Thread: DMT 1200 for lapping stones?

I know that the DMT 600 is well-regarded for lapping all sorts of waterstones and naturals, but what about the 1200? I want to get the 1200 for setting bevels and for obvious financial reasons, I don't want two diamond plates when one will do. Can I just use mathematical reasoning and lap twice as long on the 1200 or is the 600 required? If so, with similar mathematical reasoning, can I set a bevel on the 600 in half the time or do I run too high of a risk of removing excessive amounts of metal. I'm aware that you can use even a Norton 4k to set a bevel at the cost of more time consumption, but I'm an instant gratification type of guy. This is also why I'm opting for a DMT for lapping over using the sandpaper and glass plate method. I hear the cleanup is a hassle in comparison and I know I'll end up breaking at least one glass plate. I should note that I do have a Norton flattening stone, but I have seen information that these also need to be lapped from time to time and that the chinese 12k I use may harm the Norton flattener.

For the record, I don't want this to become a debate about an overall hone setup - I'd like to keep the discussion to the versatility of the DMTs where possible

Any advice is welcome and thanks for the help!

Adam

I asked Howard about that when I picked up mine (1200) last week. He said that grit loads too quickly when lapping to really be used for that purpose and recommended the 325 for that.

FWIW, the 1200 sets exceptional bevels--it doesn't cut as fast as you might think it does (though it's still quick), and you won't overhone on it as long as you stick to light, even pressure (just enough to get some feedback from the stone). You will have to break it in before you can use it on razors, though. I lapped the flat side of an old chisel on mine.

I own three DMT's, grits 325 and 600 the version with the holes, and grit 1200 the continuous one. Obviously, I use the 325 for lapping. But I have used the 1200 once. It needs "breaking in" prior to its first real use, especially for using it on fine razor's edges. I thought lapping a hone that needed lapping anyway, would be a great way to break in the DMT. And it was.
If I recall correctly, I lapped a Belgian Blue with it, under a running tap, and it went fairly quick and easy.

DMT's are great: there always flat and ready to go, no prior soaking, and they cut pretty fast. Most people I know use the 8" X 3" size, but I get by with my 6" X 2" just fine.

Thought I'd share that.

Bart.

Thanks for the timely responses... This sucks. Now i need two DMTs. I'm committed to the 1200 either way, but I need to decide between the 600 and the 325

Adam

Originally Posted by CDpyroNme

Thanks for the timely responses... This sucks. Now i need two DMTs. I'm committed to the 1200 either way, but I need to decide between the 600 and the 325

Adam

A double one exists: 325 on one side and 600 at the other.
DMT 8" DuoSharp Diamond Bench Stone

Cheers,

Bart.

This seems like a viable and frugal option unless I'm missing something...

DMT 6" Diamond Hone Kit - Coarse - Fine - Extra Fine - DMTW6EFC

someone also sent me here:

http://www.craftsmanstudio.com/html_p/T!D6.htm

The price at either site is remarkable (almost too good to be true), but they're obviously different products... What's this about. Are the cutlery shoppe (colorful holy set) DMTs suitable for honing or only for lapping and kitchen cutlery? The Craftsmanstudio DMTs(stony looking idiot-proof labeling set) look safer for razors, but what of lapping?

HELP!

The 1200 doesn't work well at all for lapping the Norton. It sticks to the hone and causes scratches on the Norton. Boo...

The 600 might work for both applications. With a Norton 4K you can quickly hone out the scratches left by a DMT 600. I just did it the other day, in fact. You'll really only need the DMT for razors that are really bad anyway, so going a little lower in grit won't hurt anything if you're careful. Practice for a while on razors you don't like, though, and don't use a lot of pressure on the 600-grit.

I haven't tried lapping with a 600-grit on the Norton, though. The 325 rocks for lapping.

Josh

The DMT hones "with holes" work fine for honing razors. My 600-grit DMT has the holes; it was the first one I got. The holes do catch the tips of spike point razors when the hones are new, but once they're broken in it's not an issue.

For lapping, weeeeell, not sure. I would go with one of the continuous models for lapping.

Also, for lapping a Norton, you want an 8x3" size, not a 6x2" size. The lapping stone should be the same size or larger than the hone it's supposed to be flattening.

If you'd consider two hones, I'd go with a 6x2" size in either the 600 or 1200 grit and an 8x3" in 325. That would be well under $100, and they would be useful for knives and other items in need of a good edge.

Josh

Originally Posted by JoshEarl

For lapping, weeeeell, not sure. I would go with one of the continuous models for lapping.
Josh

Lapping on a DMT with holes is no problem whatsoever. I've lapped all my honing stones on the "holy" 325grit DMT, some where in need of A LOT of lapping. Didn't encounter a single problem. I always lap under a running tap.

Bart.

I prefer and use a 3"x8" DMT 325 for lapping. I also like the smaller 2"x6" DMT D6E 1200 (for setting edges) because it works well and matches/packs up nice with a barber hone or two.