Thread: Cleaniing the sides of Hones

Hello and good morning! [01:53Hrs!]

I own and use 4 Norton stones, 220/1K/4K/8K acually they are 2 stones bonded double sided. I was useing my DMT lapping stone to keep the sides of the hones clean but wondered if there was a better way to do it without taking material off the way it happen with the tops of the hones?? I always lap each grit before use to keep them from glazing over and to start fresh with each honeing.

Any Thoughts??

tinkersd[30] And good morning again.

I don't worry about the sides of the hones at all. You could try a scotch brite pad to clean them.

Why are you cleaning/lapping the sides of your hones?

Sounds like you have laparitius. If you keep lapping them like that soon nothing will be left. Lap only when you need to. If you keep the surface wet while using and just clean them with a scotchbrite pad when done you won't have glazing issues.

+1, I'd just leave the sides alone. When your done honing, A simple rinse under the faucet should suffice.

Yeah I don't lap the sides either. Other than knocking the sharp edge off where the top transitions to the sides. Matter of fact, I've seen guys lap the sides of vintage Eschers smooth. They have saw marks which helps to insure that they are the real McCoy and lapping the sides smooth on those is a mistake IMO. On a Norton it won't matter but is unnecessary AFAIC. What everyone else said, scotch brite or a nylon bristle brush is all you need ..... if you clean them at all.

What they all said above.

Thank you one and all for chimeing in, with sage advice, very greatful.

I don't lap the sides often, but with the slurry and swarf dripping down the sides do get a bit "scoungy", I think after reading all your reply's that maybe fro, now on I"ll just give them a bit of scrubbing and be done with it,

I thank you all again, have a great week!! AND a BBS, of course.

tinkersd of SRP.