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I bought a Norton flattening stone online from Lee Valley, and when it got here I tested it out on a cheap stone. Something seemed strange because the middle of the stone didn't seem to be getting lapped. I held the Norton up against a few things I knew to be flat and noticed a rather pronounced concave bow in the flattening surface. Now, I'm a definite newbie and all, but shouldn't a flattening stone be... flat?!
Here's a pic of my Shapton laying on its side on the Norton's flattening surface.
Give Lee Valley a call and get an authorization to return the Norton. Instead of that get a DMT D8C 325 plate. No worries then.
+1. the dmt325 is flatter and faster when it comes to lapping stones. plus, it'll always be flat.Quote:
Originally Posted by JimmyHAD
Sounds good. Where's the best place to get one? I ordered the Norton from Lee Valley because they're here in Canada, which means no extra taxes/duty on delivery or 3 week wait for shipping.
Kudos to Jimmy. He has steered you in the right direction. BTW, if anyone wants to buy a barely used Norton flattening stone, just PM me.:D
18096 - 6" Diamond Whetstone, Coarse GritQuote:
Originally Posted by stolenmirth
that's the cheapest I've found 'em.
If you get the diamond plate get the 8" continuous plate DMT D8C not the mesh and not 6". It is better to lap the 8" stones with an 8" plate IMO.
Well, so far outdoorpros.com is the only place I've found that has a D8C and will ship to Canada. The purchase price isn't bad @ $43, but it will cost me another $20 to ship it (by ground, which is the only option so it will take at least 2 weeks to get here). If I have to go with them it will cost me over $75 CAD, which is why I'm trying to find a Canadian supplier. No luck yet though...
Rather than getting all wadded up about the Norton not being flat, have you tested the edge of your Shapton to determine if it is straight? The results of that additional testing might be illuminating.
Try Howard at The Perfect Edge - he's a member here, and will set you up (although shipping will still be a b@#*h). I got my coticule from him, and the customer service was excellent.
Mark
I tried it against several things, including a borrowed straightedge from my building's maintenance man. Yes, it's bowed. I used the Shapton in the photo because I know it's straight, and it was the easiest thing at hand for the purpose.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bruce
You could just use a granite tile from Rona/Home Depot and sand paper for lapping. This is the method I have been using since I returned my Norton Lapping stone.
Lee Valley took my lapping stone back even though I had used it a couple of times. No problem returning stuff if you have your receipt and are less than 90 days after purchase.