Thread: Maintaining a lapped stone

It appears from the forum that the 325 DMT is a bit aggressive right out of the box for maintaining an already lapped Norton stone. So a DMT-D6C is 325 grit. The DMT-D6F is 600 grit. So would 600 be ok for maintaining a lapped surface? Basically just cleaning up and prepping the stone before each use. Should I go with the full 6X2" DMT or the credit card size?

325 should work fine
it will also mellow with time

Will the scratches left initially in say a 4/8K cause any issues with honing?

Originally Posted by TexasShaver

Will the scratches left initially in say a 4/8K cause any issues with honing?

I do not think you will have issues.

What most of us use is the D8C which is a 3x8 like the nortons. Using a shorter plate might work but IMO you're better off with the 8" plate. Going above 325, to the 600, or whatever is not recommended by Dia-Sharp, the maker of DMT. The plates will be ruined in the higher grits if used to lap waterstones. When using the D8C 325 they recommend doing so under running water. This will clear the swarf and prolong the life of the plate.

For a new DMT take a plane iron, chisel or if , like me, you haven't got those, a long heavy screw driver shank rubbed on the surface of the plate, paying special attention to the edges, will take down any high spots, divots that might scratch your stones. Do this with water with a couple of drops of dish soap in it. If you sharpen your kitchen cutlery on the plate the water/dish soap is also recommended by DMT.

Couldn't find anything in the Wiki, is there anything on "Lapping" and "Diamondplates"?

Use the 325 to sharpen some tool, knife or such, it should take out the odd loose diamond and crack any sticking up.

I just got my DMT 8C a couple of weeks ago, and was able to break it in just fine by setting bevels on a few knives. But before that, I used a cheaper, we'll-worn Smith diamond hone to lap my Nortons with great results. I've got the orange/fine model, about $30 at most outdoor stores locally as I recall. I'm now just doing a few quick, light figure 8's between razors with the DMT, and then another couple of quickies with the Much finer Smith for glass-smooth finishes on all my stones. Either way, a big diamond plate of some sort is a versatile and invaluable tool in the honer's arsenal.