Thread: lapping

Originally Posted by Utopian

I have 7 Norton hones and every one of them needed lapping. For that reason, I would say the odds are good that yours will need it.

I was thinking why would anyone need 7 Nortons and then I realized that I have 6

I was just thinking about this thread and decided that I better qualify my answer somewhat...

When I said every 10 razors minus some if I am honing wedges, you have to understand, that very well could be one or two sittings at the hones, so I could be lapping every 2 days on average... I thought about that some and realized that you could get the wrong idea from my answer....
For instance when I got back from vacation, the hones had been sitting idle for 1 week... I think I had done 3 razors the day before I left, but the first thing I did was lap the stones before the next razor.... I hope that clarifies it somewhat...

If in doubt lap them ...

what should i use to lap the shapton 4k and 8k will just wet dry 600-1000 grit sandpaper work fine?

I've lapped Shaptons's with both sandpaper, 400 and 800 grit, and a diamondplate, both worked out just fine.

I refresh (light lapping) my hones before each honing session with a 1000 grit sandpaper or hone. The purpose is to remove any embedded swarf and to keep the hones flat. It works for me just fine!

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I was thinking why would anyone need 7 Nortons and then I realized that I have 6

I certainly know that you are not one to throw stones, since you hoard them!

To clarify my 7, I have three single grit 3x8 hones (1k, 4k, and 8k) and four single grit 1.5x8 hones (220, 1k, 4k, and 8k). I suppose technically I have eight, since I also have the Norton lapping hone that I never use.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I certainly know that you are not one to throw stones, since you hoard them!

To clarify my 7, I have three single grit 3x8 hones (1k, 4k, and 8k) and four single grit 1.5x8 hones (220, 1k, 4k, and 8k). I suppose technically I have eight, since I also have the Norton lapping hone that I never use.

I have the same setup with the exception of the 220 and I use them all. I had already bought the narrow set when Randydance told me I could have just turned the single grit 3" on end and use the edge. I am not sorry I got the narrow ones though as I keep one set at work and use it when I have downtime. I do have a bunch of hones but I still love the Nortons and use them a fair amount.

I have successfully lapped my Nortons with wet/dry sandpaper but you must be diligent in making sure that none of the particles are left on the stone or you'll end up buggering the edge. After using the paper, get a stiff bristle brush (not wire, of course) and brush off the stones really well under running water.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I have the same setup with the exception of the 220 and I use them all. I had already bought the narrow set when Randydance told me I could have just turned the single grit 3" on end and use the edge. I am not sorry I got the narrow ones though as I keep one set at work and use it when I have downtime. I do have a bunch of hones but I still love the Nortons and use them a fair amount.

I was already honing on the sides of my 3x8 hones when I found the 1.5x8 hones. I had already become adept at honing on the 1 inch side but I thought extra 1/2 inch would be helpful. It was, but I probably don't use them often enough to justify their purchase. I use them most frequently as uber-rubbing stones for my 3x8 hones.

Originally Posted by lawman2

I have successfully lapped my Nortons with wet/dry sandpaper but you must be diligent in making sure that none of the particles are left on the stone or you'll end up buggering the edge. After using the paper, get a stiff bristle brush (not wire, of course) and brush off the stones really well under running water.

Scotchbrite scourers are pretty good for post lapping cleanup and help clean swarf on stones after honing too.

I use a synthetic Nagura stone on my King hones from 4000 grit up before during & after honing. I think it extends time between laps but have no documented proof