Thread: Norton flattening stone or DMT D8C?

Originally Posted by eddy79

Just make sure you break it in before use as a lapping stone.

Why does it need to be broken in, and how?

Originally Posted by Lancelot

Why does it need to be broken in, and how?

They often have a few bigger diamond particles sticking up and they'll put gouges in whatever your lapping. (Actually, mine had one enormous diamond particle that I actually needed to chip off with the blade of a screwdriver.)

Break it in by working a screwdriver shaft (or something similar) on it flat.

But yes, the DMT is the easy choice here.

Shaman,

+1 on the D8C.

In addition to being clean, and cutting quickly, they leave a superior finish on your stones (my 325 leaves a better finish that 600 'grit' silicon carbide paper); they are a very useful hone to have around the house.

Recently I have been using mine for re-beveling some of my knives - worked superbly

It can flatten virtually any stone (though you do have to be careful with some if the harder naturals (novaculite type stones)) and will easily cut most metals

I wouldn't be without mine !

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

This old thread got revived

I have both and recommend both. Here is why:

New hones need to be flattened and the DMT is a lot slower at this process.

The norton lapping hone in my honing cupboard gets used on new hones only. I use the DMT once the hone is flattened. Both products work very well for the tasks I use them for.

I do not feel the the tolerances on the norton are as good, but it will take an irregular new hone (the all are) and get it close, quickly...then the DMT finished the job.

Originally Posted by unit

This old thread got revived

I have both and recommend both. Here is why:

New hones need to be flattened and the DMT is a lot slower at this process.

...

I found the opposite to be true with my Norton Flattening Stone and DMT 6". I must have a bad Norton FS, i gave up flattening with it. Took entirely too long to put level the rest of the Norton stones. The DMT blasted right though.

I have new DMT in the mail today though. I did wear the grit thin on my 6" Coarse/Fine DMT. I used it on every stone in the shop/house and some neglected other blades. Still good enough to kick up a slurry, and the Fine side is okay.

I recommend the DMT for quick work. The Norton (mine at least) just wouldn't make progress on my 4/8.


If my Norton flattener got lost, stolen, or broken, I wouldn't even think of replacing it.

Originally Posted by Lancelot

Would that be these two?

DMT D8XX 8-inch Dia-Sharp Continuous Diamond - Extra-Extra-Coarse (120 Mesh) - Amazon.com

DMT D8C 8-Inch Dia-Sharp Continuous Diamond Coarse - Amazon.com

Thanks for starting my after Christmas shopping list. I need a DMT.