Thread: Noob lapping stone help...??

Hello from sunny Manchester, not sure if this is the correct place to post this but I have recently purchased a used but good condition norton 4/8k and am after some advice on lapping it, I am on a budget and can't afford a new lapping stone and have heard that the norton lapping stones can be a bit harsh, is there a cheap way to lap the 4/8k? I really want to keep it in the best possible condition without spending a small fortune. I've heard you can clean them with a nail brush or a scouring pad but it would only be a short term cure......

I've read of some members using 200 grit wet/dry sandpaper for lapping purposes. You could always give that a try.

I used 325 wet dry sand paper on a marble slab or glass for the last year, I finally bought a DMT 325 for $50 and when I used it I was shown that my sand paper was not truly flattening the stones as well as I would have liked. It will work, but my humble opinion is buy a DMT 325 they wont break your bank and will flatten a stone.

Thanks guys, think I will go for it and try the dmt 325, I was thinking of going down the wet dry route but someone told me the particles from the paper sometimes transfer into the stone as you lap it.

In theory, wouldn't rubbing any two stones together ultimately result in two flat surfaces since the high points would get worn down?

If your stone is 'way off' using sand paper can cost you a lot. Best place I've found to buy it has been 'Harbor Freight'. You stone may not be that far off to begin with. Pencil mark it and see where the high and lows are.