Thread: How to use sandpaper for lapping?

Originally Posted by ama015

I have now successfully lapped my Norton 4/8 and Naniwa 12 using a 600 grit sandpaper and the method showed in this thread. Especially the Norton was not plain at all. I now understand why that stone has given me problems honing in the past, lol. The Naniwa was easily lapped within two minutes.

I took a Thiers-Issard Historic 6/8 that was quite nice to shave with already and gave it a few laps on the Naniwa 12. It certainly got sharper. Honing is actually quite fun when it works So now I have to practice and be able to set a bevel on a bad razor. I think I need a Naniwa 1000, then I should have the stones I need?

Thank you all for the help, much appreciated

Nice!!!!! Enjoy

Sorry to necro this thread, but...

I have a Naniwa 12k on the way, and I plan on using the method referenced in the SRP wiki to lap it the first time. Can I also use the sandpaper to lap it between honing razors? Should I use the same method (upside-down) or can I simply run a few figure-8's on top of the hone with some sandpaper? (If yes, is 600 grit ok for this?)

It will be easier to have the sandpaper on your flat surface, and hold the stone upside down on it.
600 grit will work fine. I would use 400, only because it will be a little quicker for the initial lapping.

After the initial lapping, you will need to "lap" the 12k, but for removal of swarf, not so much for flattening (if you are dishing your 12k with razors, you are doing something really really wrong).

Shot in the dark here, anyone ever try a light mist of Spray Mount on the back side of the wet/dry, silicon carbide sandpaper, to hold it to your glass plate?

Here is a tip. Use women's hairspray to glue the sandpaper to a glass plate. Before setting the paper down let the spray sit for just a while so that it becomes little sticky.

Originally Posted by Hex

Shot in the dark here, anyone ever try a light mist of Spray Mount on the back side of the wet/dry, silicon carbide sandpaper, to hold it to your glass plate?

Originally Posted by MikkoK

Here is a tip. Use women's hairspray to glue the sandpaper to a glass plate. Before setting the paper down let the spray sit for just a while so that it becomes little sticky.

If the surface you are using is smooth and flat, you shouldn't need anything more than the surface tension of the water to get the sandpaper to stick.