Thread: Diamond plates

I've got a DMT 325 that has served me well. Still does a great job on softer stones, but it has lost a step in cutting power. Not as a replacement, as there is still life in the Dia-Sharp. but I'm thinking of adding an Atoma 400.
So, for those that have used both, is the Atoma worth the extra money, and what advantages has it got, if any, over the DMT plates?

Yes, weight about 1/3 of the DMT plate, truer (flat) and more consistent throughout it's useful life.

I can tell you this, the construction of the Atoma, the way the diamond strata is bonded to the aluminum plate, is such that it is far more aggressive than the DMT counterpart, or the GDLP. Speaking now of the only one I've got, the 1200. Because of this aforementioned construction I don't get the stiction (under running tap water) that I experience with the DMTs. My 1200 is super fast in lapping waterstones but I'd be afraid to take a razor to it. I haven't tried but I think it would murder the edge.

I didn't just impulsively buy this plate on a whim. I did due diligence in researching it and in asking members whose opinion I value of their experience before I went for the $. What I do it begin lapping with the DMT, either the 120 (XX) or the 325 (D8C) for the grunt work, and then when I am tired of the slow progress I get out the Atoma and it is like Grant took Richmond. I have been thinking about getting one of the coarser Atoma plates to replace the DMTs and may bite the bullet sooner than later.

Speaking with someone who has the 400, 600, and the 1200 , he told me if he had it to do over he would have gotten the 600, not the 400. He said the 600 delivers the goods without leaving as much deep scratch marks in the waterstone. Last but not least, IME, with 4 various grit DMTs, the Atoma is dead on flat. Not always so dead on are the DMTs. So that's all folks .......

atoma has the diamonds arranged in little piles that are evenly spaced apart, and are much more durable than the coated stuff like dmt. well worth the change for stones.

For work on metal, the ezelaps are more silky and less raw feeling once they are broken in.

If you get the Atoma, keep the DMT. It will work great to smooth scratch marks left by the Atoma. It will work great in heavy chip removal, or frown correction etc.
I have a DMT that acts like 600 grit stone now but I use it all the time and really like it.

you can clean your DMT with soft scrub and a brush. It helps them

Has anybody tried this double sided one yet? Geezer has one, maybe he'll chime in. Double Sided Diamond Stone F/C | Klingspor's Woodworking Shop
Mike

Originally Posted by MODINE

Has anybody tried this double sided one yet? Geezer has one, maybe he'll chime in. Double Sided Diamond Stone F/C | Klingspor's Woodworking Shop
Mike

I have considered getting one but have not gotten to it already.
Funny thing is in Japan those sell for 2000 yen for a 400/1000 combo.

I have the Trend combo and it is wicked fast for lapping. Warranty is out of sight! If it lasts half that long, I'd be happy.

Aargh!!! Devils! DPAD (Diamond Plate Acquisition Disorder) strikes again. Now I have to try the Trend combo!

As if 3x DMTs, 1x half-size double sided DMT, 4x credit card DMTs, 4x Atoma and 1x Shapton glass diamond lapping plate (cant remember what they call it - really slow now, costs far too much) aren't enough!

The Atomas are much more aggressive and suffer from stiction less than the DMTs, but some, especially the high grit ones, do stick quite well - if you like that sort of thing, which I don't!

Regards,
Neil