Thread: Lapping a BB/Coticule

Hey guys,

Finally got my stone this morning!

I'm going to lap it tonight when I get back home..HEre's my question though...I know that under the Wiki section they mention lapping it using 320 grit sandpaper.

I have a few sheets of 820 grit sandpaper at home that I could use. Would this work instead of the 320 to lap both sides of the stone? I know it would probably take a bit more time but I don't mind that.

Thanks,

JF

If it was me I would go out of my way to pick up the coarser grit. You might get lucky and the coticule may not be too far from flat but if it is anything like most I have encountered then it will take a lot more time with the finer paper.

The initial lapping is always the most time consuming..... assuming you lap your stones regularly as you use them.

I've used the 820 grit before on other hones and it usually doesn't take that long to lap. It raises a nice slurry very quickly.

Should I start with the 320 and then move to the 820 for some finishing?

Originally Posted by Dups

I've used the 820 grit before on other hones and it usually doesn't take that long to lap. It raises a nice slurry very quickly.

Should I start with the 320 and then move to the 820 for some finishing?

That is what I would do if I didn't have the DMTs to work with.

I didn't think the stone would be this thin. It's probably about 1 inch thick for both Belgian blue and coticule.

Originally Posted by Dups

I didn't think the stone would be this thin. It's probably about 1 inch thick for both Belgian blue and coticule.

That will last a lifetime unless you start taking in honing for others and maybe even then. I've got vintage coticules that are half of that. Vintage Eschers usually run 3/4".

I think I'm going to try to lap it with my 820 grit. I'm tired of paying for sandpaper heh. It's pretty expensive here. $7-8 doesn't sound like much but when you need to buy it often it adds up fairly quickly.

Maybe biting the bullet and getting one of the DMT diamond plates would save you money in the long run. You can get them here if the shipping to Canada and the VAT aren't prohibitive. The DMT D8c 325 or the XX are the best for lapping.

I can't afford another stone right now, but I will consider it for sure for my next purchase. I'm hoping that the belgian stone will need a bit less lapping than the norton too.

Originally Posted by Dups

I didn't think the stone would be this thin. It's probably about 1 inch thick for both Belgian blue and coticule.

Most of mine are thinner than that. I'd guess that your coticule is thicker than average.