What Is A Lapping Plate and How to use It Flatten Stone

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

DFM Tool Works Lapping Plate: dfmtoolworks.com/discount/JAMES20?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fdiamond-lapping-plates 20% discount code: "JAMES20" Whetstone I used: amzn.to/3mc815d What stones would you like me to try?

[@grantwilliams630]

Any thoughts on like a 1k stone shootout? Maybe Suehiro Cerax 1k, vs Shapton Professional 1k, vs Naniwa Chosera 1000, vs Kings 1000 or something? I'd donate a stone or money towards one if you did a shootout of some sort!

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Now that would be fun!

[@knowledge-quest5812]

@@grantwilliams630 How about going 1600 Rob Cosman sharp...lol

[@_BLANK_BLANK]

For tool sharpening I definitely recommend the shapton glass stones. They're not terribly expensive (not necessarily cheap either) they tend to stay flat a lot longer than other stones. They have all the way down to 120-30000 grit stones. Oh and you dont have to soak them. My go to for tool sharpening though are venev resin bonded diamond stones. They're more expensive, but the stay flat longer, and they will cut even the most vanadium carbide rich steels. I only have them because I sharpen for a living, and i need something for when a customer brings me a steel like s110v, or k390. They just happen to be ideal for sharpening up my tools.

[@knowledge-quest5812]

@@_BLANK_BLANK Are you in the UK...??

[@nipunlokuwithanage3433]

sharpening really is all about personal preference and i love how u make that very clear with all your sharpening videos. it bothers me that there are so many woodworkers that degrade others for sharpening another way.

[@WoodworksYYC]

I use water stones and use the Lee Valley lapping plate with the 45 degree grooves that supposedly clears the grit as it’s removed. I also have an extra fine DFM plate but generally use it for preparing an edge before hitting the water stone.

[@guysolis5843]

Interesting video. I hone straight razors so I have a variety of stones I use in a progression. I carefully lap each stone until the pencil is gone. I start with a 600 grit then finish with a 1200 grit lapping plate. To finish off my Jnat I use a Chinese blue stone which is 16,000 grit. I use these stones a few times a week and the stones I didn't sell off have lasted me over 5 years with a lot of life left in them.

[@appalachianwoodworker7046]

I have seen lapping plates, but I never knew what they were used for. Or rather not didn’t know the proper way to use them. Thank you for this informative video. I really enjoy all of your videos because I learn so much from you.

[@ianbutler1983]

Amazed at how quickly they flatten the stones. Thanks.

[@TaylerMade]

as a retired professional once diamond stones came out all my old water and oil stones were tossed. i like no fuss, no mess, quick and easy sharpening.

[@iakkatz128]

since at this point in my life (70) I do a fraction of the sharpening you do. I use the glass plate/sand paper lapping method. For actual sharpening I do own water stones set and did inherited a set of oil stones which for being about my age still work great.

[@Original_Old_Farmer]

I just thought I'd add that my dog knows how to lap. Good refresher for the old folks and a good tutorial for the younger ones.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

LOL I like that one. thanks!

[@kdb_1978]

I love my Japanese whetstone! They truely do an amazing job and I love the techniques of sharpening. There is an almost therapeutic feel that I get when in the zone. A good flattening iron would be a very nice addition. The flattening stone that I have wears just like a stone.... oh, wait just a minute! IT IS a stone! lol. Thanks for all of the good information that you share!

[@ricos1497]

Shapton stones! I have one and it's great. Mainly because it doesn't require a lot of water. I just flatten with a dedicated diamond stone.... because of the price of a good lapping stone of course! Great video.

[@mhstretch]

I am a hybred woodworker and enjoy your style and approach. Thank you and good luck in the future.

[@rossandrews7250]

I consistently enjoy your videos, and you've introduced me to at least a couple of new high-quality vendors I didn't know about.

[@Zamboni-0805]

DFM may not have many tools for sale, but I can say that the tools they do have are high quality

[@kennethbezanson4266]

Thanks for this video, I was actually trying to flatten an old oil stone a few days ago that my father in law found in his barn and I've been intrigued by diamond plates for a while.

[@kristophesankar737]

Great timing with this! I bought a set of whetstones a couple months back and it did come with a small "flattening stone". I hadn't thought to mark the stones when flattening them and they always seem to be very slightly off in some spots. Thanks for the tip!

