Best Way to Break in a DMT?

[Alum of Potash]

In acquiring a new DMT Duosharp or Diasharp, there is always the problem of scratching either a stone or a razor during the first few uses as the diamonds have not been worn enough. Obviously, just grinning and bearing it until the hone has become sufficiently worn is one method. But I'm wondering what other methods might be used before the diamond hone meets its first real stone or razor. Any suggestions?

 

[Heespharm]

Run the shaft of a screw driver up and down the plate

 

[Alum of Potash]

Thanks. That sounds good.

 

[buca3152]

I use a piece of steel angle iron, put the plate in a stone holder 2 hands and have at it, rinse and do again. Or you can lap a cnat if you have one(LOL).

 

[CanonSterVa]

Use metal angle iron as well.
Works very well.

 

[Lomez]

I touched up a machete with it. I figured since the machete runs over the whole (in my case) 3 inches, it would be more uniform than a screw driver etc.

 

[Gamma]

From now on Ill be using a coarse carborundum stone to break in 220/325x DMTs.

 

[pmaster]

Fix up a big wedge with a bit dent in it, or maybe set the bevel on a few gold dollars?

 

[Brooksie967]

Drive over it with a grader.

 

[Alum of Potash]

I have thought to use old beater razors, sort of like smoothing an Arkansas stone. I like the coarse Caborundum stone recommendation, although if it's "oil-filled" or surfaced with oil, that could pose a problem.

What about "lapping" a DMT with w/d sandpaper to break it in?

 

[Gamma]

No problem with oil on/in the stone. None. Best option I've found yet.
For me - it's a good way to kill two birds with one stone.

 

[Alum of Potash]

Thanks. I may have a go then when the time comes.

 

[Legion]

Do a bunch of inexpensive kitchen knives with it.

 

[life2short1971]

I use a Washita. One day it will be lapped

 

[Alum of Potash]

No way, I'm not going that path. Try some SiC instead. My Washitas have not been that difficult.

 

[life2short1971]

This ones pretty hard. What do you use SiC on?

 

[Alum of Potash]

It's more I use the Washitas on w/d SiC sandpaper laid flat on a granite slab with water. Never had the same problems I've had with Arkansas stones in this regard. SiC powder directly on a granite slab is a last stop measure, I'll suppose, to avoid trashing the expensive diamond plate.

 

[life2short1971]

The one I have is very hard

 

[Obiwan]

Kitchen knives (cheap ones), screw drivers, axe, or lapping stones have been my approaches.

 

[Rschan]

How do you know when its done ?