sharpening stone question

[drags]

I have an arkansa stone that is not flat,  It is high on both sides an lower in the middle, it looks beveled. Is there a way to get this stone flat, and what is a good honing oil to use on the stone?
Drags

[e3ck]

You will better off to get a new stone, But if you really like that stone you could find someone with a surface grinder, like a machine shop, and with the right belt maybe get it back. As for the oil,... 3in1, liquid wrench, basicly any light household that doesn't contain PTFE or teflon. WD-40 works well for cleaning the stone.

[dread]

If the stone is not too badly worn you could try doing what I do to flatten a stone. I use a piece of 80 grit emery cloth laid upon a flat surface like a formica top or granite window sill. Then gently "sand" the stone back to being flat. My stone has been flattened that way several time. No need for oil or water when flattening it. I never use oil on my stones. I use spit. Just keep spitting on it while using it. You could use a little water in a bottle but most just spit on it. Sounds gross and like it won't work, but it does. I know several woodcarvers that do it that way. Good luck.

[bgjohn]

If you want a flat stone, buy a new one. Use the old one to sharpen your axe. :lol:
JM

[willysjeep134]

You could try scrubbing it flat on a piece of smooth concrete. Then go on to emery papers to smooth it off.

Some people now a days actually say you don't need honing oil, unless you already use it on that perticular stone. They say a new dry stone won't load up. I don't believe them. I have used WD 40 before, 10W30, transmission fluid, 3 in 1 oil, Kroil penetrating oil, and even gun oil. I have liked gun oil the best, Marbles gun oil to be exact. Kano Kroil penetrating oil also seems to worrk fine. I only use arkansas stones too. These oils can destroy a synthetic stone. When I am desperate I will spit on my small arkansas honing stone, or dip it in water.

[ironglow]

Arkansas stones are really good, but it seems that the most effective ones wear rapidly.
   I like the Norton India stone line, I have one that is coarse/medium   used it for years with no visible signs of wear(although I dfo have one small chip out of a corner)...often use Marvel Mystery oil...

[Will52100]

I'm with ironglow, I like the Norton stone, but I do use an Arkansaw stone for the last few licks to finish the edge.  I use most any type of oil, but what I've found that works best for me is un-scented kerosene.

[ironglow]

Will;
   That unscented kero idea sounds like a winner...will soon try it...