[@richardlong191]

James, Thanks for all the videos your produce. I find them very helpful.

[@billffromnh]

It's a good idea to use a lapping plate whether you use whetstones or water stones to sharpen your chisels & plane irons. I use water stones with another American made diamond plate. . Sandpaper on glass or another flat surface is a substitute that quickly gets expensive. Nice video James.

[@Gotmovezlikejagga]

Great topic. glad to see you revisit whet stones. Like many things price/quality/value are all factors. I've often heard youtubers say pick a system and stick with it. While I understand the wisdom in this, you won't know until you've tried a few which is best for you. It doesn't matter which system you try, until you have a "quality" sharpening medium you won't know what you should use. I found that the process of experimenting with almost all the systems out there is a sharpening lesson on its own. Looking forward to you doing some whet stone side by side comparisons. Thank you

[@jimc4731]

Wonderful video! I have been accumulating dished out stones for years and never knew how to recondition them before now. Keep up the good work. Thanks, JIM

[@kasperkap]

Jeez these look awesome. Way faster than my old dmt lapping plate.

[@chriscornelissen5075]

These would be perfect! As a beginner I don’t have the budget for this kind of stuff (good rip saw is the next tool in my plan) but having synthetic water stones to sharpen these plates would be a blessing! I would like to opt for one of those! Greetings from clog country 🇳🇱

[@vincentcoppola9832]

More great tips as usual. I especially like the idea of putting the plate in water to keep it clean.

[@HWCism]

I liked your idea of flatting under water. Makes sense. Thanks

[@kirkmurphy2165]

Thank you for an interesting and informative video. I'm just getting started in woodworking and I bought an old Bailey No 5 plane recently that is in pretty good shape but, the iron needs sharpened. Never having sharpened a plane iron before this will help immensely. Thanks again James I really enjoy your videos.

[@jonapasckvale]

I have a two sided diamond stone and use it to keep my whetstones flat. If you let them get clogged, the efficiency goes way down. Immersing them in water was a good tip.

[@petertiffney4413]

James very very impressed with the lapping plates . I use natural oil stones to sharpen my tools . All our love to you guys from us here in the uk.

[@jamesgarvin5830]

Enjoyed the video! I recently bought a whetstone 3000/8000grit and this video will help me maintain it properly. Thanks!

[@JustAnotherSE]

Thanks for the video! I bought some cheap stones a while back. I got a cheap, rough diamond plate to flatten them with. It works so-so. Looks like I need to get a lapping plate.

[@royreynolds108]

Yes, I would appreciate one of those lapping plates. I have a system of stones for sharpening.

[@says8]

Great explanation of stones and how to lap. I started and quickly abandoned soft stones because I thought I was doing something wrong.

[@toepincher5450]

This is great content! I have struggled with this exact problem. It is very valuable to me to witness a solution…much like all of his presentations. Thank you

[@Heseblesens]

Great video and great product! A lapping plate is something I have had on my "need-to-get" list for a while now. That would take my diamond stones off the lapping assignment. I use both diamond stones and wet stones for my tool sharpening, and I tend to favor the wet stones. It is something about that slurry that appeals to me. 😁

[@DonsWoodies]

Those lapping plates look interesting. I would expect them to be very nice plates, coming from DFM. FWIW, a very nice diamond plate is the Sharpal 325/1200 grit one. Comes in a nice case that doubles as a holder in use. Use for both flattening waterstones and sharpening blades. A great combination of waterstones I use for sharpening my kitchen knives is a Suehiro Cerax 1000, and a Suehiro Rika 5000. Both are soaking stones. the 1000 will put a crazy sharp edge on anything up to about 64-65Rc. The 5000 will final polish the edge to a mirror finish. Either will also work great for any woodworking blade/chisel. They are especially nice for people who hand sharpen, since the feel from them is so nice. Something you don't normally notice using a jig. Also, they are both nice big stones. As for splash and go stones, the Naniwa Chosera 800 and the Naniwa Chosera 3000 are nice hard stones that don't dish too fast and will get you as sharp an edge as you need for just about anything. Even though the 3000 isn't a high grit, it still manages to put on a mirror finish. I get as good an edge with it as I do with a 8000 grit Shapton pro stone. Doesn't make sense, but there you are. Waterstones are a deep rabbit hole to go down. Drop some bread crumbs on the way or you'll get lost.

