The only time I hand stone (so far) is touching up HSS tooling but you're right that available stones are numerous – even akansas stones are in different grades. If you start looking at japanese knife sharpening (water) stones then the grit range is also massive. For practical reality just 'touching' up a HSS tool a small fine stone is all that's needed. The one I like best was a wesh slate stone but by it's nature it didn't last as long as the more dense types and i haven't managed to replace it. Some folk prefer a small fine diamond on plastic thingy instead 'cos all I'm doing is essentially a quick honing.

(when I'm using the term hand stoning I'm talking about holding stone and HSS in each hand for a few strokes as opposed to shaping or sharpening a wood chisel and honing the edge of that)

pgk

I like a fine India oilstone for touching up tooling. For deburring I generally use a fine flat Swiss file, or a 6" second-cut flat for larger work.

I have a small 1 inch by 1/2 inch by 4 inch smooth one side rough the other side India  stone and it fixes most burrs or bumps. Or a needle file fir soft material.

David

Edited By David George 1 on 10/08/2020 20:39:28

on the subject or deBurring…….

I use a chainsaw flat file for that job around the lathe…..have the other shapes as well…….

also have 1 perm on both mills……..they are that cheap……

Oregon and other's make em…..€4 each the last time I bought some…..

Mine are European made but just cant rememeber the name and anyway the are buried in a packing crate somewhere…..

My thinkig was when I bought my first file was that if the can sharpen a HSS steel blade, it will do all I want…..

My go to little flat ultra fine file, always on the lathe must be now 10 years old and still works like new……

always coved in an oily residue (Suds), just a wipe off with a dry cloth and off u go again…..

Sometimes I even tickle a shaft that needs a tiny amount taking off or polishing…..u know when the bearing is just to tight…..

Have given a few to friends when visiting and all remark how good they are…..

Remember now "Bacho" …. Sweden not Europe…….sorry a grey moment…..hahaha…

Tongue in cheek Lee, yes I do have a few sharp edges

A while ago, I bought a so-called oil stone from the local superstore without there being any indication of its quality. I was expecting a typical double-sided oil stone for sharpening wood chisels etc.

When I came to use it however, I found it was softer than the donkey stones my mother did the steps with; actually the latter is not quite true.

One of the stones I value in my toolbox is Arkansas.

A bit brittle but gives a good final finish.

Sam