Bernardo dressing stone for NTS 200 / 250 Pro / 250 Pro Vario sharpening wheels
A leather honing wheel loses its effectiveness after 50-100 hours of use. The surface becomes polished, the adhesion of the abrasive paste decreases, and tools no longer achieve the desired mirror finish. The dressing stone restores the initial conditions by raising the leather grain and preparing the surface for a new application of abrasive paste.
Bernardo supplies this stone in a single version with dual functionality: a fine side for ordinary regeneration and a coarse side for deep cleaning when the wheel is very worn. It is a mandatory tool for any workshop that invests in regular sharpening cycles.
When to use the dressing stone:
- After 50-100 hours of sharpening on a wheel (depends on frequency)
- When the finish produced significantly decreases
- When the abrasive paste no longer adheres uniformly
- Before changing paste grit (switching from fine to coarse or vice versa)
Who is the Bernardo dressing stone suitable for wheel regeneration?
| Profile |
Suitable? |
Reason |
| Occasional hobbyist (2-5 sharpenings/year) |
Adequate |
Infrequent regeneration; a wheel lasts 5+ years. But recommended to keep on hand for when needed. |
| Craftsman / small workshop (20-50 sharpenings/month) |
Ideal |
Regeneration with dressing stone every 2-4 months. Quick ROI, maintains consistent wheel performance. |
| Industrial maintenance / spare parts |
Ideal |
Daily sharpening cycles. Weekly regeneration with dressing stone is standard to maintain consistent quality and reduce costs. |
| Professional job-shop workshop |
Ideal |
NTS 250 Pro with Vario requires frequent regeneration to switch between different workloads. Dressing stone essential. |
Not suitable for:
- Workshops that do not have sharpening wheels (not a standalone accessory)
- Customers who replace the wheel instead of regenerating it (lose accessory ROI)
- Machines for long periods (unplanned regeneration)
- Those without experience in manual sharpening (stone requires correct grip technique)
Technical specifications
Composition and functionality
| Parameter |
Value |
| Type |
Preparation stone for leather honing wheels
|
| Composition |
Sintered ceramic, double grit (fine + coarse) |
| Fine side |
For ordinary regeneration and surface maintenance |
| Coarse side |
For deep cleaning and regeneration of very worn wheels |
| Mounting |
Manual (held in hand against rotating wheel) or dedicated support |
Bernardo machine compatibility
| Machine |
Compatible? |
Associated wheels |
| NTS 200 |
Yes |
Wheel Ø 200 × 30 mm (05-20601) |
| NTS 250 Pro |
Yes |
Wheel Ø 200 × 30 mm (05-20610) |
| NTS 250 Pro Vario |
Yes |
Wheel Ø 200 × 30 mm (05-20610) |
| Other Bernardo machines |
Check |
Compatible if they have a leather wheel sharpening spindle |
Compliance and markings
| Parameter |
Value |
| Manufacturer |
Bernardo, Linz (Austria) |
| Bernardo article code |
05-20602 |
| Compliance |
Not subject to Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (consumable accessory) |
| Country of origin |
Austria |
| Consumable? |
Yes, with intensive use 2-3 years average life |
Standard equipment
- Double-sided dressing stone (fine/coarse)
- Rectangular shape
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the fine side and the coarse side of the dressing stone?
The fine side (fine grit) performs ordinary regeneration, raising the leather grain without removing material. The coarse side (more pronounced grit) removes deep wear for very worn wheels. Rule: use the fine side 1-2 times a month, the coarse side only if the finish does not improve with the fine side.
How do you correctly use a dressing stone on a sharpening wheel?
Start the wheel at 800-1,200 rpm (reduced speed). Hold the dressing stone firmly with both hands. Gently press it against the rotating wheel at approximately 45°, moving it sideways to cover the entire surface. Total time: 30-60 seconds for ordinary regeneration. Never force it to avoid crushing the leather.
How often should I regenerate a sharpening wheel with the dressing stone?
It depends on the sharpening volume. Guidelines: occasional sharpening (10/month) = every 3-4 months. Regular sharpening (50/month) = every 4-6 weeks. Intensive sharpening (200+/month) = weekly. Indicator: if the finish drops below a mirror finish, it's time to regenerate.
How long does a dressing stone last before it wears out?
With moderate use (regeneration once a month), 3-5 years. With intensive use (weekly), 1.5-2 years. Wear is slow because it removes little material. When the stone rounds at the edges and regeneration becomes ineffective, it's end of life — but that's rare.
Can I use the dressing stone on leather wheels of different diameters (not just Ø 200)?
Yes, theoretically. The dressing stone is generic. But Bernardo standardizes Ø 200 mm for NTS. If you have different diameters, contact Krollit to check compatibility and optimal spindle speed.
Is the Bernardo dressing stone 05-20602 interchangeable with stones from other manufacturers?
Technically yes, if the geometry is compatible. But Bernardo has optimized the fine/coarse grit for its own leather wheels. Recommendation: use the original 05-20602 to ensure predictable results.
Is the dressing stone 05-20602 included in the NTS machine warranty or is it a separate accessory?
Separate accessory, sold individually. It is not included in the standard NTS machine warranty. If ordered as part of an annual Krollit maintenance contract, check the inclusion terms with the sales office.
