Experiences with Amazon diamond sharpening stones?


Ravenbar

Ravenbar

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I just rebuilt my workshop, and am trying to get my good sized collection of chisels, planes, axes, spokeshaves, drawknives, ect back into usable shape.

The 4-sided diamond sharpening block from Harbor Freight that I've used for several years for all my sharpening is finally getting worn out enough to be replaced, and although I have a decent collection of oilstones, none are flat enough or quality enough to flatten the soles and backs of the chisels and planes.

My first attempt was to buy this Amazon set: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WM9NCK3/?tag=bcusa00-20

I've so far sharpened 2-4 chisels, and the 400grit plate is nearly worn out, and actually feels smoother that some of the higher grits. They also are just thin metal, with a foam backer, so they aren't exactly flat.



Tonight I ordered these (2) different DMD type diamond stones, one in 120/180 grit for the heavy stock removal to flatten backs and establish primary bevels. The second a 400/1200 grit for polishing the back a bit and establishing the secondary bevel at ~28deg.

I'm concerned the diamond bonding will fail on these rapidly as well, but they are more expensive than the first set(~$20 for a double sided stone, vs $17 for (5) single sided cards), I hope they last quite a bit longer, at least on par with the HF predecessor. I need the larger size to flatten the soles of the handplanes(a pair of no5 Jackplanes(sized, although neither is a Stanley as I recall), a number of no4 planes, as well as a plethora of block planes.
 
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Looks like you're making a solid upgrade! The DMD stones should last longer than the foam-backed ones, especially for flattening plane soles. Just keep them flat and don’t overuse one spot. Should work great for your chisels and planes!
 
Ravenbar said:
I just rebuilt my workshop, and am trying to get my good sized collection of chisels, planes, axes, spokeshaves, drawknives, ect back into usable shape.

The 4-sided diamond sharpening block from Harbor Freight that I've used for several years for all my sharpening is finally getting worn out enough to be replaced, and although I have a decent collection of oilstones, none are flat enough or quality enough to flatten the soles and backs of the chisels and planes.

My first attempt was to buy this Amazon set: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WM9NCK3/?tag=bcusa00-20

I've so far sharpened 2-4 chisels, and the 400grit plate is nearly worn out, and actually feels smoother that some of the higher grits. They also are just thin metal, with a foam backer, so they aren't exactly flat.



Tonight I ordered these (2) different DMD type diamond stones, one in 120/180 grit for the heavy stock removal to flatten backs and establish primary bevels. The second a 400/1200 grit for polishing the back a bit and establishing the secondary bevel at ~28deg.

I'm concerned the diamond bonding will fail on these rapidly as well, but they are more expensive than the first set(~$20 for a double sided stone, vs $17 for (5) single sided cards), I hope they last quite a bit longer, at least on par with the HF predecessor. I need the larger size to flatten the soles of the handplanes(a pair of no5 Jackplanes(sized, although neither is a Stanley as I recall), a number of no4 planes, as well as a plethora of block planes.
Click to expand...

I had bought and used Chinese diamond stones from eBay. And found the same looking ones for less on Aliexpress and Temu.com.

Since I have been buying from AliExpress and Temu.com I have been using the Chinese diamond stones. Sometime last year I bought ones similar to the pattern of the amazon ones. I also moved on to larger stones than I had been using.

They are fine for sharpening knives. If I have any gripe about them, it would be there seems to be no standardization between companies on the grit size on them.

Of course, I don't need anything precision and while I have lost some aggressiveness, I have not worn out any. I suspect quality varies between the different makers and maybe even between different grits from the same maker even though they look similar.

I use mine dry and the occasionally clog with metal and I put vinegar on them let the sit overnight and take a brass brush to them. That helps a lot.

If you paid no shipping the Amazon price of about 3 dollars each was a good price per single sharpener.

When I sharpen a knife, I don't put a lot of pressers on it and when I have sharpened a chisel which is something I don't use very of it takes more pressure as I am pressing down on the whole flat of the bevel.
But I am not looking for professional results and my chisels are not so wide.

I started off with EZE-lap and DMT but when those dulled never replaced them due to costs. To me the Chinese ones are fine due to the cost.

As you saw with the amazon ones. You got 5 for less than you paid for one DMT. For knife sharpening the set of 5 is a good deal.
 
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I have the Amazon Good Job 400/1000/8000 (8000 is ceramic, 400/1000 is diamond) tri sharpener and it works OK. The edge of the diamond plates aren't flush with the edge of the triangular piece it's on, but it worked pretty good, but I rarely used the ceramic side. I upgraded to the Sharpnal 325/1200 and it is awesome! Diamonds are holding up well and cutting cleanly and leaves a much nicer edge than the GoodJob one. I do have DMT red and blue stones and some other diamond stuff, but the Sharpnal works just as well if not better. I got the 8x3" larger version. The Harbor freight 4 sided hone is OK, but there isn't much difference between the grits and wear out fairly quickly.
 
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