Precision Ground Stones

[Rickster]

Hey guys,

Anyone know a Canadian source for precision ground stones?

 

[DavidR8]

Give me a while to get my surface grinder back up and I'll make some
(half joking, whole heartedly!)

 

[trlvn]

The idea of precision ground stones has always seemed a bit weird to me. AIUI, the idea is to use them to remove any dings from a flat surface. But suppose your table has a typical ding that has created a small crater and raised a bit of metal. As soon as the stone encounters that raised bit, the leading edge is going to rise up and thus only 2 or 3 points of the stone will now in contact with the surface. I realize that the raised bit is one of those points of contact and that the idea is to abrade it back down level with the rest of the 'flat' surface. But the other point or points of contact is likely at the far end of the stone and aren't we now trying to dish out that area?

Plus, most of us have machines with a bit of wear in them. Maybe also a slight bow, twist or warp. Stoning is not going to fix those issues and again the stones may not be in full contact in various spots on the 'flat' surface. Even more, metal is actually pretty flexible. The local pressure of stoning could actually be deflecting the surface a few tenths (or more?). Especially, say, out on the unsupported ends of a milling machine table.

All I'm trying to say is that I don't see how much more precision one actually gets from ground stones v. unground stones (that have been rubbed together to try to keep them flat-ish). Am I being mulish?

Craig

 

[Chip Maker]

https://www.gesswein.com/c-321-ruby-stones.aspx

Not sure if this is what your looking for, but worth a look.

 

[Janger]

https://www.gesswein.com/c-321-ruby-stones.aspx

Not sure if this is what your looking for, but worth a look.

Pricey!

 

[Brent H]

@trlvn : I hear you. The quest for perfection! Just checked that site out - $380 - wow. - “resistant to wear and change” but will - hmmmm

 

[John Conroy]

There is an very good short video on the use and need for precision gound stones by ROBRENZ on YouTube

 

[Brent H]

Not sure I need anything to within one millionth of an inch - concept seems to have merit but the guy in the video was stoning his square edge and it was wobbling - seems like that would always be the Achilles heel in regular shop use. Maybe if I start making air bearings and such - interesting concept though.

 

[John Conroy]

I agree. The weakness is always going to be the operator. In my case, no need for precision stones. lol

 

[John Conroy]

I use a normal Norton stone and keep it flat and clean with a truing stone from Lee Valley. For me and the level of precision I aspire to, it does the job.

https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/sharpening/stones/55067-truing-stone-for-water-stones

 

[cuslog]

Yes, years ago, on another planet, in another lifetime, I bought a Japanese water stone sharpening set. It came with (amongst other things) a fairly thick (1/4") sheet of plate glass and a "pill bottle" full of "abrasive compound" for lapping the stones. Could probably do the same with natural stones and a lapping compound.

 

[Everett]

It's a bit cheaper than $380, but Steve Lang (Shark River Machine on YouTube) sells his for $180 USD ($230 CDN). I got a set from him a while ago. Still not super cheap but it also helps a home cottage industry guy.

I understand that it is still not a "Canadian" source but it is another option. And Steve is a very cool guy, lol.

 

[Dabbler]

At one point I was going to make some sets, but I had to tear down my SG, and then Bert's shop happened! (boy am I behind in things!!)

 

[Rickster]

Thanks everyone for chiming in.