Thread: What to get for Flattening - Granite + Sandpaper or DMTd8c

I used to use the d8c but now have a atoma 400. Works quicker and doesn't stick all the time.

Originally Posted by rlmnshvstr8

Is there anything that makes it a better purchase than the d8c. I guess I would like to justify the extra $

Can't speak for everyone, but for me, yes!

I have 2 DMTD8C's and both are warped from end to end making them high in the center. Not a lot, but enough that I've chosen to not use them for lapping. I use them for quick removal of metal when fixing chips, etc. on razors.

My go to lapping plates are the Atoma 400 and 1200. The Atoma's are an aluminum plate milled to an exact flatness and then have a thin metal sheet with diamond that's attached to the aluminum. The diamond sheet can be replaced if damaged and you can get another sheet with a different grit, i.e. 1200 and attach it to the opposite side and have two in one. Also the diamond pattern on the Atoma is less given to stiction.

Here's a link with info and a trusted source. I've bought from them several times as have many others here on the forum.

Atoma diamond plates. : Tools from Japan, Japanese woodworking tools direct from Japan.



Best Regards,

Howard

Originally Posted by rlmnshvstr8

Does anyone use anything finer than the d8c? I hear a lot of people using it, but is there a reason why that is the plate of choice ?

DMT used to advise nothing finer than the DMTC for waterstones due to wear issues on the finer plates. Now they just recommend their 120grit lapping plate.
The Atoma 600 &1200 can be used safely having a different type of surface but if your DMT is flat & you have arms like Popeye it's all you'll need.

Well, I just picked up at my local knife store the DMT d8c and after checking for flatness taking an old screw driver across it, WOW, what a world of difference compared to what I had previously, which was the Norton Flattening Stone. When I started with the DMT, it was noticed that all my stones still were not flat even though I used the Norton on them and of course some of my new shapton glasses I recently purchased that I was waiting to get the DMT for, because a was afraid to put the Norton on them to scratch them up. I think I'm going to be very happy with the DMT

I am liking the new Trend Diamond Plate. 300/1000. Outrageous warranty if you use their little eraser and cleaner. The plate itself works very well. The 300 grit site has those X etchings in it also which keeps sticktion to a minimum.

Have fun

I still use old skool stuff: a glass plate with good quality sanding paper. That seems to suffice for my coticules.

I've been using SIC (Silicon Carbide) powder with excellent success.

Originally Posted by Lynn

I am liking the new Trend Diamond Plate. 300/1000. Outrageous warranty if you use their little eraser and cleaner. The plate itself works very well. The 300 grit site has those X etchings in it also which keeps sticktion to a minimum.

Have fun

Yes sir that's what I'm thinking's my next purchase.
Mike