Thread: got my norton 4k/8k but need to lap it confusion with DMT plates can you help

Originally Posted by stevenn21

i did use quite a bit of pressure i hope its ok i decided to use wet dry sand paper first 125 grit then 325 grit now the gold side (8k) is smooth as glass but the white (4k) side is smooth but not as smooth as the 8k side is this because the white side is more course? will it be ok or will it need to be glass smooth?

You will definitely feel embedded particles while honing ,if they are there, otherwise don't panic but there should be no irregular rough sensation. Some of the 4k's were known to need a fair bit of lapping. I don't know if yours falls into this category.

I talked with DMT customer service a few months ago about the DMT 325 before buying it. They said it was not designed for lapping, but they see that many people are using it for lapping anyway. (I was not surprised there.) She also recommended their new DMT lapping plate, which is specifically designed for lapping. It looks like a great plate, if you are willing to spend the extra money for it.

Hmm I think I know that guy in the video

I bought the dmt as well. Worth the purchase for sure.

Originally Posted by dewey81

Hmm I think I know that guy in the video

I bought the dmt as well. Worth the purchase for sure.

so does the 4k white side need to be glass smooth like the 8k gold side or is it meant to be rougher because of the lower grit?

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Be careful if using papers that you don't use a lot of pressure or you'll be wondering why the Nortons are scratching your bevels . Loose particles can embed in the stones.

I agree 100%.

Originally Posted by stevenn21

so does the 4k white side need to be glass smooth like the 8k gold side or is it meant to be rougher because of the lower grit?

It will be slightly rougher.

The 4K side is the where you need to look and see if there are any pits. If so continue lapping until they are gone. If some minor ones remain then use a junk razor to see if you can "feel" the pits. If so then continue lapping. Also, there should be no "orange peel" texture on the surface.

Originally Posted by randydance062449

It will be slightly rougher.

The 4K side is the where you need to look and see if there are any pits. If so continue lapping until they are gone. If some minor ones remain then use a junk razor to see if you can "feel" the pits. If so then continue lapping. Also, there should be no "orange peel" texture on the surface.

there is 1 pit in the white side but when i try to get it out more pits surface so i tried to hone anyway but the razor wont even get sharp enough to cut arm hair whats wrong????

Use a lot of water and light-medium pressure while lapping, no matter what method you use. This way your surface won't be uneven, and the diamond hone/sandpaper will last longer.

Wow that's expensive compared to the DMT 325!

Originally Posted by henryconchile

I talked with DMT customer service a few months ago about the DMT 325 before buying it. They said it was not designed for lapping, but they see that many people are using it for lapping anyway. (I was not surprised there.) She also recommended their new DMT lapping plate, which is specifically designed for lapping. It looks like a great plate, if you are willing to spend the extra money for it.

Originally Posted by stevenn21

there is 1 pit in the white side but when i try to get it out more pits surface so i tried to hone anyway but the razor wont even get sharp enough to cut arm hair whats wrong????

What your experiencing is the "skin" on the hone is now being removed exposing the small pits underneather. You need to continue lapping until all the skin is removed and the pitting is gone.
Then rinse the hone very well followed by a bristle brush under running water to dislodge any loose grains. Then start honing.

Keep us informed of your progress.