Diamond stone cleaning

[sdjp]

I have been using a fine diamond stone for several years now to hone my blades. However, of late it has become less efficient. When adding water as a lubricant I noticed the water was beading on the surface on the plate, probably caused by contamination by oil, both the natural and workshop variety from my hands.

...

I was thinking of using white spirit or petrol to clear the oil but worried this may affect the bonding material holding the diamonds to the substructure.

Neither should harm the stone. The exact composition of the bonding material varies; is often branded a Trade Secret, but is typically nickel, nickel based such as inconnel, or a high nickel stainless steel. (The stainless steel is the cheaper end option, as the diamonds slowly dissolve into the steel. Typically too slow to make a really noticeable impact, but can amount to increase rate of loss of grit).

Which ever of the above it is, I can't think of a metal based adhesive that would be adversely affected.

If the diamond bonding substrate is plastic, as opposed to metal, of course, all bets off.

Some diamond stones have a plastic backing, behind the metal, so I\d be caution of those. On the other hand the plastic is non-critical, so you can test a tiny spot first. Most plastics _probably_ won't be adversely affected by a brief contact with such solvents - but then my chemistry wasn't polymers, neither was the mat sci, so take some NaCl with that…

Having said all that, I'd take some dish soap and hot water, and a nail scrubbing brush, and only progress to solvents if that doesn't do enough. (And I'd treat petrol as a last resort - some of the aromatics in that can be a bit unpleasant)

 

[paulm]

I used wd40 as a lubricant and cleaner on a number of dmt polka dot stones for years with no problem, and now use it on the dmt continuous diamond stones and on a couple of spyderco ceramic stones. Seems to be very effective, no problems and easily to hand.

I suspect the white spirit would be similarly good and that that may be a key ingredient in the window cleaning products also ?

Having said that, if hot soapy water and a scrubbing brush works then no harm in that either, except I don't have any in my own workshop and I'm not carting stuff into the house to get told offf for messing up swmbo's kitchen sink ! :lol:

Cheers, Paul

 

[iNewbie]

I suspect the white spirit would be similarly good and that that may be a key ingredient in the window cleaning products also ?

Probably white vinegar.

 

[Bluekingfisher]

Thanks all, I think I'll try immersing it in hot water with a good scrubbing with soap, If that fails I'll try the solvent route.

Thanks again for all your input.

David

 

[matthewwh]

The dishwasher gets them really clean (shhhh, don't tell the missus).

 

[dunbarhamlin]

Occasional use of a scrubbing brush (bristle - not crap nylon modern substitute) and Vim scouring powder will liven it up, until you get fed up and go back to oil stones.