justinh Posted December 27, 2011 Report Share Posted December 27, 2011 Recently there's been several conversations around here about different sharpening systems. I'm looking to get some good oil stones that are wide enough to sharpen a plane iron without skewing the iron. I've looked at the 2 1/2" W. stones at Dan's Whetstones. My question is, would the Soft Arkansas and the Hard Select Arkansas be sufficient to get a good edge, or should I use the Soft and Black Hard stones? On the Soft stone, there are multiple thicknesses, does the thickness make a big difference, or would I be ok with a 1/2 thick stone? Also, If there are any other stone producers that I should consider, feel free to throw those into the conversation as well. I am fairly new to woodworking, especially the sharpening aspect and haven't ever had anything to sharpen my tools. Thanks in advance for the advice. -Justin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathryn Posted December 28, 2011 Report Share Posted December 28, 2011 Hmm. Those combo stones are a good value. If I had to buy once, it'd be the Soft (Medium)/Black (Extra Fine) in as large a stone as I could get. Thickness isn't an issue with Arkansas stones--they're very hard and will last a lifetime. They do eventually "dish" but only after decades of use. It's nice to have thick stones or some means of holding them down so they're more stable. I've got a Dan's translucent and it's a really nice stone. Some coarse belt sander sand paper to set a bevel, the soft, the hard, and a leather strop should get your chisels and planes about as sharp as can be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nateswoodworks Posted December 30, 2011 Report Share Posted December 30, 2011 I talked with Schwartz a while back about where to get stones and he directed me to Dans as well. I plan on going with 3" wide so I have more room to play when I sharpen my 2 3/8 and so that I'm fine if I ever get a #8. It is standard to get a Soft and Hard Arkansas followed by a strop. If stropping isn't for you then you will want a Translucent. Like Jonathryn stated a 1/2" thick stone will never wear out but it is just a stability issue, for this reason many used to attach theirs to a piece of stock or keep them in a wooden box "along with other reasons" so cracking would never be an issue. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justinh Posted December 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2011 Thanks Nate and Jon. I think I will go with the 3" wide stones as well. I think I will get the Soft and Hard Select and follow up with a strop if needed, then if needed and when money allows, get the Black Hard or Translucent. Thanks to both of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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