Need "Stone" educated

[alphabrace]

Hello,
I see some using a stone to polish surfaces such as trigger componets, etc. I know nothing about "stones" Can someone educate me please, thanks!

 

[VM]

Read here http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-smithing/94072-faqs.html

"500 Magnum Nut" has posted some excellent tutorials

 

[alphabrace]

VM, thanks for the lead and 500, thanks for all that great info! Going to take me a while to get through it all!

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

6" long medium stone is all you need for a S&W revolver. If your rich like me , buy a ceramic "glass" stone in fine for the trigger and hammer hooks for the extra sharpness.
These glass stones are used only with water and the Norton medium stone is used with oil.
When the stone gets worn, break it up in smaller pieces so you can chase burrs in hard to polish places, like the frame walls and such.

 

[alphabrace]

500, I am going to be working on an M&P and not a revolver although I doubt the info would change. I am curious about the "worn" part of the equation; If I am thinking correctly, worn means the stone surface is no longer flat? Also ever heard of an Arkansas stone?

 

[HAWKEYE10]

Arkansas stones are good stones but they will wear
faster than others. Don

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

500, I am going to be working on an M&P and not a revolver although I doubt the info would change. I am curious about the "worn" part of the equation; If I am thinking correctly, worn means the stone surface is no longer flat? Also ever heard of an Arkansas stone?

I use Norton 1/2 x 1/2 x 6 inch long. A stone needs to be perfectly flat. When the stone wears in won't be flat and this won't help your trigger jobs.
On 1911 trigger jobs, this is where I use glass stones often. It really makes a difference on the look and feel of the job.
I never tried trigger jobs on AR-15s, as I just buy a good match trigger and swap them out.

 

[tacticool22]

Go to MSC Google Search Results there are all kinds of stones. Ruby stones are the bomb for very small material removal and leveling. I use all kinds of different stones and paper for working on injection molds.
Arkansas stones are generally natual and mined from a pit. Norton is generally a synthetic type. Superior in many ways, inferior in others. Everybody has their favorite.
Good luck, have fun and be safe.

 

[shovelwrench]

I buy the AO sample kits from HERE in their mold and die polishing section.

Its tough to beat 220g through 1000g set for 12$. This is their samples section, AO = aluminum oxide.

 

[alphabrace]

Shovel,
Thanks for the lead! I may just buy that sample kit to get started!