Thread: flattening a new set of stones

I recently bought a new Norton 4k/8k and a naniwa 12k and noticed that they did not wear off evenly using the flattening stone. Is it expected to have to flatten norton stones after soaking them in water for the first time? They are honing much more predictably now that I have flattened them for the first time. It took a lot of flattening to wear off the pencil cross marks they recommended to use as indication of flatness. Took about 10 minutes of flattening to get it down to 'flat'.

Totally expected in my opinion. The new Nortons have a grainy feel that needs to be lapped off until they feel very smooth on both the 4K and 8K sides lately. More so on the 4K side. I have been having to take the 4K down around 1/8 inch to get there on the last few I've gone through. The Naniwa 12K's are normally close, but still need a little lapping.

Have fun,

Lynn

I have exactly noticed the grainy feel you mention especially on the 4k side and yes I think I might have taken off a good 1/8th inch until it felt truly flat and smooth. Wondering how the Shapton stones compare to the norton and naniwa stones? I have had my eye on the 4/8/16 set of ceramic on tempered glass. Those don't require soaking in water do they?

Not a lot of lapping required on the Shapton on Glass. They are very hard feeling. They do work well though. Careful......HAD is lurking around you......

Have fun,

Lynn