Looking for affordable diamond sharpening stones
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Im using ultex diamond stones (8″/3″) from its.co.uk, which I bought while they were on sale for ~£10 apiece (bought 4). They seem to be working out well for me, though probably not last nearly as long as a dmt/ez lap, but for the price, I can afford to replace as necessary
Here is my latest update (again I’ve only had these for a month or so and can’t comment on things like how flat they are vs. EZE Lap though that has had zero impact on my tools/work).
Last night I achieved a level of sharpness that I had not reached before (and I thought I had done a good job in the past). Part of it I attribute to simply the size of the 3×8 stones–I can’t imagine going back to 2×6–there’s just no comparison. The other part I must attribute to the quality of them b/c my sharpening technique really hasn’t changed (I do just like Paul–use glass cleaner and sharpen by hand/feel on the angle–no honing guide).
How did I know how much sharper my irons were? Well, normally I don’t really like using my shooting board–I feel like I make more dust than shavings and never really get a truly square end. Well last night after sharpening I took a piece of hard maple and a piece of red oak to the shooting board. To my amazement the shavings were coming off almost effortlessly, as if I were just edge planing with the grain–it was literally almost that effortless. Further, I got the boards perfectly square and in relatively short order.
So for now I would gladly recommend these UltraSharp diamond stones. I believe the manufacturer also has a pretty good guarantee on them.
Just look at the surface area of these stones next to the old 2×6 ones (also not EZE Lap), 1 year old and seemingly worn out. Truly enjoyable.
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You must be logged in to view attached files.Thanks for the update dbockel, very useful
I really need to start working on my sharpening station. Any tips other than leave a run between to catch possible run off?
EDIT: Could you provide a link to the stones you bought please dbockel? Thank you
EDIT: Couldn’t find exactly what I wanted in the UK so I found these:
http://www.bestsharpeningstones.com/mobile/catalog/Ultra-Sharp-Diamond-Sharpening-Stones.html
Shipping is a lot though.
- This reply was modified 7 years, 3 months ago by Mark68.
- This reply was modified 7 years, 3 months ago by Mark68.
- This reply was modified 7 years, 3 months ago by Mark68.
14 January 2017 at 1:39 am #162119[quote quote=144036]Thanks all for the advice
A related question. How often, given average daily use (sorry, I know that is subjective), should I sharpen my chisels and plane?
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[quote quote=144036]Thanks all for the advice
A related question. How often, given average daily use (sorry, I know that is subjective), should I sharpen my chisels and plane?
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Amazon(USA) now has DMT plates on sale for $49.00.
As far as sharpening I hit all the tools I expect to use before I start a new project, I get them razor sharp and Just touch them up or strop them during the project.- This reply was modified 7 years, 3 months ago by oltexasboy.
16 January 2017 at 2:57 pm #264010Matt
Thanks for the link of BA Blades for the DMT diamond stones I also bought the 8′ x 3″ extra course at £60.35 with free next working day delivery I ordered it on Friday and it arrived today Monday.
I have nor tried it yet but I already have the DMT Extra fine, Fine and Medium 8 ” x 3″ stones which I have had for a couple of years
I think this is a good UK price and serviceThanks
DavidI have had good luck with some plates off of EBAY from DMDTOOLS.
They sell some that are 1mm thick with adhesive on the back. I put them on a glass plate and have been using them for about a 18 months. They are available from 240 to 1200 grit. I have used them to flatten planes, sharpen chisels, card scrapers and plane irons. They make the blades hair popping sharp.
They run about 12-15 USD.
20 January 2017 at 11:48 pm #308551I’m probably crazy.. ?
A 600 grit 3×8″ diamond plate is in the mail – should have it by early next week. Total cost? $10!!! From eBay.
We’ll see if it’s flat, evenly graded, and reasonably durable If so, I’ll order a full range. Else I’ll stick to water stones which give me good results. They take me to 8000 grit and filled by a strop give a shiny finish.p
31 January 2017 at 7:58 pm #308869Hey all,
My cheap diamond plate arrived and so far so good. It appears that finding specific grits at super low prices is a bit hit or miss, but I’ve now ordered a 400 and will keep my eye out for some finer stones.
I haven’t tried flattening the sole of a plane, but otherwise this plate seems about as durable as other diamond stones. Of course time will tell.
The stone cuts like a 600 diamond plate (which it is) and appears to be very flat. The the backing plate is very stiff for its thickness (or should I say thinness).
The stone doesn’t come with any form of frame or holder, but sat nicely on my bench with a thin piece of rubber underneath.
If $50-100 each puts you off of diamond plates; I would recommend that you try these very cheap (<$10) plates on eBay. BTW, if you have the patience to wait for shipping from China, you’ll find a broader range of grits more readily available.
Rick G
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