Johnboy - I have mine set at 22.5, and use a pretty slow/steady speed when dragging the blade through. I don't adjust the speed and basically just run full out but I did see somewhere when starting to use it some people like to start at a slower speed. Like HH I start with a medium grit and usually finish mine off with the fine. I also do 10 strokes on each side, but read 5 is recommended....10 has worked for me.