coolest fridge magnets in the world, FYI.

May I ask what the magnets are for...I don't understand where or why these would be used. Thank you.

Andrew

Those were to be used for interchangeable abrasive pads. One leather strip would be treated with 1.0, another one with 0.5 and the third one with 0.25 micron abrasive. Each would be backed with a magnet and so would the backing. In any case the idea got scrapped, I glued a single strip of leather onto the marble and got some great results with 0.5 micron chromium oxide.

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

Those were to be used for interchangeable abrasive pads. One leather strip would be treated with 1.0, another one with 0.5 and the third one with 0.25 micron abrasive. Each would be backed with a magnet and so would the backing. In any case the idea got scrapped, I glued a single strip of leather onto the marble and got some great results with 0.5 micron chromium oxide.

Thank you Ilija,

That clears up my question and further hones my ambition of making my own pasted bench strop.

I just need a good piece of leather...What should I look for...weight, thickness, etc...Any pointers?...Anyone know of any good sources in Australia?

Also what do you guys think of MDF for a medium/base for the leather? If yes should I seal it with a lacquer?

Andrew

MDF would make the perfect base. You could seal it, but it won't warp in any case. As for the leather, just look at your hanging strop and that's what you need for the bench hone. Back leather is better than belly as it doesn't stretch as much. Honey brown is preferable to treated leathers like red latigo as it's untreated and you will be treating it with Cr2O3 anyways.

Hey guys,

What does MDF stand for? I feel like an idiot that I haven't figured it out yet...

Josh

Medium Density Fiberboard. Sawdust and a rock hard glue. Basically wood that does not have grain or move.


I use it on my bench strops as it is a stable and economical base that does not cost a fortune to fabricate.


As for belly or back leather, since glued down solid it probably make less difference on a paddle than for a hanging strop.

Tony

Although there are varieties of MDF that are waterproof, I didn't think the variety you get at Home Depot is waterproof. Doesn't it need to be well sealed... particularly in damp climates and/or if water is splashed on it? Otherwise doesn't it warp/curl at the edges?

Joe,
true, they are not waterproof. They are very stable in most climates except sitting in water <g>. The idea is NOT to do your honing with a wet Norton right next to your bench strop. I have had a few guys sit their paddles in water though which I do not suggest myself <g>.

I started sealing the edges on mine just in case.

Tony