Thread: Naniwa flattening stone

I have acquired a set of preowned synthetic stones which included a Naniwa flattening stone, it is classified as being 220 grit. I am wondering what would be the highest grit it could be used for lapping before potentially causing any damage and if it’s suitable to use on the Shapton GS?

The set came with the following stones.

• Naniwa Speciality Stone 12k
• Naniwa Super Stone 8k
• Naniwa Super Stone 5k
• Shapton Glass Stone 1k

Thanks,
Jay

Don't know about the Shapton, but you can use it in any of the Naniwas.

Though I prefer to use 600 or 1000 grit wet or dry paper on a flat surface, once they've been initially lapped the first time outta the box.

Ive read that the flattening stone is not really flat. Its recommended to use a diamond plate for lapping. When I first started I was going to buy one but Marty told me not too. I,ve used a diamond plate for years now. Even on a 20k stone. Great for making slurry too.

I presume that by lapping you are referring to marking a grid pattern and getting the hone truly flat, which I rarely do these days, but start with that with every new hone. The first few I did I used wet dry, then got a Diamond plate. Currently I just do a few quick passes with a Diamond plate to keep it clean as part of my honing process.

I have a Naniwa flattening stone, but never liked it and no longer use it.

If I need to flatten a synthetic or natural stone, I use SIC wet/dry sandpaper backed by a granite floor tile. You can also just use SIC powder

Once the hone is flat, I finish it using as 1200 grit Atoma diamond plate. I also use that plate to raise a slurry when honing.