Refreshing a lapping plate (Naniwa)

Hi, All;

I have the Naniwa 220 lapping plate, and I've used it to lap my Norton 4000/8000 hone. This new hone has needed a tonne of lapping to get it smooth and flat. In fact the lapping seems to have slowed to a near stop before I could get the 8000 totally flat. I've been lapping either under on a stand under water or in-hand under running water.

Examining the Naniwa lapping plate shows that its faces are getting quite shiny. I haven't read about having to refresh a lapping plate, though. Is it necessary and if so how is it done?

Thanks,
DJo

Any of the non diamond lapping plates are just a coarse hones that will eventually need to be lapped themselves. Use some wet and dry sand paper on a flat surface. Here are the full instructions. Have fun.

Jonathan