Thread: Lapping my Naniwas

Well my DMT D8C came in today and I've had a little time to start lapping my Naniwas (400,1K,5K,8K,12K)

I'm noticing it's taking a really long time. Is this normal for new stones to take a while to get flat?

My arms are just getting tired!

Also, do I need to keep running water on them the whole time I'm doing it?

Mine took a while when I was using them. Yes, constant running water is essential here--the stiction can make it impossible to remove your hone (almost) if you don't keep the water going.

Have you tried holding the DMT in 1 hand & the hone in the other under the faucet? I've found that to be much easier (and it's harder to bear down too much when lapping).

The first time lapped may be a little more time consuming. The running water not only helps with the stiction but it also prevents the swarf from causing uneven lapping which might happen if it were to be allowed to build up. A pencil grid is the way to go of course.

I was under the impression that naniwas were softer than other makes of stones. I know my nortons took a bit to get flat when new, but I havent experienced the pure joy of using naniwas yet. If you allow a slurry to build on the dmt it will cut very quickly but you will risk ruining the dmt cause the slurry will pull the diamonds off the surface(if allowed to build too much suction) from what I have read around here. I lapped a few stones before I read that warning and lucked out since I didnt lose any diamonds that I have noticed and even my barber hone lapped in mere moments, but since reading the warnings I always use water to lap on the dmt now. It really slows it down but it leaves a finer surface and it is far easier on the dmt. I am very new to all this though so hopefully one of the fine honemiesters will chime in and correct my miss informing you, if I have.


edit: well I see while typing the more experienced members have already answered, take their advice.

When I lapped mine I use 120 grit paper and it took 5 mins a rock so extrapolate though. 325 grit might take 15 mins a rock? I dunno. Also think about how much it would suck to lap a barber hone (2 hours or more... ugh) and feel better that your naniwas are barber hones.

I actually didn't lap my Nani's before the first time I used them because I was curious how they'd do. I found that I got great edges. I subsequently lapped them and found that they were actually both quite flat. As with all things, YMMV; I'd assume some come from the factory very near to lapped flat and others come "rather" dished. Luck of the draw.