Source of “India” stones?

[Andrew TinsleyParticipant @andrewtinsley63637]

Most experts recommend using a slipstone to fettle a lathe tool after grinding to shape.

I still have my father's "India" stone, at least that is was what he called it. It is approximately 4" x 1" x 3/8" and now appears to be grey, but that is probably due to usage and staining. I have used this to fettle my lathe tools after grinding and it gives a good finish to the tool and the work therefrom.

Now is this a slipstone, oft referred to for this particular job?

It is getting very worn and grooved and I would like to retire it from service, It must be at least 60 years old and owes me nothing. Where can I get another one or two of these useful stones?

Andrew.

[Andrew TinsleyParticipant @andrewtinsley63637]

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Take a look at some of the woodworking sites, they can get quite obsessed with sharpening tools, Dictum is one source

[Andrew TinsleyParticipant @andrewtinsley63637]

Thanks Jason.

You certainly are not kidding! There seems to be a couple of stones the right size. I imagine that I would want the finest grade? Which is the orange / brown material or perhaps the harder grain black variety?

My old stone could be either, but I suspect it might have been orange/brown in the first place!

Thank you,

Andrew.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Andrew,

'India' was a trade name used by Norton Abrasives, for their synthetic/reconstituted stones [often double-sided, in two grades]. They are good, but much softer than a genuine, natural, Arkanas stone.

Arkansas stones are getting scarce [and, expensive] these days; but if you find one, grab it.

MichaelG.

.

https://www.classichandtools.com/acatalog/Manmade_Norton_Oilstones.html

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 01/10/2017 21:25:18

[Stuart BridgerParticipant @stuartbridger82290]

RS Components rswww.com do a range of slip and India stones from Norton. I have 211-9522 which is a good shape for finishing or touching up lathe tools.

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