M-Power SB2 sharpening set with two diamond stones side by side, 300 and 1200 grit. The little brother of the SBS sharpening station, the SB2 offers four stages: two diamond grades and two leather strops, for chisels, plane blades and other edge tools. The diamond is monocrystalline.
M-Power SB2 sharpening set with two diamond stones side by side, 300 and 1200 grit. The little brother of the SBS sharpening station, the SB2 offers four stages: two diamond grades and two leather strops, for chisels, plane blades and other edge tools. The diamond is monocrystalline.
Unlike a traditional double-sided 8" diamond stone, both grades sit ready on the bench side by side. The diamond surfaces can be replaced by the user if damaged, the stones have built-in magnetic leather strop covers, and a recess pattern clears swarf. Each SB2 is made in M-Power's UK factory and passes 11 quality tests. 10-year guarantee on the diamond plates.
Facts:
Overall size 8 x 8 1/4"
Diamond surface 2 x 8 x 2.75", 44 sq in in total
Weight 1.1 kg excluding accessories, 1.85 kg gross
The set includes:
Diamond stones in 300 and 1200 grit
Magnetic leather strop covers in firm and soft leather
Polishing wax in three grades: 1800, 2500 and 5000
Fully synthetic lapping fluid, 30 ml
Diamond stone cleaning block
Large lint-free cleaning towel
Tough canvas storage case
Also available in 600/1200 and 300/600 grit.
A water stone wears unevenly and becomes dished in the middle over time. That makes it hard to get a straight edge, so the stone needs flattening regularly, ideally every time you have sharpened for a while.
The easiest way is to rub the surface of the stone against a coarse diamond stone under running water until it is flat. Draw a pencil grid on the stone first, so you can see when it has all been removed. You can also use the diamond stone to sharpen tools when you need a coarser grit than 300.
There are several good ways to sharpen chisels and plane irons: water stones, diamond stones, oil stones and sharpening machines such as Tormek. All give sharp edges, but they differ in speed, maintenance and price.
A honing guide makes it easier to keep the same angle every time. The most important thing is to find a method you enjoy and use often. The guide helps you choose.
Which water stone you need depends on how dull your edges are and how fine a finish you want. A common setup is a coarse stone around 1000 grit to shape the edge and a fine stone around 5000–8000 grit to polish it. For chipped edges you need a coarser stone too.
Water stones wear unevenly and need flattening regularly. The guide explains grits, brands and flattening.