Thread: Need help cleaning a DMT

I believe this is more likely the nickel plating coming off the diamond plate, not oil. Many of the methods described would remove all the oil from the diamond plate really easily. Now also if you got oil into the surface of the waterstone that could be a problem.

Originally Posted by eKretz

I believe this is more likely the nickel plating coming off the diamond plate, not oil. Many of the methods described would remove all the oil from the diamond plate really easily. Now also if you got oil into the surface of the waterstone that could be a problem.

Good point, that black shmootz on Hirlau's Norton 4k is fairly reminiscent of the crud on mine but the only action my hone has seen is clean razors and water, so in my case it's metal particulate. Probably the same thing in this case, I can't imagine anything short of open gear lube clinging on after the barrage of chemicals these diamond plates were exposed to - and even that would probably have let loose by now.

After speaking to a spokesperson from DMT today, the stain is coming from the nickel plating that is used to secure the diamond abrasive. Just as eKretz suggested. She stated that the DMT's that we are using, are not designed for lapping. The lapping DMT that is made for lapping is the Dia-Flat 10"x4". She realizes that many will still use the 325 & others in that DMT series for lapping.

If you suspect that your DMT might be "worn out" as many callers do, then she suggested that you use the bottom of a glass, if the plate etches into the glass, your diamond abrasive is still there.

The Dia-Flat is a low grit series, so she suggests that you lap under water, with a minimum of pressure.

Thanks, Hirlau!

Your welcome ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,