INProfile Issue 5 | Page 23

cut diamonds It is impossible to achieve any degree of precision in your work unless your cutting tools are honed to perfection. Double-sided diamond-faced sharpening stones not only help you attain that perfection initially, but ensure that it is restored time after time Sizes Available D ouble-sided diamond whetstones are one of the most efficient methods of honing any cutting edge to a precise keen angle. Using an "electroless" process, monocrystalline diamonds are bonded onto a nickel plated carbon steel backing plate. This produces a flat stone that can achieve a far greater degree of efficiency compared to conventional honing methods. Available in three sizes, each stone has a coarse surface on one face and fine on the reverse. Coarse grade stones are generally used for initial honing of chisels and plane irons or removing light surface damage from spindle moulding tooling or router cutters. Fine stones are used to refine the edges of chisels, plane irons and other cutting edge tools, as well as for honing tungsten carbide tipped (TCT), solid carbide (SC) and high speed steel (HSS & HSSE) router cutters. Diamond sharpening stones will produce lasting performance with normal use and need only to be lubricated with water. When sharpening router cutters, only hone them on the flat front face of the cutting edge, never on the bevelled face. Remove guide bearings from self-guiding cutters and repeat the same number of strokes on each face (i.e. two flute cutters = two flat faces). When honing chisels and plane irons and other steel cutting tools, always use a honing gauge to ensure that the same bevel angle is repeated and maintained. Always take care of diamond stones by drying them thoroughly before putting away. Ensure that storage boxes, cases or holders are also dried thoroughly. Regularly clean the surface of the stone with warm soapy water, a plastic scouring pad or the cleaning block provided. A 7 inch (178mm) bench stone is suitable for applications such as honing chisels, plane irons and other hand tools. It is supplied in a fabric wallet with a cleaning block and non-slip mat. An adjustable rubber holder is available for this stone to prevent it from sliding on the bench surface when in use. This holder can be adjusted and used to grip traditional sharpening and oil-stones up to 8 inches in length. The 5 inch (127mm) pocket size stone is suitable for honing router cutters and for maintaining the cutting edges on sawblades and moulding knives. It is supplied in a fabric wallet complete with a cleaning block. A credit card size stone, supplied in a plastic wallet, is ideal for general cutting edge maintenance on all tools and in particular for narrow fluted, or intricate cutter shapes. It is also suitable for refining the edges of multi-fluted cutters, carving chisels and modelling tools. IP 7 inch bench stone DWS/B7/FC _£79.95 Adjustable bench holder DWS/BH/B7 _£12.95 5 inch pocket stone DWS/P5/FC _£27.95 Credit card stone DWS/CC/FC_£18.95 The adjustable rubber bench holder is suitable for both diamond and conventional oilstones. www.trendmachinery.co.uk/diamondstones INProfile 23