Clogged-up diamond plate
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- This topic has 9 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 5 months ago by Michael Moon.
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I’ve found that my coarse diamond plate has become clogged with debris in one of the corners. I must have put it away without cleaning it off properly and it appears to be holding material that has rusted. It’s still entirely useable but the corner in question sticks and hangs up whatever I run over it.
Does anyone know of an effective method to clean this up so I can use the entire surface again?
The DMT “use and care” manual recommends a nylon brush or pad with which to clean the plate periodically, in conjunction with a “common cleaner”. I bought a nylon-bristle brush from my local home center which is intended for scrubbing pots, and it works very well.
If you’re not using DMT, read the manual for your brand or contact the manufacturer. Good luck!
5 November 2017 at 8:57 pm #356512I just put some window washing fluid on the plate periodically and scrub it with a nylon gun cleaning brush, the kind that looks like a crank-necked toothbrush.
The steel can get quite gummy on the plate if you don’t clean it often, so give it a couple scrubs until it’s clean.
5 November 2017 at 11:08 pm #356672It’s pretty hard to hurt diamond plate with any household substance. First try any detergent/ washer fluid and a nylon brush. If the gunk is oil based, try a citrus product.
If that doesn’t do it use some powdered cleanser ( Comet, Barkeeper’s friend, Bon Ami, Cameo) with one of those sponges with a green nylon scrubbing back.
As a last resort try a metal wool.
My first two diamond plates were all gunked up rescues from a yard sale I scrubbed with cleanser. I still use them.
Thanks, gents. Taking a mix of your own advice above and consulting Eze Lap’s FAQ’s the problem was resolved via a combination of Vim, warm water and a stiff nail brush. The coarse plate just needed a few repeat apply, bursh, soak, brush, rinse cycles. Looks good as new.
I much prefer maintenance to deep cleans 🙂
6 November 2017 at 8:48 pm #357717I have found that using an ordinary plastic pencil eraser work well. Just rub it on the plate and brush off.
Regards,
Ricky17 November 2017 at 3:35 am #369426Late reply but could be useful to someone. I find barkeepers friend works wonders on my DMT plates. It has oxalic acid in it which takes the rust off and seems to do a much better job than ajax/comet. I only use it when they start to look really bad or neglected. I haven’t noticed any damage to the plate or diamonds from using it but I’d say use at your own risk. I usually powder the stone and drip enough water to make a watery paste then rub it around with my fingers and let it sit a couple minutes. Rinse and dry and they look nearly new again. Once again use at your own risk I have read it may release the bond from the plate to the diamonds but I have never had it happen to my plates. I also use those solid rubber blocks for cleaning sanding belts harbor freight sells them cheap and they last a long time.
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