Thread: Lapping Methods

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