Witch sharpening stones to get?

[Margus]

I need to get something to sharpen my chisels, because the stone I have been using so far does not work. But I´m a beginner and have no idea what to get. I heard that waterstones are best for woodcarving chisels. Is that correct? I thing I need two different stones: one that removes metal fast and one for finishing. Is that right? What nr grit should I prefere?

I am grateful for any advice!
Margus

[Robson Valley]

Water stones have very fine grit and they are soft. The artificial stones are much cheaper than the natural stones.
1000 grit for sharpening. 4000 grit for finishing. Honing compound on a strop for carving sharp.

Wood carving tools often have a bevel angle of 20 degrees. You must hold the tool at that angle all the time, for each step in the sharpening process.

PLUS, you can do everything you need to do with different grits of sandpaper. They have to be attached to something very flat like glass.
Start with 800.
1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 grit are used for finishing paint on vehicles. Wet & Dry sandpapers.
The hone for the bright polish and carving sharp edge.

[Donsexton]

I agree with Robson and will add that cheap stones will frustrate you so will good stones that are too small.

[Claude]

For instructions on the sandpaper, Google "scary sharp"; lots of web sites and youtube videos out there.
To find the finer grits sandpaper, go to an auto paint supply or try your local auto parts store - may carry this in the auto paint department.
Claude

[davidinsarasota]

I concur with RV on the 1000/4000 waterstone. Norton makes a good one.

I agree with Claude about starting with the "Scary Sharp" method. I did and still use it sometimes.

Margus, type 'sharpening' into the search bar and read as many posts as possible to get a broad view of this subject.

[wDonkey]

Originally Posted by Donsexton

cheap stones will frustrate you so will good stones that are too small.

wise advice here
and might i add, 6" is on the too small side.

i like my continuous DMT diamond stones. no messy oil, fast cutting, good finish.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Originally Posted by wDonkey

wise advice here
and might i add, 6" is on the too small side.

i like my continuous DMT diamond stones. no messy oil, fast cutting, good finish.

I agree with diamond stones!

Dave

[Robson Valley]

Margus in Estonia needs some encouragement from those of us who have nearly unlimited choice in supplies. Exotic/diamond plates may very well be far beyond his economic possibilites and beyond hs availabilities. Never forget where he lives.

Answer the question: What do you think he can do with what is available?
My belief is Scary Sharp, use sandpapaers and all wil be well.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Originally Posted by Robson Valley

Margus in Estonia needs some encouragement from those of us who have nearly unlimited choice in supplies. Exotic/diamond plates may very well be far beyond his economic possibilites and beyond hs availabilities. Never forget where he lives.

Answer the question: What do you think he can do with what is available?
My belief is Scary Sharp, use sandpapaers and all wil be well.

Scary sharp is great, if that's all he has access to. If he has access to diamond stones then that's what I suggest!!!! We all have our own opinion Robson, that's what so great about this forum.

Dave

[Big Barn]

I agree with the above - try the Scary Sharp method, you should be able to obtain sand paper of most any grit just about anywhere. If you have access to stones, then go with a quality stone. You can get them with different grits on each side & size DOES matter. The smaller stones can be difficult to work with. Now I don't work with chisels or gouges, but I've found diamond stones to be a bit too aggressive (for me). We all have our perferred methods.