Hm, now that you mention it, I probably should get a rougher stone for taking
off material. Using a dremel is pretty scary and kind of a hassle to set up, not
to mention the better control you get with manual grinding. Where'd you get
yours, and how much did it cost?

--- In fpn-p@yahoogroups.com, "J.P. Reinoso" <pentangeli888@...> wrote:
>
> I've been using a 1 inch x 3 inch White Hard Arkansas Stone since I started
re-grinding pen nibsinto Cursive Italics, Crisp Italics, and Stubs.I mainly use
it to grind flat the top and bottom of the nib's iridium and also to cut across
the point of the nib to create an edge. It can take away metal faster than the
finer grit Black Hard Arkansas Stone.
>
>
> Though
> it can also be used to sharpen a dulled calligraphy nib it is not meant for
polishing. The Black Hard Arkansas Stone that
> John has is great for polishing and smoothing a nib. 
>
> J.P.
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: johnraymondlim <john.raymond.lim@...>
> To: fpn-p@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 10:59 PM
> Subject: [fpn-p] Re: White Sharpening Stone?
>
>
>  
> I figure I should save you the time and post here instead:
>
> The stone I use is an extra-fine black-hard Arkansas stone that I got off eBay
(http://bit.ly/A8hFsf), cost about ~1000 shipped.
>
> I am not really familiar with how arkansas stones are measured in terms of
grit, but the black and translucent ones are the densest, hardest, and finest
(the latter moreso than the former). Some people say they are from 12000-20000
grit, I read that they are anywhere from 1 to 8 microns, but I can't really say
for sure. The one I use is probably anywhere from 8000~12000 in terms of grit,
about 1 to 2.5 microns. But my gut tells me it's more 8000 grit, since it's not
just for polishing work.
>
> I wouldn't say it is the be-all-end-all solution for all nib work; it takes
quite a bit of time to take off any decent amount of material. I mainly use it
for creating edges, smoothing the nib, and polishing. But if you will just use
it for fine-tuning, yeah, it should work pretty well.
>
> Before you jump on that ebay link though, you may want to ask Knoi, Caloy's
friend; I remember he told me he knows all sorts of local sources for this kind
of stuff, so you might want to try that avenue too. Personally though, a good
stone is a great investment for pens in general so you'll wanna get a proper
one.
>
> --- In fpn-p@yahoogroups.com, "Fozzy" <dezphaire@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi guys!
> >
> > I read that a white sharpening stone is best for troubleshooting old nibs...
any idea where it can be purchased? If not, will a regular one do? I have no
idea what the difference is.
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> > FOZZY
> >
>