Thread: "Sledge" my new lapping plate...

Hey guys,

I just got my new Shapton "Cast Iron Lapping System". They told me it was different than the old compact lapping plate, but I wasn't ready for this.

So I'm calling mine "sledge", as in the hammer.

I think you can tell which one is the newer model.... I think I like it, though.

Nice plates, Tom. I've always been intrigued by those but I've always wondered if the SC lapping grit since it's loose in slurry would imbed in certain hones or stones causing problems during lapping of extremely delicate edges like razors. Should that be a concern and if not, why?

Thanks Tom. Also, what is the flatness of that lapping plate?

Chris L

Veddy interesting. Tom, is that the DRLP ? Or is it another model ? Is there any advantage IYO to having the iron plate over the DGLP if the user only hones razors and doesn't us the other side of the DRLP for plane irons and chisels ?

Wow! That looks like a mean, lapping machine. Have ya used it yet?

Mac

That's another model, Jimmy. That's a cast iron plate with no bonded abrasives. A traditional lapping plate. The two plastic bottles contain the powdered abrasives of different grit. So, it's add water, powdered abrasive on top of the plate and start lapping on the slurry.

Chris L

Thanks for the info Chris. I'd still like to know what Tom thinks about the DRLP for a person who only hones razors. If my GDLP ever wears out I might be looking at one.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Thanks for the info Chris. I'd still like to know what Tom thinks about the DRLP for a person who only hones razors. If my GDLP ever wears out I might be looking at one.

If your GDLP wears out, Jimmy, wouldn't you
want something that wouldn't -- like above?

- Scott

Originally Posted by sebell

If your GDLP wears out, Jimmy, wouldn't you
want something that wouldn't -- like above?

- Scott

Scott, I don't care for the powder aspect. I would prefer the diamonds.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Scott, I don't care for the powder aspect. I would prefer the diamonds.

Agreed. I've no doubt the powder works, but somehow I just wouldn't feel comfortable with it.
Of course the benefit of it is that you are always using new powder so your plate would perform the same year after year.

Originally Posted by Utopian

Agreed. I've no doubt the powder works, but somehow I just wouldn't feel comfortable with it.
Of course the benefit of it is that you are always using new powder so your plate would perform the same year after year.

There is a big part of me that feels the same way, but I would like to see the instructions for using it, to get a feel for it. If I remember correclty, it is much less expensive than the plates.