Thread: Lapping Methods

I have a friend who works with the regular DMT125/ 600 which are the all steel flat ones. He's used them for a long time and they work well.
I've always been a bit leary of the ones with polka dot holes but if you say they work well Leighton I'll sure take your word for it:-)

Originally Posted by bjorn

That's where I got mine, he told me the 400 would "waste" to much of the stone if it's used for making slurry, but since I wanted a pure lapping plate I went with the 400. I'm currently considering getting a 1200 for raising slurry and maybe a Sigma Power 2000 from him for bevel setting.

Yes, 400 sounds a bit aggressive for slurry. I can confirm he does use the 1200 Atoma for slurry on J-Nats. Let us know how the Sigma works.

Originally Posted by Gunner777

I have a friend who works with the regular DMT125/ 600 which are the all steel flat ones. He's used them for a long time and they work well.
I've always been a bit leary of the ones with polka dot holes but if you say they work well Leighton I'll sure take your word for it:-)

I have no idea if they work! LOL. But I'll find out and get back to you guys. DMT saw fit to provide me with an R&D Lapping plate! Of course, I was honeless for about 4 months so I'm not sure if the payoff was worth it....ended up buying a couple of new hones to replace the ones I sent to them.

Anyway, specs on the R&D plate. Its pretty large and has polka dots. They said it was 120 grit on both sides and it measures 10" x 4". Its pretty much a Duo Sharp XX/XX in 10" size from what I gather. Finger test says its actually pretty smooth and feels flat. Might leave smooth scratch marks making the 320 unnecessary. Anyway, I'll find out tonight or later this week.

edit:
Oh, that thing is SWEET! I love it! My D8XX and probably d8x are going up for sale. Only problem is that it does leave visible scratch marks, but the stone is still damn smooth. So smooth that I'm not entirely sure if the scratch marks are anything other than cosmetic issues. I don't really notice them under magnification.

so, where are the pics, Leighton? Or did you think we weren't interested in the "new best thing out there"?

Originally Posted by DwarvenChef

For the past 5 years I have been using the DMT 125 and 325 plates for a major part of my lapping and I'm happy with the results up to 8k stones. I didn't think the 325 would be fine enough for the 16k S GS and was proven not to polish it enough I started using the Shapton 3k GS to lap polish the 16k, still out to lunch on the results but the stone is nicely polished not and it feel good. Not sure if the 3k against the 16k is causing trouble with glasing but I wouldn't think so. I've often though of getting a second 3k stone to cut grooves into, making a polishing plate basicly for the 16k Hey I can dream of being rich can't I

I posted a while back how I dedicated a C12K stone lapped with diagonal grooves cut into it for touching up and conditioning my polishing stones like the Shapton 16000. I still use the DMT Extra-C and the DMT C but not as often. I got the idea to use the 12K as I normaly rub off the swarf frequently with running water and my fingers so i thought why not something that would also have a very conservative lapping at the same time. The 12K lapping stone will extend the life of your finer stones as it in effect will reduce the amount of material that the DMT takes off. Also it leaves no visible grooves in the polishing stone which also makes them wear slower. Just make sure the 12K is dead flat and hit it once in a while the the DMT X and you might be pleasantly surprised as I was.
Mike

Originally Posted by Ben325e

so, where are the pics, Leighton? Or did you think we weren't interested in the "new best thing out there"?

It doesn't look any different than what they offer currently. Looks like this stone minus any colored dots because both sides are XX. Ordered me one of those tonight to serve as my lapping plate. I'm hooked on the 10" lapping surface. Yup. I'm spoiled now... Probably just blew $100 for nothing though.

Amazon.com: DMT W250CXNB 10-Inch DuoSharp Bench Stone Coarse / Extra-Coarse No Base: Home Improvement

Originally Posted by 0livia

220 grit silicon carbide on glass, followed by w/d sand paper up to 400 grit.
I do it this way because its fast.

yup
very fast
barber hone? 5 mins !

I have coarser grits for gnarly stuff (Arkansas anyone?)

I also found some 1000 and 1500 silicon carbide

I find there to be little difference between the two though

hhmmmm, i got 1200 as well, but not yet tried.

You're so constructive today!

Originally Posted by 0livia

hhmmmm, i got 1200 as well, but not yet tried.

You're so constructive today!

LOL

ok well here goes another

have you tried to use the dried slurry for anything?

anyone?

you can separate any remaining coarse grains by mixing the slurry with water
the coarse grains are too heavy to stay suspended and will sink
the finest particles suspend and can be poured off

it seems a waste to throw away so much valuable stone and I would like to find some uses

I've tried using it as a greaseless buffing compound with moderate success.
Anyone else have any ideas?