Thread: DMT differences?

I was wondering what the differences between the continuous and interupted surfaces was in use, if any. Has anyone played with both?

Thx

I have both. In general, the continuous surface plates are for sharpening and honing, and the perforated surface plates are for lapping stones.

The low-grit (220 and 325) continuous surface or perforated surface can effectively be used for lapping. But having used both, the perforated surface plates are better lappers. The holes really keep the stone from sticking to the plate and clogging. The continuous surface plates will do just as good a job, but they clog up more easily during lapping and need to be rinsed more often. The perforated plate just seems much faster and less trouble to me.

I've never used my big perforated plate for honing. But it's a big dual-sided plate that's 220 on one side and 325 on the other, either of which would be punishing on any razor. I've never had to go below my 1200 grit continuous plate on any razor, even junkers.

I love DMTs as lapping plates, and they are a take-no-prisoners last resort for me on problem razors, they are very effective and fast. My only complaint is that even the DMT1200 chews up the spine quickly if I use any pressure. So I tape the spine when I use the DMT1200, and get the benefit without the downside.

I just got the DMT 220/325 perforated a few days ago and lapped my 1k, 8k, and 12k Naniwa's this morning. Did them all under lightly running water and sticking was a non issue and the DMT was fast. I did not try it on my Norton
4/8k combo but I am tempted. The Norton lap plate takes forever.

I have the interupted 1200 that I used to use to set bevels and it was reall rough on my edges. The scratch patterns were very deep, I didn't know there were two kinds back then. I just picked the interrupted up from the store because that's what I saw and heard about DMTs on this website.

I like the continuous much better for honing.

DMT says that the polka-dot models are more aggressive. I don't see much if any difference between the two and use them interchangeably; including the 3 micron 8000 mesh.

I've only used the continuous plates and have been happy with them for whatever that is worth. Mostly for flattening stones with the 120xx and 325c and occasionally honing with the 600,1200 and 8000. Get the 8" if you get any of those. They recommend lapping waterstones with the 325c or coarser. Flattening stones with the finer plates can damage them.

Perforated plate is manufactured by cold punching sheets of metal with an arrangement of holes of any shape and size in various patterns. There is a large variety and we only stock the more popular specifications although others are available to special order.

Perforated metals are used in a vast number of industries for sorting and screening any material from sugar and spice to sand and gravel. They are used extensively in heating and ventilating installations where they combine the practical with the ornamental.
For more please visit: Perforated Metal - Cadisch Precision Meshes for Industry

I wouldnt buy the perforated models, you would be getting less surface which means you are doing more work.

'Such a useful thread I’ve been looking this topic everywhere!'
'Thanks for your posts guys this has been really helpful'
'A bit off topic but I’m looking for other suppliers of Perforated plate and perforated sheet.