Good Lube for Diamond Stones?

[Steve H Graham]

Today I ran a 1/2" chisel into a screw, which gave me an excuse to sharpen it and correct some preexisting issues with the edge. I have been using DMT diamond stones.

The last time I did this, I used WD40 as a lubricant. It was handy. Later I realized that when the liquid evaporated, the wax in the WD40 was still on the stone, causing problems.

I am wondering if anyone can recommend something better. I tried to find kerosene today, figuring it would be a lot like WD40 without the wax. I ended up using lighter fluid, which worked very well and instantly dissolved the wax. The stone cut like crazy. If no one has a better idea, I'll keep using it.

[lowell holmes]

I use water. I will rinse them under a faucet occasional, scrubbing a bit with a brush while rinsing. I have both ss and plastic backed carbide(?) with diamonds.

My big carbide plates are at least 10 years old, maybe 15.

[Mike Siemsen]

We call it lubricant but it is really there to remove swarf from the surface of the stone so it doesn't load up. This causes confusion for newcomers because we want friction to abrade the tool.. Some diamond stones say in the instructions to not use petroleum products. I believe that is the case with my DMTs, so water with a drop of soap. Dry them off after so they don't rust. I use lamp oil on my oilstones. The stuff for Tiki torches.

[Robert Engel]

I use the DMT duosharp plates and I usually use Windex. Got that from Paul Sellers.

I've also used a cleaning solution called "Dirty Jobs" it seemed to float away the swarf better.

Seems to work for me. I don't use plain water and WD40 has never (and will never) touch them.

[Steve H Graham]

You know, that's funny, because window cleaner was the first thing I tried today. I figured it might cut the wax.

I think I'm going to stick with Zippo fluid until I can try kerosene.

[Richard Line]

If I recall correctly, DMT suggests using water with a drop or 2 of liquid soap as a wetting agent/lubricant/flushing fluid. I've been satisfied with it. No problems keeping them clean that way.

[Brian Holcombe]

Water here as well. I keep a spray bottle with distiller water. I use distiller water so that minerals do not affect my finish stones.

[Frederick Skelly]

Water here too.

[george wilson]

I use a 1/2 pint laboratory squeeze bottle mostly full of water and a few drops of Dawn dish detergent in it. There should also be a few drops of water soluble cutting fluid to be ideal,but I have none at present. The detergent does fine,though.

[Daniel Rode]

Water.

I keep a spray bottle filled with water next to my stones.

1) It's essentially free and always available in my shop
2) No mess, no residue, non-toxic
3) The same bottle of water is used for my diamond stones and my shaptons.

[Malcolm Schweizer]

...I use lamp oil on my oilstones. The stuff for Tiki torches.

I trust you are not a smoker!!!

[Pat Barry]

You know, that's funny, because window cleaner was the first thing I tried today. I figured it might cut the wax.

I think I'm going to stick with Zippo fluid until I can try kerosene.

I hope you don't start a fire

[bridger berdel]

I use 70% isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle. It's a better cleaner than windex, but it evaporates a little fast in hot dry weather. I like that it doesn't promote rust, and having the spray at the ready is helpful for other things in the shop too.

I don't smoke.

[Steve H Graham]

My new problem is that I can't put the stones away. Now that I realize I can sharpen them by hand, I feel like I can't put down a chisel without touching it up, because it might have dulled by an amount that could be measured by an electron microscope.

[bridger berdel]

I think I can see the next body mod craze. Diamond sharpening plates implanted in various parts of the body. Back of the hand would be great for quick touchups, top of the thigh for sit-down sessions.....