dmt stone suppose to be smooth?

D

DavidL41

Joined
Oct 12, 2014
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I bough a dmt stone coarse and the surface is smooth. Is this how the surface should feel? I would assume this is a used or defected item but I thought I would get feedback before refunding it.
 
Try it with a blade first, to see how it removes steel from the edge. Sometimes, when actually grinding, they're a lot coarser and more aggressive than they 'feel' by the fingers. Even if you return it for refund, DMT still won't refuse it if it's already been tried out a bit.

Is it a Dia-Sharp (continuous surface) stone? If so, might compare both sides (assuming it's a single-sided version), to see how it's texture compares to the 'back side', which should definitely be smoother and shinier.


David
 
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At the start, no. After it has a chance to wear in I would say yes. You really must train yourself to use almost no pressure though. Some pressure is okay at times but overall it only does harm to both the plate and the edge.
 
My test for pretty much all abrasives should work for you on the DMT: Run the end of your fingernail on the stone. You'll feel the grinding action as it cuts a tiny bit of your fingernail away. If you do this on enough stones, you can get a (very) rough idea of how abrasive the stone is, just with your fingernail.

A DMT C should definitely grind your fingernail and leave behind a mark on the stone (residue of what it cut off of your nail). As David said, the back side should be totally slick by comparison if it's a DiaSharp, as that's just a nickel coating. It shouldn't catch or cut your fingernail at all; not even a little bit.

Brian.
 
I tested it out some more on 154cm and white steel and it works fine. Is the stone suppose to turn to a dull grey in some spots?
I have flattened my shapton with it and I know its not recommend but it is just a temp stone until I get an atoma 400.

Is the dull grey area where the stone is wearing out or is that the break in thats normal? It doesnt really matter as long as it lasts 6 months.
 
The 'dull grey' after honing is normal for a diamond hone, as are streaks left by the contact with the blade. I suspect it's just a light trace of steel embedding in the nickel substrate, by the blade, similar to what would be seen on a ceramic hone. A good bit of that can be cleaned off the hone with Bar Keepers Friend, and to a lesser degree with something like Comet/Ajax (all used with water). In spite of it's appearance, decent diamond hones will keep cutting long after they've started looking 'worn out'.


David
 
Yes, that's where you are wearing diamonds away.
 
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