Can I use DMT 1200 grit for bevel setting, and also lapping Norton 4k/8k, Naniwa 12K?

[DustinNielsen]

I'm looking to buy a diamond plate for lapping my norton 4k/8k, and my Naniwa 12K. I wanted to see if I could also use the same plate to use as a bevel setter on very dull razors. People mention on here that the DMT diamond plates are good for lapping these hones. I think most people use a lower grit plate though, something like the 325 or the 600 grit plates.

Can I use a the 1200 grit diamond plate to lap the norton and the naniwa, and also use it to set bevels on ebay type razors? I figured buying the 325 or 600 would be too low of a grit to use as a bevel setter.

Assuming that I could use this plate for all of these purposes, would it make a difference if I got the 10 inch by 4 inch plate, instead of the 8" by 3"?

I didnt know if having an oversized plate when lapping, and bevel setting would introduce unwanted variables, such as uneven wear on the diamond plate or something.

[ben.mid]

Although they're great for bevel setting, you'll shred it by lapping with it. I can sell you mine that i used for that purpose. It's useless now, but at least it'll cut one of the stages out for you!

[holli4pirating]

DMT says you should only lap with... I forget which one, but I think the XXC or maybe the XC. Personally, I lap with a coarse and it's only lost a few diamonds (on the edge, from lapping a really dished hone), but I've seen other DMT C's that have been stripped of their diamonds from lapping. I also use mine to do pre-bevel setting work on razors that need a lot of work.

[DustinNielsen]

Although they're great for bevel setting, you'll shred it by lapping with it. I can sell you mine that i used for that purpose. It's useless now, but at least it'll cut one of the stages out for you!

I do not understand. I will ruin the DMT plate by lapping with it, or I will ruin the Norton/Naniwa by lapping with it? Also, what to you mean by cutting out one of the stages?

Sorry for my confusion...

[holli4pirating]

You'd ruin the DMT. The diamonds and/or compound can be stripped off of the metal plate. I'm guessing he means he'll save you the trouble of buying and ruining a DMT by sending you his that he ruined in that way.

[DustinNielsen]

You'd ruin the DMT. The diamonds and/or compound can be stripped off of the metal plate. I'm guessing he means he'll save you the trouble of buying and ruining a DMT by sending you his that he ruined in that way.

So what is the best solution? Having a separate tools for bevel setting and stone lapping? Also should I stay away from a diamond plate if i just wanted it to lap a norton 4k/8k and the naniwa 12k? or would it be alright in this case to the the DMT 325 grit? Or something else that you can recommend?

Thanks

[holli4pirating]

I use the DMTC, which is the 325 grit DMT, to lap, but DMT says it should not be used for this purpose. If you really want to be safe, you should get something intended for lapping (someone else can tell you or you could do a search - I don't know) or you can use wet/dry sandpaper on grantie or glass (to esure it's flat). You don't have to stay away from a diamond plate, just be sure you get the right one and use as directed (there is a lapping 101 page in the wiki).

In general, lapping and bevel setting are two very different tasks, so it should not be surprising that they require two different tools.

[alx]

Dustin
I have used Atoma diamond plates for 3 years now with excellent results, the 600 is the middle of the road and they cut quickly with very little vacuum because of their open matrix. PM me if you want more info. Alx

[PA23-250]

I've never used anything finer than the C for lapping--leaves a super-smooth edge on every stone I've lapped with it. Not really sure why you'd want to go finer or even if you'd really notice a difference. My E is for bevel-setting only.

OT, but how long does the initial lapping (thinking the 4k side especially here) of a norton 4/8 combo take on a C only? I'm thinking of picking one up as my diamond film is now dead. In Pace Requiescat!

[holli4pirating]

I've never used anything finer than the C for lapping--leaves a super-smooth edge on every stone I've lapped with it. Not really sure why you'd want to go finer or even if you'd really notice a difference. My E is for bevel-setting only.

OT, but how long does the initial lapping (thinking the 4k side especially here) of a norton 4/8 combo take on a C only? I'm thinking of picking one up as my diamond film is now dead. In Pace Requiescat!

On some hones, I see scratches from my DMTC (most notably Swaty's and C12k). I have been told that these scratches don't affect honing, but I lapped them off anyway.

I don't know about on Norton 4k's, but on hones I have (natural and synthetic), initial lapping seems to depend on luck - you may get one that is very close to flat or you may not. Regardless, I think that the benefits of having a Norton 4/8k will outweigh whatever the initial lapping time is.