On 11/20/2012 10:37 AM, Alex Moseley wrote:


>   Once you rehab a deeply dished oilstone, you might not want to do it again.
>


Quoting part of my own earlier post:

"it was great fun flattening stones, but I would prefer not to make a 
hobby of it. So I'm interested in any technique that purports to keep 
stones flat. This week I've read in two different sources of the need to 
flatten a stone AFTER EVERY USE.

1. The Joyner and Cabinetmaker, refers to workmen being expected to 
flatten the communal 'rubbing stone' after using it, and being fined for 
failing to do so. Presumably that rubbing stone (as distinct from a 
hone) was a piece of sandstone used in preference to a wheel thereof, so 
it would likely wear pretty quick, like some waterstones.

2. David Charlesworth likewise says in A Guide to Hand Tools and Methods 
that the hone should be flattened after each use.

So, two sources ... suggesting this be done. It sounds a little tedious, 
but I expect it might be like putting tools away after use (or digging a 
garden) - easier done a little at a time....

Charlesworth also promotes a technique for flattening blades ... which 
he says gets the job done and reduces hollowing at the same time. 
Without going into detail, he has a very specific recipe for number and 
direction of strokes crosswise of the stone, and the portion of stone to 
use, followed by equally detailed specifications for lengthwise strokes.

FWIW
Don
------------------------------------------------------------------------