japanese wetstone

[rasente]

i am new to wood carving having just started this last fall. I just purchased a Japanese wet stone 240/1000 grit but the instructions came in japanese. Can any one shed some light on the best way to sharpen my tools (Flextools) with this? It also has what looks like an eraser on one side.

Thanks,
-Rich

[Mill Point Woodworking]

I would check out some books by Chris Pye.
Flextools come sharpened I would stick to stropping unless they are really dull then start with a stone. But you will also need a course stone and fine stone for a completely sharp tool that will not leave rough marks in your wood.

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Don't do anythng with that stone until you can identify what kind of stone it is. If you could post a picture of it and the instructions (blown up to readable size) we may be able to give you a definitive answer. My first instinct is that it's a waterstone, if so, it requires special treatment. The Japanese sell several types of stones.

[Ron T]

Hello and welcome, Rich. It's nice to have you here. It's embarrasing to admit though I'm 3rd generation Japanese-American, I can't read, write or speak Japanese.

[Eddy-Smiles]

Check www.Japanwoodworker.com .

Japanese Woodworking Tools, Their Tradition, Spirit and Use by Toshiro Odate which may help you or

Sharpening with Waterstones by Ian Kirby

[rasente]

Japanese Professional Knife Sharpening Stone Sharpener 9" from Amazon

Maybe this will help?
(Thanks for all the sugestions so far.)

[JohnG10]

Here's the link to some english instructions. http://www2.woodcraft.com/pdf/77A40.pdf

In short, soak the stone in water for 15 minutes, then sharpen as usual.

Waterstones sharpen faster than oil stones, but need flattening much more often. Re-flatten the stone by rubbing it on 220 grit sandpaper on a flat surface (1/4" tempered glass works great).