Thread: Imbedded steel

When I hone on my Norton 4k and 8k using the pyramid method, I start to see what looks like steel particles on top of the hone where I am making my X stroke, and I was wondering if lapping the stones during the process is recommended. And if so, should I use my DMT stone to do it?


Also, what is "slurry"?

The steel particles you are seeing are called "swarf" and they are exactly what you think they are. The steel is being captured by the cutting elements of the stone surface. The best way to remove them is with a lapping tool (such as the DMT8C), but perhaps not a complete lapping. Merely a refresh would help.

Slurry is like swarf, but it is particles of stone that are loose and floating around in your lubricant. When you rub the surface of your hone with the DMT, you'll see some residue kicked up. Let it stay on the surface of the stone, and it will drastically alter the cutting properties of that stone. Most people work up a thick slurry, then dilute it away as they hone, which effectively starts with a coarse grit and works to finer while only actually using one stone.