Opinion sought here (Shapton waterstone)

[Derek Cohen (Perth Oz)]

Hi Pam

My sincere thanks for the most generous offer. I may take you up on it, but I must admit to being curious to find out what happens to "my" 8000 first (so I have just spent a little time laminating it in the interest of science! No going back now).

Just to clarify what So told me - he has sold new, unused Shaptons on eBay (he recently sold a 1000 and 2000 Professional series). However, my understanding was that he acquired these for himself, therefore he does not get in "stock" to re-sell on. He is a super nice guy and has been very happy to share his knowledge, especially on the Ubeaut forum.

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=111

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[Derek Cohen (Perth Oz)]

If you are still tuned in and wondering about the condition of the 8000 stone post "fix", here is an update.

I used two-part slow setting epoxy to attach a 4mm section of float glass to the face side of the stone. 4mm because this was available (6mm was not) at the glazier. This is definitely stiff enough for the purpose. Attachment was from the face side since this was convex, and a convex shape is near impossible to flatten. The rear was concave and this was the best bet to get flat.

Here is the 8000 after lamination and flattening.

The stone was flattened with 180 grit sandpaper on a glass sheet. This probably removed about 1mm from the ends to level the stone, so the overall thickness was not effected (measured 9mm at centre).

I do have concerns about the condition of the stone. After flattening, which was done dry, both ends displayed a series of crazes in the surface of the stone. This was not present in the centre third of the stone.

For comparison, these were not present in the 5000:

This suggests that there has been movement in these areas - flex? This stone most likely has had some strange moments in its life. While this may be what was reported by the seller in his posts to the Hirade forum, he certainly did not let on about this in the eBay advert.

I spent some time this Sunday afternoon grinding and honing 2 thick A2 blades for a LN #4 1/2 (both hollow ground then honed) and 5 large Japanese paring chisels (i.e. flat faces). I can say that the stones appeared to work well in this session. I do not know if they will display any wierd characteristics or just break down. Only time will tell. I like the hardness of these stones - they give more feedback than the soft King stones.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[pam niedermayer]

Interesting. I'd say the crazing shows some interior tension that might, just might, be ameloriated by ploughing a few thin furrows in the middle. These wouldn't harm the stone in any way, nor its performance.

Pam

 

[Derek Cohen (Perth Oz)]

Hi Pam

I've been talking with So and it's his guess that the cracks are due to the adhesive failing as a result of the stone being left too long in water. He does not see a long future for the 8000 stone.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[pam niedermayer]

Aha, maybe that's what Correy and his little buddies did that caused the problem to start with, didn't read the instructions.

Pam

 

[David C]

Yes, the Shapton instructions are quite intimidating.

David C

 

[pam niedermayer]

Yes, they are, David, what with being Japanese to non-existent; but Harrelson told me when I bought them not to soak them, this is fairly common knowledge.

Pam