Lapping a Norton 4k/8k - Question

I have a new Norton plus the Norton lapping stone.

question: Do both the stone and the lapping stone need to be soaked before using?

thanks

Barry

The 4k side definitely needs to be soaked, otherwise the water will just go right into it and leave nothing on the surface. My 8k keeps water on the surface without soaking, so I don't feel the need to soak it. The lapping stone I'm not sure about, as I have never used one.

You can soak the lapping stone. it helps a bit. Although, in the future you might want to get a DMT 8" Coarse(325) hone for lapping. Many of us use this to lap all our hones, and IME, the Norton lapping stone might not be perfectly flat, and can dish out. The DMT won't.

Both the lapping plate and the stone should be wet for best results. Remember to keep lapping until the grainy feeling is gone and both sides feel smooth.

Have fun.

+1 water is your friend with these...

Honestly I used to do them in the utility sink with just enough water to cover the 4/8 hone when I was using the Norton lapping stone...