Lapping a DMT Dia-Sharp

[TstebinsB]

I know they don't need to be lapped for consequent uses but if I get the DMT D8EE and D8E, would both stones need to be lapped before the first use? Does this mean I'd need to buy another stone or could the D8E lap the D8EE? This is important because if I have to get a third stone, I'd rather go with Norton. The Norton 4000/8000 waterstone and Norton Flattening stone are already cheaper than the two DMT stones. The need for a third DMT stone would push me right to Norton. Thanks for the help.

[Moog101]

I know they don't need to be lapped for consequent uses but if I get the DMT D8EE and D8E, would both stones need to be lapped before the first use? Does this mean I'd need to buy another stone or could the D8E lap the D8EE? This is important because if I have to get a third stone, I'd rather go with Norton. The Norton 4000/8000 waterstone and Norton Flattening stone are already cheaper than the two DMT stones. The need for a third DMT stone would push me right to Norton. Thanks for the help.

Hi Telly

The DMTs don't need to be lapped as they are made of metal. It's only the stones or ceramic ones that need to be lapped (like the Norton 4000/8000).
I lapped all my hones (that aren't made of metal) with a DMT8C, although you could do it with any DMT it would just take longer if it's not so coarse.

Cheers

Moog

[heavydutysg135]

The DMT's do not need to be (and cannot be) lapped. They are solid flat metal plates with diamond coating.

[TstebinsB]

Maybe lapping isn't what I meant. I've heard people say they need to break it in.

[Moog101]

Maybe lapping isn't what I meant. I've heard people say they need to break it in.

The instructions with the DMTs say that they get slightly smoother after using them for the first few times, but this is normal. This might be the "breaking in" period. But that will occur after just using them normally while honing.

[TstebinsB]

The instructions with the DMTs say that they get slightly smoother after using them for the first few times, but this is normal. This might be the "breaking in" period. But that will occur after just using them normally while honing.

Oh okay. That explains it. Thanks for the info.

[xChris]

I've seen recommendations to use an old chisel (or knife) as the first item being sharpened to "break in" the DMT diamond coating/surface.

[TstebinsB]

I've seen recommendations to use an old chisel (or knife) as the first item being sharpened to "break in" the DMT diamond coating/surface.

That makes sense. No sense in breaking in the surface with a perfectly good razor.

[GeNn]

The DMT's do not need to be (and cannot be) lapped. They are solid flat metal plates with diamond coating.

Is it possible for this diamond coating to come off or wear off the metal plate?
Will heavy pressure on DMT with a kitchen knife damage or loosen the diamond paste?

[xChris]

The diamonds are adhered to the steel plate by a nickel substrate. Some manufacturers have warned about using excessive pressure with diamond coated hones (e.g., rods or plates), as the diamonds can be pulled out from the nickel.

[asbjorn]

YMMV.

I found my D8EE to snag a little, my razor hung up on it, so I used the D8EE to lap an other stone. After that, smooth like...
I don't know about you guys, but when you are talking about the edge never touch it after honing etc, would you then accept that the edge snagget in the hone?, I don't for sure. So that's why I used it to lap an other stone, not much, just some rounds very lightly.

If you try an razor on the hone and it does not snag, you don't need to do this, but I know I was not alone with this "problem".

[Limey]

Telly - the E and EE would be great hones to have and would allow you to handle most any razor. I would still suggested some sort of finishing stone or pasted strop to smooth the edge a bit more.

[TstebinsB]

Telly - the E and EE would be great hones to have and would allow you to handle most any razor. I would still suggested some sort of finishing stone or pasted strop to smooth the edge a bit more.

I've got plans to make a simple balsa pasted strop. :smile:

[Limey]

I've got plans to make a simply balsa pasted strop. :smile:

That'll work or even Joel's newspaper finishing method.

[TstebinsB]

I haven't read up on the newspaper method but I see it discussed a lot. I'll have to look it up at some point.