[jeannie]

just bought a stone for sharpening garden tools - its made of aluminium oxide.  The man in the shop advised me to soak it in water before trying to sharpening amy shears etc. but I have also been told to soak it in oil first. HELP, please

[Sparkyrog]

I would use water ! a scythe stone is not an oil stone they are completely different animals .A carborundum stone is an oil stone used for sharpening chisels and the like .

[jeannie]

Thanks very much - any advice on actually using it?

[Sparkyrog]

I take it is about a foot long or a bit more round and tapered at each end ?

first thing is be careful I have cut myself more than once !!!

stroke it backwards and forwards on both edges at a fairly shallow angle .It is trial and error until you get used to it 

[jeannie]

Yep that is what it looks like - thanks for your advice I value it.  Tomorrow I shall have a go!

[8doubles]

As a rule if a blade has a flat edge and a beveled edge you only put the stone on the beveled edge.

Have a look on youtube for specific tool techniques .

A lot of the posters on youtube are fond of their own voices and tend to waffle on for longer than needed !