[@repairtechtony]

Thank for demonstrating the process, I hadn't heard of lapping plates. I'll need to invest in them for sure!

[@andrewcodelka5158]

I too have a few water stones that are sitting pretty much unused in storage because I have been using some diamond plates instead. The diamond ones that I have seem to be decreasing in their effectiveness - so maybe this will encourage me to break out the old water stones again.... Thanks James!

[@johnevans1625]

Many thanks! As always, an extremely helpful video on an area I've been wanting to learn about

[@danielschuler4034]

I've had great success with Naniwa Superstones (the Naniwa pros are considered to be even better). One drawback they have is that they are quite soft, but the finer grits leave an excellent polish and superb edges. Shapton (pro or glass) stones are way harder and cut faster than the Naniwas however the finer grits don't leave as fine of a surface. Suehiro (they also make the Cerax line of stones) is another highly regarded name. All of those brands are way better than those cheap Amazon or e-bay budget whetstones. Greetings from Austria

[@justinsane332]

i love my suehiro md 400. large, splash and go, what more could i ask for? (super fast cut for a 1000 grit, good surface...seriously suehiro debato line...get you some.)

[@darsnordham]

I'd love to have one. Being disabled there's not a chance I can afford to buy one. I generally get old tools and refurbish them to keeps down. Love your channel, it teaches me so much

[@esicard]

I use the 300 grit side of a two sided diamond plate now flatten my water stones. It isn't perfect but it gets it close enough. I'd be interested in giving these a shot.

[@seanmurphy5417]

I hope all is well. You mentioned looking at new wet stones. If you find a good dual sided and wider please let us know. The slimmer stones are a bit more of a challenge for plane blades. Thanks

[@adamking5560]

those lapping plates look really nice. probably going to add one to my sharpening system

[@toddbrightly8460]

Funny this just comes out after I just received my 120 dmt flattening plate. Oh such is life..lol.. As for water stones, like you I enjoy the ease of use of my dmt plates for sharpening. I started with cheap king stones, but they wore quickly and the "flattening stone" they offered was just a very coarse stone as well. It worked good for a while but quickly became out of flat as well. I'm not sure how long it was before I noticed it being out of flat but it led to some major issues, thus leading me to diamond stones. Fast forward a few years and I was looking at the Japanese stones lie Nelson carries. I said what the hell I'll give the 3k/8k stone a try. Those are nice stones and wear hard and cut well. However I still had issues learning how to use water stones. But for the last year and a half I used my xx coarse dmt stone to flatten that stone. But still ended up with them being slightly out. But nothing unreasonable. I liked the stone enough that I went to get a few more (they are on the costly side especially the 8k) but they were out of stock. Then found out that with everything shut down from the virus that getting them would be very difficult. So I held off and then found the pride stones. While slightly narrower at 2 3/4 wide by 8 I got the 10k for final finish it turned out to be just as good as the Japanese ones lie Nelson carries and they're made in Wisconsin. After getting the 10k I just got a 1k and 6k stone. I haven't tried them out yet but I'm sure I won't be disappointed. So I'd highly recommend the Japanese stones that lie Nelson sells, the pride abrasive ones, or if you're feeling foggy the shapton ones are the best from everything I've heard. But budget wise I just couldn't justify the cost compared to others. Tho the pride and the ones lie Nelson sells are in the same ball park in price. The only draw back for me with the pride is they need to be soaked 15 minutes before use, but I just keep them in water all the time. The Japanese ones say spray and go, however I've found they work better staying in the water as well. Tho if I know I'm not going to be in the shop for a while I'll pull them out and let them dry out and change out the water.

[@Dragon_With_Matches]

Great video, James! I’ve just started my hand tool collection and I’m looking for a good sharpening system. I’ve been using the wet-dry sandpaper and it works but I’m not thrilled with it. So videos like this and your other sharpening videos have been really helpful!

[@caseytozier4091]

I just started using whetstones. I would love a couple diamond lapping plates.

[@knowledge-quest5812]

Hi James thank you and Sarah for all you do with sharing the knowledge, experiments, giveaways &c. May God bless you and yours and keep you all safe, especially with the Oops moments.

