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!

Originally Posted by HARRYWALLY

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

If you didn't have a 1k in there the Atoma 1200 would be all you need. Maybe even the Atoma 600 would work ok. The Kings lap very easily & I used my 1200 Atoma on a King 800 & 1200 to break it in.

+ 1 on on the quality control over DMT's.

The only thing I don't like the Atoma for is razors tho I know some use them for heavy duty work.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

If you didn't have a 1k in there the Atoma 1200 would be all you need. Maybe even the Atoma 600 would work ok. The Kings lap very easily & I used my 1200 Atoma on a King 800 & 1200 to break it in.

+ 1 on on the quality control over DMT's.

The only thing I don't like the Atoma for is razors tho I know some use them for heavy duty work.

I could do my king 1k on my 400 grit sandpaper and use the Atoma 1200 for the rest. So maybe The 1200 might be a better buy for me. I have read that the Atomas seem coarser then they state. Very interesting. decisions, decisions!!

Originally Posted by HARRYWALLY

I could do my king 1k on my 400 grit sandpaper and use the Atoma 1200 for the rest. So maybe The 1200 might be a better buy for me. I have read that the Atomas seem coarser then they state. Very interesting. decisions, decisions!!

Yes bevel setters don't need an uber smooth finish. The Atoma seem coarser because they are a pimpled surface unlike the DMT which is a layer of diamonds on steel. The surface is what prevents the plate sticking to stones you lap but it does require a light hand.