For just about a year now I've been using a 25$ 800\4000 combination waterstone and a piece of MDF
with honing compound. this was my first stone and is now nearing the end of it's life - the 800 side with a few bare milimeters left.
This stone has served me well but was wayy too soft and anoying to use because of it's softneass - it will not allow me to control the edge profile, I had to use the Iwood 300 to do that (I got it when I got chisels from Stu). the 4000 clogs after a few seconds.
I don't have a clear budget, but I'm thinking around 300$ including shipping, which leaves around 250$.
I need a 1000, a 6000+ and somthing to flatten backs.
the line up for the fisrt two seems easy enough to choose. a "short set" from Stu, including the new Sigma 1200 and
a 6000 with base (that's the hard one right?) . any suggestions pro or con about stones or choises within the set?
should I spring and get an Atoma 400 instead of the Iwood 300? I will only use it for stones. the 300 I have has been Ok but
a little slow.
for faltening I have no clue..... a sigma 400 maybe? how fast does it dish? I have some old blades that need a lot of work.
if I do get a coarse stone, how do I keep it flat without using the floor outside?
a 120 grit Iwood would bring me into the 250 area, but if I have 50 to spare... what else could I get?
I really aprriciate the help!