Thread: Which DMT lapping stone?

I am putting together a honing kit and want to get a DMT325 lapping/flattening stone. Do most use the DMT plate with the little circles on the surface, or the diamond impregnated stone w/o the little circles? Also would you mind recommending the proper dimensions of a good stone?

Thanks from Oregon

John

either will work, more popular are the solid surface ones though.
The most useful size is 8" length, the width is 3" I believe.

Welcome to SRP. The DMT that most of us use is the DMT D8C (325) continuous plate. It is 8x3. Most of the synthetic stones we use are also 8x3. Referring to those by Norton, Naniwa, Shapton and others. Check out the SRP library for the beginner's guide here and you'll find a lot of useful info in there to get you started in the right direction.

Hi John,

Both will work. Some claim the Duo plate is easier or less sticky to use. I have not found this to be the case for the extra money they cost. Both work well when you lap under running water.

Have fun.

I like the DMT D8C for lapping hones 8000 grit and below. I milled some grooves across the surface to help break the surface tension.

I haven't tried the Duo Plate.

If I had running water in the shop, I don't think I would need the grooves. :P

That looks cool.

Michael

Originally Posted by mjsorkin

That looks cool.

Michael

The Japanese use their naguras with grooves, has been like that forever.

Thanks to all for the warm welcome! Looks like a D8C is what I will get. I am somewhat relieved you all were not referring to the DMT Dia-Flat plate. $200.00 eesh!

Originally Posted by Lynn

Hi John,

Both will work. Some claim the Duo plate is easier or less sticky to use. I have not found this to be the case for the extra money they cost. Both work well when you lap under running water.

Have fun.

The duo is also usually flatter... but the way that the diasharps are out of flat is usually bow along their length, which won't really affect much if the mirror of it is in your stones.

For some reason, it's easier for them to get a flat piece of plastic with a metal strip on the top than it is for them to machine a flat piece of mild steel. I guess it's because the pieces of steel are not necessarily slowly run through a grinder and surface ground like some of us might expect.

Will it harm the DMT 8c to use it to bevel the edges of a new water stone?

Thanks
John