Thread: DMT Bench Whetstone

Hi,

I'm thinking of buying a DMT Bench Whetstone to lap my 4k/8k Norton as I don't really like using sandpaper for it.

I was thinking of getting on of these, but I'm not really sure what grit would be best:

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.a...sfile=1&jump=0

Also, I was thinking of using it to lap a 12k stone from classicshaving:

http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...44/5202698.htm

Finally, I'm not sure if it's necessary to buy the normal size, or to if I could get away with buying a mini one:

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.a...file=1&jump=12


Thanks for any help,

Steven

I use and recommend a DMT D8C 3" x 8" continuous plate for lapping. It's a 325 mesh.

Several members have used it to lap the Chinese 12k. It is far superior to the mini when lapping (24 sq." vs. 2 1/2 sq."). The D8C is also useful for household knives and big razor dings/repairs.

Yeah for lapping i'd go for the DMT 325 thats what a few guys use here to lap stones .. If your looking to use a DMT for honing I'd go for the DMT 1200 , I bought a DMT 1200 from Axminster amongst some other stones . Good company with a fast delivery ..

So is the continous DMT better for lapping?

Steven

IMO, yes. More diamonds per square inch. You might need to rinse a bit more often than w the polka-dot models.

Get the 8X3 DMT-C without the holes for lapping.

Cheers for the advice. I was also wondering if this would need an initial lapping itself or not? If so, would there be anyone willing to lap it for me (and how much, etc).

Again, thanks for the advice.

Steven

Right, I think I know what I'm getting now. Just to be on the safe side, is this it?

http://www.tool-up.co.uk/shop/diy/DMTD8C.html

Steven

Thats the course model ... which I'm unsure about the grit
I know the extra fine one ,which is the one I have only in 6x2 is 1200 grit ..

Originally Posted by nerobot

Cheers for the advice. I was also wondering if this would need an initial lapping itself or not? If so, would there be anyone willing to lap it for me (and how much, etc).
...

The 12k will almost certainly need to be lapped. The DMTs are guaranteed flat and lapping them isn't possible. The D8C is an excellent tool for the job.

Lapping hones isn't really hard to do. Use lateral and circular movements, reversing rotation direction every so often. Also flip the hone 180 degrees from time-to-time. Use light pressure and let the diamonds do the work. The 12k is pretty hard and users report lapping it in different times depending on how flat their particular hone started. Some report less than an hour and others say 30 hours or even more. Once lapped you won't likely have to do it again for years.

Originally Posted by nerobot

Right, I think I know what I'm getting now. Just to be on the safe side, is this it?

http://www.tool-up.co.uk/shop/diy/DMTD8C.html
...

The model number D8C is correct. The picture at the website is not a D8C, it's a D8E extra fine. The D8C looks a lot alike and will be stamped "COARSE", instead of "EXTRA FINE".