Thread: diamond stones

Sounds very cheap to me, the course ones don't seem to last long I think the stones rub off but the fine ones last forever.

Carbatec has an economy range that sell for like $110 for both a 400 and a 1000 grit
The DMT version is $120 each

Make sure you check them for flatness though before you leave the shop as I had to courier one of mine back. And have it replaced.

They are flat enough to do most things but not accurate enough for jointer blades or thicknesser blades. If you intend to fo that then go for the DMT's For chisels or planes they will be fine. Better quality than some of the other crap out there though.

I got mine mainly for flattening backs of tools and flattening water stones

Andrew

thanks kiwi and glenn
i notice and read that people use diamond plates to flatten there waterstones why not use diamond plates to sharpen there tools in the first place if there waterstones dish out so much?

I use them to sharpen tools. I used to straighten my old stones by rubbing them on concrete cheaper than diamond stones. Perhaps not as good though.

I think the reason they are not used is they give a questionable or a not as good as finish in the higher grits as Waterstones. Waterstones give a better polish than diamond? I admit I am not an expert so other may be able to enlighten you.

Have a look at Derek Cohens (he's a regular contributor here) website and his articles on sharpening here

Woodwork Techniques

There are a alot of different techniques out there you just have to find what works for you.

Andrew

thanks andrew
I was going to use a diamond for initial bevel on old abused chisels then go to a ceramic but after messaging derek and wood borer i bit the bullett and bought a white wheel for my 8 inch grinder (I still am heavy handed and afraid of burning the metal)
once i get a jig for my grinder am looking at the veritas unless anyone has a good copy
i have talked myself into some waterstones for christmas either lobster sold by hnt gordon or shapton (good review in the awr)
i have the veritas mk 1 honing guide so hopefully that should do me for a sharpening set up
i will still use scary sharp until i get the waterstones but goodness you go through the wet and dry
cheers
greg

A good set up Andrew.

Yes, be afraid of bluing the steel!

I find it happens quickest when shaping a bevel the closer to the edge the grinding is. At a guess there's less steel for the heat to dissipate through. When grinding the whole bevel then for me it's one light pass at a time and allow to cool.

Can take yonks to reshape eg a firmer chisel bevel this way so I'll have several on the go at one time and cycle between them to give them time to cool.

Have a container of water near by and frequently dip to keep them cool.

Not a good idea KO.

Creates microscopic cracks in the steel I'm told.

it sounds like i will have to learn patience with a white stone