Lapping Shapton Glass Stones

I have only heard good things about Shapton stones and I am wondering what everyone uses to lap them? I have seen posts where people use sand paper and I don't want to do that. I want to use a stone but people suggest different ones. I think the Chief Honemeister Lynn Abrams suggested using DMT stones. Can any lapping stone be used with the Shapton stones? And if I wanted to use a DMT stone would I use the 220 or maybe the 325? I was thinking about a DMT or using a Norton? What does everyone suggest?
:rock:

I use a DMT 325 on mine. Works great.

Thanks guys! I've seen where people use the DMT 325 or 325 grit sandpaper. Would DMT 220 be too coarse? And would it be a bad idea to use a Norton or Naniwa lapping stone on a shapton?

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Originally Posted by ChaddyOShaver

Thanks guys! I've seen where people use the DMT 325 or 325 grit sandpaper. Would DMT 220 be too coarse? And would it be a bad idea to use a Norton or Naniwa lapping stone on a shapton?

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IMO, a 220 grit is too coarse...I wouldn't use it for final lapping, or any lapping on a Shapton. And, I'd never use the Norton or Naniwa lapping stone on a Shapton. But I don't use them on Nortons or Naniwas either. DMT, or Atoma and you'll be good to go!!

Howard :)

Ok. I use a Naniwa lapping stone on my Naniwa 12000 stone and I don't like it that much because the lapping stone is much smaller than the stone and I have to figure 8 it. I guess to me that's annoying. So I could use a DMT 325 for pretty much any stone?
:thinking:

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Originally Posted by ChaddyOShaver

Thanks guys! I've seen where people use the DMT 325 or 325 grit sandpaper. Would DMT 220 be too coarse? And would it be a bad idea to use a Norton or Naniwa lapping stone on a shapton?

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I lapped mine with a 220 DMT & it worked just fine. However, I also give them a couple of swirls with a 325 before each use. I recall reading that DMT does not recommend using anything finer than the 220 for lapping a stone - supposed to dislodge some of the diamonds. That's probably why so many of us have worn out 325's.



rs,
Tack

Yes, the DMT325 is a very good all around diamond plate (not a stone). It's good for lapping most any stone/hone, but you could wear one out on a Hard Arkansas stone...(another story).

The Norton and Naniwa lapping stones will also need lapped from time to time and you're back to lapping with sandpaper or a DMT.

You'll use the figure 8 or similar motion on any plate, etc. that is of a similar size to your hones.

Here's a lapping video by Lynn.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EGC2f3v...%3D

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I lapped mine with a 220 DMT & it worked just fine. However, I also give them a couple of swirls with a 325 before each use. I recall reading that DMT does not recommend using anything finer than the 220 for lapping a stone - supposed to dislodge some of the diamonds. That's probably why so many of us have worn out 325's.

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So DMT recommended not using anything finer than a 220? I wonder why a lot of people do then.

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The Norton and Naniwa lapping stones will also need lapped from time to time and you're back to lapping with sandpaper or a DMT.

You'll use the figure 8 or similar motion on any plate, etc. that is of a similar size to your hones.

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So you lap the lapping stone with a diamond plate? And, Ive seen than video by Lynn. I guess I better watch it again.

:aargh:

Yes because the lapping stone isn't flat. That's why most guys just use the DMT 325 to lap their hones. Most guys on here will tell you to just get a lapping plate and not use the stone from Norton. I got one with a set and am currently waiting on the DMT because I'm not confident that my hones are truly flat. My Norton "lapping stone" will probably be relegated to either paperweight or chief dust collector.

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Originally Posted by ChaddyOShaver

So you lap the lapping stone with a diamond plate? And, Ive seen than video by Lynn. I guess I better watch it again.

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Yes, or sandpaper on a suitable flat surface.

The large lapping stone Lynn was showing I've never seen or used. I guess it would have to be lapped on sandpaper. The normal size stone from Norton or Naniwa...the DMT or similar media.

The best option, dollar wise, is the DMT325. The next best option, IMO, is the Atoma 400 (my choice), and finally the Shapton DGLP, which I have, but really don't use because I have the Atoma.

A DMT325 will do the job for you. An Atoma 400 will give a little more smooth surface and a more precise flat surface. A Shapton DGLP will give the more precise surface of an Atoma, but cost $379.00.

Try not to overthink it. They'll all work!! (Well, except for the Norton and Naniwa lapping stones IMHO) which I just don't use. Just how precise do you want to be and how much are you willing to spend?

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Originally Posted by SirStropalot

Yes, or sandpaper on a suitable flat surface.

The large lapping stone Lynn was showing I've never seen or used. I guess it would have to be lapped on sandpaper. The normal size stone from Norton or Naniwa...the DMT or similar media.

The best option, dollar wise, is the DMT325. The next best option, IMO, is the Atoma 400 (my choice), and finally the Shapton DGLP, which I have, but really don't use because I have the Atoma.

A DMT325 will do the job for you. An Atoma 400 will give a little more smooth surface and a more precise flat surface. A Shapton DGLP will give the more precise surface of an Atoma, but cost $379.00.

Try not to overthink it. They'll all work!! (Well, except for the Norton and Naniwa lapping stones IMHO) which I just don't use. Just how precise do you want to be and how much are you willing to spend?

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I don't have the Shapton DGLP, but I prefer the Atoma 400 over the DMT 325. I think there is value on the Atoma ($55.00 more).

Like Sirstropalot said, you get a truer plate (flatter= >consistent honing)

The Atoma is aluminum plate and weight less (much less). Making it easier to use and less likely that you drop it on top of your shapton and brake a corner or something.

It last longer than the DMT 325. And when it wears out the replacement cost is $75 (I think) (it's a sticker that replaces the old one on the aluminum plate)

It's easier to use, doesn't stick to the stone like the DMT and it removes more material than the DMT with less effort.

That's my 2 cents!
Double O

Many many stones and hones lapped and many heels re-contoured, and edges restored by far the most used versatile plate I have is the DMT 325,,, Mine is what is called "Well Worn" and I have no need or intention of replacing it,, Best $39.99 I ever spent in 2008 :)

Oh yes I have others, one that cost almost 10 x more, bought it when I bought the Shapton 30k, those plates, they are not "Well Worn" :p

I have the Shapton GDLP - works great but it's pricey. Make sure to do figure 8's - it works much better than just going in circles or linear motions.

-john