[@geoffthompson2728]

Thanks for the video happy to have info on wet stones I just got started in wood working and furniture making and wet stones are what I currently have but the lapping stone I bought for them doesn’t not do anything to flatten the wet stone

[@nolanstevenson3510]

That’s awsome I’ve avoided wet stones because I didn’t know how to flatten them

[@marshallprice7294]

Great viceo! Invformative , yet short and to the point. Especially like the tip about using a pencil to know when to stop the flattening g pdocess.

[@seanteu239]

Great video. Lots of info. and I learned a cleaner method to flattening wet stones. They are always messy.

[@sharlenesones4]

Thanks for posting this. I use the diamond plates mainly because I could envision a big mess on my bench. And, I like to eliminate steps when I perceive they will be complicated. This wasn't intimidating at all!

[@jakelilevjen9766]

Thank you very much, James! I have some follow-up questions: 1) Can I use a diamond stone as a lapping plate, or should I have a dedicated lapping plate? Do you know what the differences between the two are? 2) Is there any advantage to using a water stone over a diamond stone?

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

You generally can use any diamond stone as a lapping plate. However it will definitely shorten the life of it as it is not intended for the full submersion and abuse of the stone. As to whetstones versus diamonds. Diamonds are much easier simpler faster and less of a mess. But a whetstone feels really good and gives a mirror polish that you can't get with a diamond plate. Because the two of them cut differently. They will both give you the exact same cutting edge in the end but it comes down to whether or not you want to enjoy the time spent sharpening or you just want to get it done and get back to work.

[@ryanallthewiser]

Great offer !! Thanks James and DFM

[@LiftRanger]

Thanks, James. Another great tool review and demo!

[@guiturtlewood]

I use diamond plates for sharpening, but would like to get a waterstone or two for the super fine mirror polish. Gonna have to check these out!

[@frandoyle5608]

The lapping plates look good. I have been using another stone and have been lucky so far as they have remained flat.

[@ZeoCyberG]

Impressive, definitely makes me reconsider using whetstones...

[@chuckpremer3111]

Just putting in a entry for the lapping plates. Good video.

[@AdamSommer70]

Super interesting, thanks for posting! Looking forward to more wetstone videos!!!

[@markmcintire3401]

As a wood worker, I’ve always had trouble sharpening. The stones aren’t good at being flat and staying that way. I’ve always had trouble with with the grid pattern also. Great video.

[@jnburcher]

Wow those look like they are a really high quality. Great video.

[@justplanebob105]

I'm so glad to know about lapping plates. I bought a flattening stone some time back. It was fine until I used it on a hard Arkansas stone. It didn't work well on the hard stone but I flattened the crap out of my flattening stone. It's pretty well toast now. haha.

[@justplanebob105]

I have since learned that Arkansas stones rarely, if ever, need to be flattened. I started out with these and I have had a difficult time getting a nice edge on my chisels with a diamond stone, even with an extra fine, 1000 grit. Since I live about 50 miles from where they are mined, I can get Arkansas stones rather cheaply. The last one I picked up brand new in a flea market for 10 bucks. Hard Black.

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

those extra hard natural stones are nice!

[@veremenko]

I just got a medium cheap diamond plate. Probably made a mistake, but I hope it will work for me for a some time.

[@tessarnold7597]

Bringing the solid info. Thanks, James.

[@ForemanMade]

These would be perfect for me. I love using whetstones

[@_BLANK_BLANK]

I wore out my atoma completely. I could definitely use one of these.

[@DBacaMaker]

I would just lap up one of those stones! I use cheap diamond stoned, but I have a quality natural wet stone that I want to use and this would very much make that a doable thing. Great information, James. Thank you.

[@jeffreyblessing4011]

Great video, great information. Glad I was introduced to your channel by Rex Krueger. I got a whetstone set earlier, but havent had much of a chance to use it lately. This helps.

[@gbjones54]

JT make some amazing products. I have most of his squares.

[@adelheidsnel5171]

The oops end did it for me! Greetings from wooden shoe land 🇳🇱

[@johncrable3349]

Never won the lottery so I thought I would try this instead. Thanks and have a happy day!

[@m.d.s.7118]

Great info ,,,,, bringing back the tried and true .

[@jakecarter2775]

I would love a lapping stone James sir I'm new and starting out on old school methods and would be a great keep sake sir great videos keep up great work

[@evanshirk9014]

I have the DFM Dowel Plate (thanks to your video) and if the lapping plate has the quality of that tool, then great!

