Oiling Stones???

[rs3604]

I have a couple of old synthetic stones, not even sure what they are made of, there a black-grey color and are about 30 or so years old with a coarse and a medium-fine side, but I don't know what they used to make them back then (kinda looks like graphite) but I'm sure it's not. My question is, do you oil these stones?? I know if I put oil on the coarse side it seems to soak right in, but they seem to clog a bit and I wash them each time I use them with water and a stiff brush.

[B.Finnigan]

They could be various types of abrasives but most likely aluminum oxide. You can use a light honing oil but then you are stuck with using oil from there on out. I know several woodcarvers/turners that use kerosene with good results. If you soak them in kerosene it will also float away alot of the particles along with a scrubbing with a wire brush.

Sometimes it's better just to pitch very old stones out since most people do not take very good care of them. I have a few that I keep just to dress my anvil face and touch up the edge of my wood spliting mauls. I would not even think of using any of my good chisels or any knives on them.