Simple Honing question

[Jon Prouty]

I feel dumb asking but I cannot find an answer....

today I bought a 4-Sided Diamond Hone Block from Harbor Freight to hone my skews...
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92867&xcamp=google&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=cpc&zmam=33951326&zmas=12&zmac=112&zmap=92867

now for the dumb question....

Do I use a lubricant (WD-40, or oil), water or dry when I hone? It's not a regular wetstone so I feel dumb.

(BTW, I checked Alan Lacer's site and I still feel dumb).

Thanks in advance for the answers

Jon

[Mike Currier]

I feel dumb asking but I cannot find an answer....

today I bought a 4-Sided Diamond Hone Block from Harbor Freight to hone my skews...
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92867&xcamp=google&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=cpc&zmam=33951326&zmas=12&zmac=112&zmap=92867

now for the dumb question....

Do I use a lubricant (WD-40, or oil), water or dry when I hone? It's not a regular wetstone so I feel dumb.

(BTW, I checked Alan Lacer's site and I still feel dumb).

Thanks in advance for the answers

Jon


Typically diamond stones are used dry. On the wintersport side of things we use diamond stones to hone our edges then just rub snow on them to clear the shavings.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Jon - I use mine to sharpen hollowing bits and always use it dry.

[Steve Mawson]

Jon, Use mine dry as well. Wipe it off once in a while to clean the filings.

[dan petroski]

periodically wash with soap and water and a stiff brush to clean metal buildup

[Dick Strauss]

I think Dan has it right...the plastic backing on the HF model can delaminate from the diamond honing surface if you use solvents other than water....wd40 was used as honing oil and caused the problem mentioned IIRC.

[Greg Just]

I purchased a stone from Alan Lacer while in his class. He recommends using it dry, but you could use water or WD-40. He says to use WD-40 to clean it periodically.

[Jon Prouty]

you all are awesome! Thanks!!!

Jon

[Mike Minto]

Jon, don't feel dumb - while there are (contrary to popular belief) some dumb questions, they mostly in my experience are along the 'why do i have to do that, sarge?' vein. use the diamond sharpener dry, or wet with water - your choice. Most folks use them dry, I believe - I do. :)