I'm looking for recommendations on sharpening stones and guides for my old chisels and planes. I was considering using diamond stones but I'm not sure if that's the best option. Any suggestions on what works well?
3 Answers
A heads up about diamond stones: they don't last as long as you'd expect! If you're sharpening a lot, they can start to lose their effectiveness in under a year. I’ve switched mainly to water stones—the 1000 and 5000 grit combo works like a charm and lasts forever. For honing guides, the Lie-Nielsen is top-notch but pricey. I’ve had good luck with side-clamping guides, too; just steer clear of the top-clamping ones, they're frustrating!
I recently got a sharpening jig that works wonders! It’s super handy for regrinding bevels, but I mainly use my secondary bevel along with the highest grit diamond stone I can find. When that stops cutting it, it’s workout time for my shoulder! Definitely a good investment if you're sharpening often.
I've had great success with Naniwa stones. They're awesome for sharpening—check out their 4-stone Super Stone set! It really makes a difference in getting those edges nice and sharp. Just make sure to take care of them, and they'll serve you well.
Do you think the water stones give a better edge compared to diamond stones?