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It seems to be agreed that excessive pressure with the D8C may cause the diamonds to become removed from the hone. However, the D8XX is a different animal and the diamonds should be raised a greater amount than the d8c. Therefore, could we apply more pressure while lapping and not run the risk of losing diamonds?
Clearly not a problem unless your lapping ceramics, but I was just wondering.
I think that the best results will be had from light pressure
under running water. I wouldn't use any pressure.
- Scott
use under the running water very important as mentioned before me.
Now that I think about it, light pressure makes the most sense. Takes forever though...
As for the running water, any reason why submerging the stones wouldn't work as well? I'd imagine the motion from moving the stones back and forth would create the same effect by churning the water.
I don't think it's pressure related at all. It's the slurry/particles from the stone that you're lapping that gets between the diamonds and removes the nickel layer they're embedded in. Coarser the DMT then it's deeper between the diamonds and the slurry/particles doesn't cut the nickel. It wouldn't make much difference if you lap lightly or firmly? That's my understanding of the problem.
While flattening a Chinese 12k on my DMT XXC, I used lots of pressure to get it 90% there, then I lightened up to get it all the way. Unless you are flattening a 120 grit Naniwa Omura or some super coarse stone, I don't think there will be any negative effects on your XXC. It's a workhorse in the flattening Department.
I don't have the XX but I want one. I do have the D8C and I lap in the kitchen sink under the tap with a bit of water chasing the swarf. Helps keep stiction down, prevents a buildup of slurry from affecting the lapping in a negative way and last but not least protects the stone from excessive wear. Some times I may use a bit of pressure. Those barber hones are always a tough job. I lap awhile and then go do something else and come back to it later. Breaking it up makes it less of a job.
I am never buying ceramic hones anymore...
Is there some sort of lapping machine somewhere I can send all future ceramics to? The D8XX cuts faster but...its still so slow.
The Perfect Edge will lap your stones for $5 when you buy them. Maybe they'll do it as a service?