Thread: Small lapping stone w/ large hone

After reading up on lapping (great wiki article btw) I notice most users use the wet/dry paper...usually cut to a size larger than the hone to be lapped. Here's my question, I picked up a Naniwa lapping plate (170x55x30mm)...but it's significantly smaller than my Naniwa hone - about 1/3rd the size. Is there a different technique I need to know? With a large sheet of sand paper, it should be easy to get an even lap, but with the smaller lap stone I'm worried that it may ware the hone down unevenly. Is this a concern...or should I just break it down into quarters with equal circles over the whole surface?

Sorry if I'm not clear - just wondering if a smaller lapping stone can evenly cut a large hone.

Thanks,
Mike.

Mike I've never tried to lap a larger hone with a smaller plate. My guess is some guys have and will be giving you the benefit of their experience. While it is not ideal I imagine that with care it is possible to do a good job with what you have. Do the pencil grid on the hone and give it a try. When you feel it is flat draw another grid and see if it takes it off uniformly. If you have a good true straight edge that would be a good way to check it as well. I do mine in the sink under running water for best results.

[QUOTE=I picked up a Naniwa lapping plate (170x55x30mm)...but it's significantly smaller than my Naniwa hone - about 1/3rd the size. Is there a different technique I need to know?
Thanks,
Mike.[/QUOTE]
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Mike

Sensibly speaking, you would do well to buy all stones and lapping plates/stones about the same size. Almost all of mine are in the 8" x 3" range and there is no conflict when it is time to do some lapping.

If you think you are having a problem with hone size vs. lapping plate size, then you probably are.