Norton

[sachin]

I am planning on buying a Norton 4K/8K combination stone. I was wondering if these come lapped or do I need to buy the DMT8C as a lapping stone and lap the Norton before using it the first time?

Thanks,
Sachin

[hoglahoo]

You should expect to have to flatten it yourself if you are buying an unused, sealed Norton waterstone

[chee16]

i bought mine and used some 600 grit norton wet/dry paper on a piece of glass and it worked great. i think i used about 4 sheets. seems cheaper then another stone but hey both ways seem to work right.

[sachin]

You should expect to have to flatten it yourself if you are buying an unused, sealed Norton waterstone

Thanks. I wasn't too sure about this. So DMT8C and Norton will be a good combination to have then.

i bought mine and used some 600 grit norton wet/dry paper on a piece of glass and it worked great. i think i used about 4 sheets. seems cheaper then another stone but hey both ways seem to work right.

Thanks for the suggestion. I think I can use this idea for now. This way I don't have to buy both the stones together (I am a poor graduate student )

[Rawaz]

I bought a Norton 4/8k a while ago and they need lapping. If you want a cheaper stone than the DTM there is the norton flatteningstone for $28 at www.theperfectedge.com he also have the best prices for the various hones that I have seen yet (norton 4/8k $65 and the DMT $55). Another option is the DMT 325 grit wich is more expensive but it is more durable than the norton flattening stone.

[JimmyHAD]

If I were you I would get the D8C ASAP. Sandpaper isn't cheap in the long run and the D8C is so far superior to the Norton flattening stone it is worth the extra $$. You can also use the D8C on knives and for getting chips out of ebay specials.