Thread: Lapping

I actually have two separate DMTs. The DMT Lapping Plate and a DMT 325 grit hone.

The Lapping Plate is a larger and heavier version of the DMT hones that is supposed to have a better bond between the diamonds and the plate themselves. I use this for squaring up hones that I purchase. This has worked quite well on naturals, synthetics, and a wide array of barber hones. I have only had one stone laugh at this plate so far, and its still none the worse for wear. Still going strong and runs about $200. I plan to pass this to my kids when I kick the bucket.

The DMT 325 is first and foremost a hone. It was not designed to flatten other stones. However many people, myself included, use it to true up a hone we are using and even generate some slurry in a pinch.

Ok after doing more research it looks like lapping film maybe what I need to go with. With that in mind what would one need to do hones from 1 k to 12 k

Originally Posted by jballs918

Ok after doing more research it looks like lapping film maybe what I need to go with. With that in mind what would one need to do hones from 1 k to 12 k

That does not sound right. Wet dry sandpaper is the item you need.

Originally Posted by jballs918

Ok after doing more research it looks like lapping film maybe what I need to go with. With that in mind what would one need to do hones from 1 k to 12 k

As RezDog said, you need wet/dry sandpaper, not lapping film. Though it is called lapping film, would be impractical for lapping hones.

For wet/dry sandpaper, I would suggest 220, 400, and 1000 grit.

Originally Posted by Utopian

As RezDog said, you need wet/dry sandpaper, not lapping film. Though it is called lapping film, would be impractical for lapping hones.

For wet/dry sandpaper, I would suggest 220, 400, and 1000 grit.

Why is lapping film not good for lapping hones? My first hone (Shapton M5 12000 Grit Ceramic Whetstone) is in the mail. I was gonna get a marble tile from the hardware store + 3M lapping film to ensure it was flat. Where is the advantage of w&d over lapping film? Please educate this noob (me).

Originally Posted by Crawler

Why is lapping film not good for lapping hones? My first hone (Shapton M5 12000 Grit Ceramic Whetstone) is in the mail. I was gonna get a marble tile from the hardware store + 3M lapping film to ensure it was flat. Where is the advantage of w&d over lapping film? Please educate this noob (me).

It can be done, its about the thickness of the paper verses film. Heavy lifting of lapping is best done with paper, it just lasts longer and is cost effective from a price point persective. You can do it with film if you had too, cost per sheet and how long it holds up are the main considerations.

Ok, I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I have a question too about lapping. I have Naniwa Specialty Stones in 1k, 5k and 10k. I've used them a few times and I think they need lapping. I was going to buy a Naniwa lapping plate in 220, but the website recommends them for use on up to 5k stones. So, would it be no good to lap my 10k?

I'd love a DMT but I cannot justify the cost.

I'm considering using wet and dry on a kitchen work surface which I know is flat. But which grains should I use for each stone? Thanks gents.

Justify the cost?

You can use it to lap all your stones flat, and every time you use a stone, to keep it flat and the stone face re-freshed… every time you use each stone. And depending on your stones, sometimes while honing, if your stone loads up easily.

Yes you can lap with W&D but dragging a new piece of W&D and a flat plate and water each time is a pain in the buttocks.
And for the price of the lapping plate… that does not work as quickly or efficiently, you can buy a good lapping plate that will last many many years.

Look at the 330mate plate for 20-30 or for about $50 a DMT or I Wood plate.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

Justify the cost?

You can use it to lap all your stones flat, and every time you use a stone, to keep it flat and the stone face re-freshed… every time you use each stone. And depending on your stones, sometimes while honing, if your stone loads up easily.

Yes you can lap with W&D but dragging a new piece of W&D and a flat plate and water each time is a pain in the buttocks.
And for the price of the lapping plate… that does not work as quickly or efficiently, you can buy a good lapping plate that will last many many years.

Look at the 330mate plate for 20-30 or for about $50 a DMT or I Wood plate.

A DMT lapping plate is expensive. Are you suggesting a DMT D8C? That's a 325 whetstone. Can I lap with it?

Absolutley, if you need more grit the CKTG 140 grit lapping plate is only $30, but unless you are lapping a lot of stones a 300 or 325 grit plate is a lifetime purchase.


Just make sure to use a lot of water and scrub it occasionally.

The average user does not need the high dollar, DMT lapping plate... only the obsessed.