Thread: Atoma diamond plates for lapping

Does anyone have any experience with this plate for lapping? And if so should one go for the 400 or 1200?

Go with the 400 grit for general lapping. I like it much better than the 325 DMT. Lighter, no sticking, flatter, only drawback is that it isn't as nice for sharpening than the DMT, but I use it only for lapping, so thats not a problem for me.

It depends on what you are lapping IMO. I have both the 400 and 1200 Atomas and both get used for lapping. Anything under an 8k, I use the 400 generally. I mainly use the 1200 to lap, clean, and generate slurry on most of my finishers when necessary.

James.

I use the Atoma 1200 on my Japanese natural finishers. DMT for all my other hones.

I have no issues with my dmt1200 Diamond Plate

What about break in procedures? I know the DMT's require break in procedures before lapping a good hone, but do the Atomas also require a break in procedure, and if so, is it the same as the procedure we use on DMT's?

I have the 140 and the 1200, like them both for lapping, both more durable than the corresponding DMT plates IMO.

Originally Posted by RazorTalkin

What about break in procedures? I know the DMT's require break in procedures before lapping a good hone, but do the Atomas also require a break in procedure, and if so, is it the same as the procedure we use on DMT's?

just lap away not break in required

Why you'd try to properly lap a stone with the 1200 is beyond me. Stu's advice is sound there.

However, as oz says, for generating slurry (which if done regularly also keeps the stone flat) the 1200 is excellent. I've been doing that with mine for what must be 6 or more years now on the recommendation of So Yamashita as well. I also use the 1200 to set bevels.

It's just a common sense thing I think. Stu needs to cover himself as a vendor by making blanket statements. Completely understandable and I'd do the same in his position.

But it definitely doesn't mean you can't rub the 1200 on a hone in a figure 8 pattern.

James.

My experience has been that you can compromise an Atoma 1200 with heavy pressure and thick slurry when flattening stones. I did in fact do just that, and that plate will shed diamonds now even lightly used.

I did some research after it started misbehaving, and if you use it for heavy duty flattening, be sure to do so under running water or at least be careful to never feel the slurry thickening. So far I have kept the plate well rinsed during use and have not had a problem.

And IIRC, DMT does not recommend using their fine 8k plate for raising sharpening slurry for the same reason.

Cheers, Steve