Thread: DMT 325 and the Atoma 400

I'd like to start this thread and get some pro's and cons for both of these diamond plates. I am in the market for a lapping plate and have both accessible to me. I have read good things about both on here and just wanted to get more info about both. I know the DMT is very popular with many here but thought the Atoma sounds really nice. The DMT at leevalley is the 4x10 size. I don't know if this will help with lapping because of more weight and surface area??

The hones I will be using it on will be a King deluxe 1k, Norton 4/8, Naniwa 12k.

Heres a link for both at, my favorite store in the world, Leevalley. This is where I will be purchasing it.

Atoma- Atoma Diamond Plates - Lee Valley Tools

DMT- http://www.leevalley.com/en/Wood/pag...60&cat=1,43072

I have the exact same stones as you do. I ordered a DMT recently but have not received it yet so I cannot advise you, but I will let you know something soon. I know they come highly recommended. How is your stone set up working for you?

Originally Posted by ccase39

I have the exact same stones as you do. I ordered a DMT recently but have not received it yet so I cannot advise you, but I will let you know something soon. I know they come highly recommended. How is your stone set up working for you?

I love it. Im getting great edges from this. I do light stropping on crox after my 12k and then about 60-70 on my English Bridle. How about you?

Originally Posted by HARRYWALLY

I love it. Im getting great edges from this. I do light stropping on crox after my 12k and then about 60-70 on my English Bridle. How about you?

5 on crox 50 on cotton, 25 on tacky leather strop, 50 on smooth leather strop. Im trying to decide if that is a little excessive but it has worked for me so far.

The only pro DMT has over the Atoma is price. In every other aspect the Atoma just blows the DMT away.

The price difference isn't much. I think either way both will be a good buy. Maybe I should be that guy and try the one, less people have. I really do like the sounds of the Atoma.

Originally Posted by jeness

The only pro DMT has over the Atoma is price. In every other aspect the Atoma just blows the DMT away.

In what aspect does the Atoma trump the DMT? Dont just say "its better" tell us WHY its better!

Well, actually in every aspect

But to name a few:

Flatter: Mine was much flatter than any of the three 325 DMTs I had, one of the Duo-sharps were unusable for lapping it was that warped, the other one was meh, but usable, my Dia-sharp was about good, but still not really flat.

No stiction, much lighter (then the Dia, a bit lighter than Duo), almost no break-in time, faster. These are the most important aspects I can think of right now.

I was searching for a good lapping plate for months, I have sold everything after I got my Atoma, and am happy since than. After more of a year of constant use I can't be happier with my purchase, truly superior to the DMT-s I had, a much better quality product.

I will certaily agree about the flatter than the Duo-sharp! I returned 3 of them in a row, due to them actually being bowed.

I've had exactly the same question since my Jan Lee Valley catalogue arrived.