Grindstones and Other Sharpening Media

This page addresses grindstones, grinding wheels, and other sharpening media. It is broken up into the following sections :

  1. Honing the tool - a process for getting the edge super sharp.

  2. Sharpening the tool - a process for getting a tool sharp, and ready for honing.

  3. Shaping the tool - a process for gross removal of metal to change the shape of the cutting edge. This is something not done often, so it is listed 3rd.

Some other useful information can be found at these links :

  1. Proper alignment for grindstones when affixing them to the machine - with comments about why this is important.

  2. Caring for grindstones - comments about truing, grading, and de-glazing.

  3. Storing water stones and wheels - comments and ideas about storing the wheels for allow them to dry.

  4. A quick Grinding Media Comparison and Materials Hardness Scale - comparing grinding materials with materials being sharpened.

  5. A Quick Select Table provides a recommended selection of sharpening media, based on the tool's material to be sharpened.

  6. A discussion on getting More Life From Your Grindstones.



Tormek Wheel Comparison

Selecting a wheel for your Tormek machine can be confusing. Sharpening Supplies spoke with Stig from Tormek to help you understand the differences between the different wheels available.

The Basics of Honing | Part 14 | Tormek Live Sharpening Class

In this episode we go through the basics of one of the most important parts of the sharpening process – honing. Honing your edge after sharpening will deburr your edge, which is crucial to get it sharp and durable. In addition, it polishes the edge to give cleaner cuts.

But honing is also a means of maintenance for your edge between sharpenings. Many times, a couple of strokes on the honing wheel is all you need to get that razor sharpness back again. That will save both time and steel!

Key Note: At just past 18 minutes in the video, there are great microscopic pictures showing the effect of different grindstones on the ground surfaces. This is a great comparison of the various Tormek grindstones, but also about typical bench stones and CBN wheels also.

This is why we love diamonds | Tormek Diamond Wheel Special

For todays special episode, Sebastién speaks with Håkan, a real abrasive expert who also happens to be the CEO of Tormek. Together they dive into the details of the Tormek Diamond Wheels (DC-250, DF-250, DE-250). They also discuss the most frequently asked questions about sharpening with diamonds. 💎

  • Tormek Diamond Wheel options
  • The development of the wheels
  • The structure of the Diamond Wheels
  • Steel core vs. Aluminium
  • Life span
  • Pressure and run-in period
  • Why diamond instead of CBN?
Honing / Stropping the Tool

Tormek Grinder

Traditional Honing Wheel
Traditional Grindstone
Diamond Wheel
  • Tormek DE-250 Diamond Wheel Extra Fine
    • Finely honed edge from this stone is especially useful for finishing cuts

    • Use a diamond grinding wheel for tools with vanadium levels >3%.

    • Do not use diamond wheels for tools with ferrous metals unless they are cooled (e.g., with water). Hot iron molecules can dissolve diamonds, quickly eroding the surface.

Sorby ProEdge System

Bench Grinder

Paper Wheel
  • Razor Sharp Edgemaking Paper Wheels.
    • A common rule of thumb is "Better to do two quick passes than one slow one" to minimize edge softening with heating.
    • I use the 8 inch wheels on a 6 inch grinder.
Cubic Boro Nitride (CBN) Wheel
  • very high grit (800+) CBN
    • Use a CBN grinding wheel for tools with vanadium levels >3%.

    • Most CBN manufacturers recommend not using the CBN wheel with water. It can invalidate the warranty.

    • CBN wheels are not recommended for tools with high carbon steel. Those and other softer steels can "gum up" the wheel's surface. That said, a person I cannot remember has stated that grinding high speed steel (HSS) on the CBN wheel will clear the "gumming".

    • Resins accrued on tools when turning wet woods can also gum up the grit. Trend lapping fluid was recommended (on an AAW forum) by Reed Gray (aka, "Robo hippy") for cleaning the wheel.

Sharpening the Tool

Tormek Grinder

Traditional Grindstone
  • Tormek SB-250 Black Grindstone
    • Use for harder steels like HSS
    • Grade to 220 grit for initial sharpening, especially if the tool needs a bit of work.
    • Grade to 1,000 grit for final touch-up on sharpening, especially for tools which won't be honed.

  • Tormek SG-250 Original Grindstone
    • Use for high carbon steel
    • Grade to 220 grit for initial sharpening, especially if the tool needs a bit of work.
    • Grade to 1,000 grit for final touch-up on sharpening, especially for tools which won't be honed.
Diamond Wheel
  • Tormek DF-250 Diamond Wheel Fine
    • Good all-round wheel which leaves a smooth surface finish

    • Use a diamond grinding wheel for tools with vanadium levels >3%.

    • Do not use diamond wheels for tools with ferrous metals unless they are cooled (e.g., with water). Hot iron molecules can dissolve diamonds, quickly eroding the surface.

