Lapping Stones Before First Use

[Shutterbug57]

I have a King 1k, Norton 4k/8k and Natural Water stone 12k on the way. They should get here today. The Norton Flattening Stone I ordered was back ordered and I don't have an arrival date yet. I know the lapping is to ensure that the stones are flat. Is this necessary when stones are new or only after there is some wear?

If you need to flatten on first use, I will feel like the kid that got a new bike at Christmas and there is 4 feet of snow outside. I appreciate the input from the group.

 

[Ozgun]

I have a King 1k, Norton 4k/8k and Natural Water stone 12k on the way. They should get here today. The Norton Flattening Stone I ordered was back ordered and I don't have an arrival date yet. I know the lapping is to ensure that the stones are flat. Is this necessary when stones are new or only after there is some wear?

If you need to flatten on first use, I will feel like the kid that got a new bike at Christmas and there is 4 feet of snow outside. I appreciate the input from the group.

Yep except diamond hones you need to flatten every other stones before first use. When you check you will see everyone of them will be slightly convex or concave. So you should flatten them. You could use some good sandpaper on glass while waiting for your flattening stone. I personally prefer dmt diamond hones for lapping.

 

[gumbo]

There are websites where you can buy silicon carbide online in the powdered form pm me if you have a hard time finding it. Order 1/4 pound of it for a few bucks at 320 grit. Then head to home depot or lowes and get a 12" granite tile and some 800g wet/dry sandpaper.
Mix 1 tsp of the silicon carbide with ~2 tbsp water on the tile, mix into a paste and rub the stone in circles until flat. Rinse the tile, then put one sheet of 800g on the tile. Rub the stone lightly until all scratches from 320g have been removed.
The process will take you about 5 minutes per stone and cost about 10 bucks.

 

[Gamma]

You'll probably have to flatten the lapping stone too.
I prefer to lap on 3m w/d sandpaper on the back of a 10x4 DMT plate.

 

[Shutterbug57]

Well, the moment of truth is here. All the stones arrived, including the flattening stone. When flattening the stones, you do this after they have been soaked - is this correct? I appreciate the input.

 

[gumbo]

I don't think it matters if they are soaked. But if you can, do it under lightly running water. It will remove the paste, sticky mess that you're creating as you create it and give you an even surface. Make sure when you are done, run a good amount of water at full blast to clear any sediment from the drain.

 

[Shutterbug57]

Taking a break. Still on the 1K stone. I have gone from not shaving arm hair at all to shaving OK in one direction and reluctantly in the other. I figure I am about half way on the 1K stone. If y'all have more input, I am all ears.

 

[jpcwon]

On the King I usually do sets of 40ish circles up & down the hone, followed by 15ish x-strokes. I'll repeat that until the TPT passes (or you can shave arm hair with no resistance). Usually it ends up being 1 set with firm pressure, then 1-2 sets with moderate pressure..YMMV though...

 

[AjaxLepinski]

This should be required reading for anyone interested in honing: http://strazors.com/uploads/images/articles/Honing_Razors_and_Nihonkamisori.pdf
The author of this translated version gives permission, in the text, to spread it around freely.

 

[Gamma]

I found that Nortons respond well to being lapped after a soaking. After a few wet/dry sessions they level out and only need a teensy bit of light dressing before each honing session.
There is or was some buzz about Nortons that were manufactured in different countries being a little different in some regards, mine were USA I think...not sure to be honest. I sold them a while ago.
I know at least some of them were made in Mexico, and at least one other country but I can't remember where.


Generally, I check stones for flatness each time before/after I use them.

 

[strop]

Make sure you check the flatness of the Norton flattening stone! Lots of people on woodworking sites that have received them in less than flat condition, or get dished with use.

I've always used a granite surface plate with w/d paper. Takes about 10 secs to keep them in shape if you do it before every use.