[@mamashama9749]

Having only had experience with the cheap Chinese diamond stones I would definitely love to try out something like these

[@jakey5179]

Awesome video James, I'd love one of those lapping stones if I'm drawn.

[@martyben8647]

Wow I really could use one of those flattening stones been using sandpaper With a very course finish wearing down my water stone. always waiting for that bell to ring with your new videos

[@Existenseriet]

I have several stones, none of them are flat. been using some cheap diamond plates, but it does the job!

[@jamieirwin6783]

Very cool James, I'd love to give them a try. How do they work for re-establishing the primary bevel?

[@billyjack8906]

I still use whet stones for all of my knives. Tha ks for the video James!

[@bigbendv]

wouldn't mind winning one of those, DFM is solid stuff!

[@paulmccullough7352]

i have just started getting into sharpening with quality whetstones, i haven't done much but i am looking forward to doing some more. i dont have a lapping plate yet as i figure it might be a while before i actually need one (but i could be wrong on that) I wasnt sure if you are giving away two plates to one person or one plate to two people. if it is the former, and by some chance you happen to pick me, just sent me the 220 grit plate and send the 120 to someone else who would need it. because i have gotten into sharpening for the enjoyment of the process of sharpening with whetstones, so i dont mind taking longer to flatten my stones with a fine grit. i am disabled and dont work so i have all the time in the world to play with my stones. HaHa.

[@johnfreiler6017]

Love the video, James, please enter me into the drawing. As for ideas, how do you care for old oil stones?

[@lbvector4379]

These really look good! Thanks for the great review! 👍

[@adamdearing918]

I have also had problems finding a good lapping plate. My wet stones have been unused for a long time now, which is a great shame as I have some brilliant and very fine stones. Sounds like one of these would be perfect. I have some DMT card scrapers so I know the quality will be top notch! Cheers James, and keep up the good work. 👍👏👏

[@thepigmeat9553]

Awesome Video might get me one of them as I use whetstones to sharpen.

[@charlesgraham843]

Good info. I'll have to check these out.

[@adammeyers5037]

Great video! In need of a good lapping plate.

[@kerrymangum4166]

I have heard of lapping plates and this is very interesting to see it in operation. Hopefully I can win one.

[@lancelandis227]

Hey James, those plates look great.

[@garethmcneill5132]

Just bought my first set of wet stones, but have not as yet got a lapping plate. REALLY need one 😁

[@tonyminehan7144]

I used set stones at first but I wore them out so quickly, yes they were cheap, I've now moved over to Norton India oil stones, not exactly cheap for my pocket, but better than the water stones. :-)

[@mikestewart505]

I finally bought a Lie Nielsen #4 1/2, and love it, but it did inspire me to spring for some Shapton glass stones. I was getting pretty good results with diamond films on float glass, and I won't be throwing those away, but I am shocked how much the 16000 Shapton improved an L-N iron that was pretty darn sharp out of the box. Worth. Every. Penny! And my Richter chisels are now astounding. I can wait for the hair on my arms to grow back so I can sharpen some more stuff. (The film/glass combo also got tools sharp enough to shave with, but takes longer, and some of the films have gotten lumpy, in a way that doesn't just rinse of. Still. I won't use the Shaptons to sharpen a scrub plane, so buying at least a few new firms probably still makes sense.)

[@mikestewart505]

I am trying hard not to calculate how six stones and two field holders compare in price to a L-N #7. But I did buy the stones a couple at a time, instead of a lump sum. And I'll have them when I get around to the #7.

[@the_attic_woodworker]

They seems really great, nice review

[@dfmtoolworks]

Thanks for making this video! We learned some things ourselves on the cambered irons. Makes alot of sense!

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

Thanks man. You made a seriously good product here. I thought for sure I could at least get the 10,000 feeler under at some point. But these things are dead flat.

[@FornaxusCrucible]

Still giving good Knowledge, sir! Also, that lapping plate would go really well with my water stones. Dull tools are my bane!

[@jameszaino5930]

Wow, more sharpening controversy! I love it!

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

the more the better! LOL

[@MrStevieB]

"Lapping" it up James...! 😄👍🏻 These look like a real game changer 🤞🏻😉

[@dlimla]

Haven't found a lapping plate that I was satisfied with yet would love to try these! :D

[@jlmfoy365]

Hi James, I use the 300 grit side on my Trend diamond stone, it seems to work well. Regards Jim UK.