Sorby ProEdge System

Bench Grinder

Traditional Grindstone
  • 150 - 180 grit, very friable grindstone, such as aluminum oxide
    • Friablility reduces (but does not eliminate) the heat build-up.
    • Be sure to manage the temperature so that the temper is not lost due to overheating.
      • If there is a carbide insert, then DO NOT cool by dipping in water. This will cause the carbide to crack due to shocks.
      • Otherwise, dip it frequently in water.
    • Truing the stone may be necessary.

  • 80 grit silicon carbide (green) is recommended for tools with carbide inserts, and especially for stone carving tools.
Cubic Boro Nitride (CBN) Wheel
  • 150 - 180 grit CBN

  • Use a CBN grinding wheel for tools with vanadium levels >3%.

  • CBN wheels are not recommended for tools with high carbon steel. Those and other softer steels can "gum up" the wheel's surface. That said, a person I cannot remember has stated that grinding high speed steel (HSS) on the CBN wheel will clear the "gumming".

  • Resins accrued on tools when turning wet woods can also gum up the grit. Trend lapping fluid was recommended (on an AAW forum) by Reed Gray (aka, "Robo hippy") for cleaning the wheel.

Bench-mounted Belt Sander

  • 150 - 250 grit

  • Belt Grinding notes
    • Be sure to manage the temperature so that the temper is not lost due to overheating.
      • If there is a carbide insert, then DO NOT cool by dipping in water. This will cause the carbide to crack due to shocks.
      • Otherwise, dip it frequently in water.

Shaping the Tool

Tormek Grinder

Traditional Grindstone
  • Tormek SB-250 Black Grindstone
    • Use for harder steels like HSS
    • Grade to 220 grit, and re-grade often.
    • Truing the stone may be necessary, depending on the amount of grinding needed.
    • Use when the area to be ground is not great.

  • Tormek SG-250 Original Grindstone
    • Use for high carbon steel
    • Grade to 220 grit, and re-grade often.
    • Truing the stone may be necessary, depending on the amount of grinding needed.
    • Use when the area to be ground is not great.

  • 40 - 80 grit grindstone, such as aluminum oxide
    • Truing the stone may be necessary.
    • Management of the temperature is not critical as the speed is slow, and the process is also water cooled.
Diamond Wheel
  • Tormek DC-250 Diamond Wheel Course
    • Use a diamond grinding wheel for tools with vanadium levels >3%.

    • Do not use diamond wheels for tools with ferrous metals unless they are cooled (e.g., with water). Hot iron molecules can dissolve diamonds, quickly eroding the surface.

Sorby ProEdge System

  • 60 grit ProEdge Zirconium Belt

  • Belt Grinding notes
    • Be sure to manage the temperature so that the temper is not lost due to overheating.
      • If there is a carbide insert, then DO NOT cool by dipping in water. This will cause the carbide to crack due to shocks.
      • Otherwise, dip it frequently in water.

Bench Grinder

Traditional Grindstone
  • <100 grit, very friable grindstone, such as aluminum oxide

  • Traditional Grindstone notes
    • Friablility reduces (but does not eliminate) the heat build-up.
    • Be sure to manage the temperature so that the temper is not lost due to overheating.
      • If there is a carbide insert, then DO NOT cool by dipping in water. This will cause the carbide to crack due to shocks.
      • Otherwise, dip it frequently in water.
    • Truing the stone may be necessary.
Cubic Boro Nitride (CBN) Wheel
  • <100 grit CBN

  • Use a CBN grinding wheel for tools with vanadium levels >3%.

  • CBN wheels are not recommended for tools with high carbon steel. Those and other softer steels can "gum up" the wheel's surface. That said, a person I cannot remember has stated that grinding high speed steel (HSS) on the CBN wheel will clear the "gumming".

  • Resins accrued on tools when turning wet woods can also gum up the grit. Trend lapping fluid was recommended (on an AAW forum) by Reed Gray (aka, "Robo hippy") for cleaning the wheel.

Bench-mounted Belt Sander

  • <150 grit

  • Belt Grinding notes
    • Be sure to manage the temperature so that the temper is not lost due to overheating.
      • If there is a carbide insert, then DO NOT cool by dipping in water. This will cause the carbide to crack due to shocks.
      • Otherwise, dip it frequently in water.

Notes & Comments

Tormek is a copyrighted logo of Tormek AB. Its presentation on this site is used to help the user quickly understand when specific Tormek tools, jigs, or setting are being used. For specific information regarding Tormek AB, or its products, please refer to the www.Tormek.com.

About this site
Remember : The goal of sharpening is to produce sharp tools, and these tools can injure you if mishandled. Safety measures should be followed to protect yourself and those in your shop. Be sure to read and follow all instructions from the manufacturer, and and utilize proper safety equipment. Never consume alcohol or anything that could impair your judgement before sharpening tools, or using sharp tools. Comments can be sent via eMail to me at SharpeningHandbook@Gmail.com.