Thread: lapping/bringing up slurry with coticules and norton 4k/8k

I have read lately that most people recommend lapping something with a similar grit stone. Unfortunately, I don't have a spare norton or coticule to lap with.

would picking up a hone, such as little devil from tilly, be a good idea? I am not sure if the medium coarseness hones would be good to lap with. if I do it with sandpaper, what grit should I use for each side of the norton 4k/8k and blue and yellow coticule?

for bringing up a slurry I imagine I could use the same thing.

I have a Norton Prep stone. It is similar to a yagura stick (I prob. butchered that). It says it can be used to raise a slurry and even out high spots on the stone...I figure I can use it to lap the norton with but I am not sure if it will leave behind residue that would affect the honing on the norton or the coticule. I am sure the stone is suitable for it since Norton made it but I'd like to hear if anybody else has any experience with it.

Originally Posted by Norton

Norton Prep Stone (B) is an artificial stone used for raising an edge cutting slurry on fine grit stones. It evens high spots, and reduces the frequency of intensive flattening of stones.

First, do not ever use sandpaper to work up a slurry!
Some of the abrasive grains from the sandpaper will end up in the slurry. Use another, finer stone or a nagura type stone.
BTW, I only use a slurry on the Norton 4000 and the yellow Belgian coticule. The Norton 8000 does not need it.

Lapping a Norton. These are the easiest stones to lap (flatten).
Use a 600 grit sandpaper and then after its flat use the finest grade sandpapers you can find to finish it off. Be absolutely sure to rinse the hone under running water at the end and rub it with either a Nylon scotchbrite pad and/or your fingers to remove any embedded abrasive grains left over from the sandpaper. This also applies to the Belgian stones.

Hope this helps,