Waterstones

[BigguyZ]

OK, so I'm looking at getting some waterstones to sharpen my chisels and plane irons. I don't have a lot of either, but I'd like what I do have to be sharp. Just the little of both that I've used, I've found them to be an invaluable tool.

So, I'm looking at the prices and I'm quite frankly shocked! I figure I won't be doing that much sharpening, so I can get the combination stones. Even so, the prices are nuts. It looks like the best deal is the norton combination pack at Rockler for $120. With the 15% off flyer I have, that's just over $100... That still seems like a lot. Maybe it's not, but for a little more I could get a Worksharp, and for a lot less I can buy a ton of sandpaper (though, I really don't like that method, from what I've tried so far).

Anyone have any suggestions, or sources for lower cost waterstones? Is the Worksharp a better solution for the extra $, or should I just stick with the sand paper method?

[LCHIEN]

eBay? ? ?
Try Sharpening stone, waterstone, whetstone in different searches

[LarryG]

Lee Valley has a Basic Stone Set that combines 800x and 4000x stones, for $43. No experience with them, but I would guess they'd be somewhat lesser stones than the Nortons.

I think LV (and possible other vendors: check around) also has some more complete sets that include stuff like a sharpening jig and/or a stone pond and/or whatever else you might need. Could save a few bucks if you also need any of that stuff.

If you really want to have your breath taken away by the price of water stones, price the Shapton ceramics.

[Bruce Cohen]

Used to use traditional Japanese water stones(I think they were King brand).

Switched over to Norton's a few years ago. Only thing better is getting someone else to sharpen for you. They come a combinations, 200-1,000 & 4,000-8,000. So you only have to get two stones (less money, try Amazon). I do suggest you get a flattening stone too, costs about $22.00, its definitely worth the extra money.

The stones along with the Lee Valley MK. II jig is really pig heaven.

Bruce

[BigguyZ]

I think I'll have to see how my Rockler gift card comes out. They have a promotion where you have a gift card worth anything between $5 and $100... I'm sure it'll be $5, but even so...

[jziegler]

Lee Velley also has a combination waterstone (one side 1000x, the other 4000x. The smaller size is $28.50. I have it (it came as part of their sharpening starter set that includes a honing guide as well) and it is fine for starting out. It's not as big as some other stones and won't last as long, but it's a good intro to waterstones to see if that's what you want, or if you want something else for sharpening.

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...072,43071&ap=1

Jim