Thoughts on diamond stones

[RickR]

I bought a 2-sided 400/1000 diamond stone on sale a few years ago; the kind with the plastic substrate. The diamond surface substrate has delaminated and its time to upgrade. I intend to sharpen chisels and plane irons and would be looking for 3X8 or larger surface. Any thought on the 'best' combination of grits, either on a single substrate or multiple stones, and specific models or brands would be greatly appreciated. Price is not an obstacle but I'm always interested in a good buy as long as the quality is there. Thanx in advance.

 

[Cuthriell]

I have the DMT dia-sharp 3x8 stones and they work well. Xcoarse to flatten a waterstone, a course, fine, and extra fine. I use the fine and extra fine mostly. DMT probably has a reference to compare grit with mesh size. I've had the Fine for many years and it still cuts well.

 

[MarkE]

+1 for DMT diamond stones. I have the Dia-Sharp (8"x3") and the Duo-sharp (8"x2-5/8") double sided stones. They work great wet or dry and last a long time.

 

[Oka]

I have one with a plastic body the 120/180, my 320, 600 and 1200 are a solid steel plate. All my others are ceramic Shapton.

TBH, Just depends on the tool. My cabinet chisels, I sharpen to 12000 before stropping. My carpentry tools usually only do that once when setting them up the 1st time. After that to touch up a carpenter chisel it is usually 1200 then 5000 then strop.
On planes, I sharpen-hone and strop just like the cabinet chisel.

All my stones are 3"x 8"

 

[Mike Davis]

DMT or Trend. I wouldn’t waste my money on any off brands.

I used only the 600 for many years, now have many.

400/1000 is a good all round pair. Something coarser and one between speed things up if you have space for all to be out on a bench always. I leave mine set out now and never waste time getting out or putting up.

if the edge is dull grind on the slow speed grinder then a few strokes on each stone and you are back to work. Otherwise work the two finest stones and touch up often.

 

[Chris C]

I use the 8" DMT.... x-coarse, coarse, fine and x-fine. If I lost them today I'd buy them again tomorrow. I don't use the x-coarse nearly as much since I bought a slow speed wet grinder but it's still nice to have.

 

[tvrgeek]

I have pretty much concluded to stop diamonds around 600. So flattening or primary bevel. I either go paper or paper on the worksharp. I have a 1200, but just think I do better on glass. Foer serious work, yea, DMT I trust. I am sure there are others, but I now theirs are good.

What is really handy is some cheap 240, 400, and 600 blocks I use for making things flat. Worked like a champ on the new TS top that had a course grind. I will probably dress the bed of the cheap lathe I just picked up. Can't beat them for finding a high point, breaking an edge etc.

 

[RickR]

Thanks for all the helpful advise. I need to think about exactly what I’ll get but but DMT looks like the way to go.

 

[tvrgeek]

You can search the WEB to understanding the different bonding methods for the diamonds, mono vs poly crystalline, density, etc. I know DMT is good but some others are as well.

 

[MarkE]

A couple more thoughts on DMT.

They are a USA based company, Marlborough, MA. All their products are made in the USA.
They have great customer service if you need it, via email or telephone.
Home

 

[Mike Davis]

I will probably dress the bed of the cheap lathe I just picked up.

Leave it rough, the clamp works much better that way.

 

[tvrgeek]

just the high points.

 

[Gofor]

DMT DIaSharp 3 x 8 for me. I bought a set from Lee Valley a few years ago (coarse, med, fine) and they have done me well. As others have said, the med (600g) gets the most use. I use the coarse to re-establish the primary bevel, removing chipped places on chisels, etc; the med for most sharpening; and the fine for the last few licks before the strop. I use Windex (non-ammonia) for the lubricant, and it keeps the stones clean without any rust issues or build-up.

I prefer the solid metal plates as opposed to the honey-comb styles.

 

[tvrgeek]

Yea, solids cut faster as they have about twice the surface. My one DMT is the large 600/1200 open. One of these days I'll replace it. It was my first quality one, so I was going frugal.

Thought about just water with a few drops of dish soap. Maybe antifreeze as it has rust inhibitors in it.