I think some background info is in order...
As some have probably figured out by now, I'm a newbie When it comes to neandering. I own 2 block planes, 2 bench planes, and 4 bench chisels all acquired within the last 4 months. I've been using the ss method (had everything needed on hand), and I can easily get a plane blade sharp enough to shave hairs. The progression of grits I've been using is as follows:
- 120 grit to establish the primary bevel
- 320 or 400 grit to refine the primary bevel
- 600 grit to rough out the secondary bevel
- 1000 grit to refine the secondary bevel
- 2000 grit to finish of the secondary bevel
- HF green polishing compound
I have two issues with ss. First, over time it will cost more than the other methods, and I hate spending more money than I need to, even if that means I have to spend more up front. Secondly, it seems slow if you have a lot of rough work to do. Of course this is because the grit breaks down and becomes finer. Now I can switch out the old paper for a new sheet, but that starts driving up the cost.
Thus I've spend the last week or so learning about the pros and cons of the various sharpening methods, and decided upon Naniwa super stones for intermediate and fine work. I'm still up in the air on what to use for course work, as it seems everything except the bench grinders has drawbacks. My bench grinder is set up for high cobalt hss (metalworking tool bits), thus I would need fit another grinder into my already cramped shop.
Does anyone have experience with Naniwa diamond stones? it sounds like they are made like a Shapton glass stone only with diamond abrasive instead of ceramic.