Diamonds are forever

[Waka]

The little credit card size diamond stone fell through the letter box this morning, so I thought I'd try it on some small hole boring things that were certainly overdue for a tickle with the stone. Within a few swipes of the stone I had lovely sharp bits and bobs, certainly good value.

 

[j]

Which one?
Where from?
How much?

Don't tease us

 

[Waka]

You'll have to visit Classic Hand Tools on the web.

 

[Vormulac]

Unfortunately I have found my diamonds are not forever. I bought a Trend Bench kit at the Ally Pally show in Feb and despite only being a hobbyist and therefore only having to sharpen occasionally, all the diamond has worn off the centre portion of one of the sides of the diamond stone. What a waste of money. Trying to sort out a replacement, but the company that sold it is not responding to emails.

 

[bugbear]

Unfortunately I have found my diamonds are not forever.

I have a second hand (50p, car boot) DMT diafold which does not abrade metal at all in the middle.

The ends are ok :wink:

BugBear

 

[j]

Are there any stones/plates that are more resistant to wear?
I was under the impression (no idea where from) that a good quality diamond stone would last a lifetime.
Is there such a thing?

I've recently been doing a batch of sharpening. Some of the old planes I have were in need of regrinding. I do have a high speed grinder but I am still a little nervous about using it for fear of burning the blade, and screwing up the angle completely. I decided to just be patient and do it on my cheap noname diamond stone. It actually works at an acceptable speed (obviously a pro could not afford to do it this way). But while doing it, I thought I could do with a nice good quality course diamond stone. If it would last me many years of doing this, then I may never need to take to the grinder.

 

[mudman]

Unfortunately I have found my diamonds are not forever.

Unfortunately my experience as well. After all my flattening, my DMT seems to have lost all its diamonds from a large patch at one end. Examination under a jeweler's loupe show lots of holes but no diamonds.
And I thought it was going so well.

 

[Good Surname or what ?]

Is this a good time to put in a plug for waterstones?

No diamonds to fall out - no holes left - easily reflattened.

 

[Vormulac]

Funnily enough Phil, the Trend diamond stone was supposed to replace my messy and maintenance-heavy waterstones, guess what I'm back to using though... :roll:
Expensive lesson to learn though if I can't get the ruddy thing replaced.

 

[Derek Cohen (Perth Oz)]

Following the advice of a few respected users on the net, such as Steve Knight and Larry Williams, my DMT Duosharp coarse/extra coarse stone is reserved for flattening my Shapton waterstones.

Steve in particular is adament that diamond stones are ill suited for use on steel.

On the other hand, I have a extra fine DMT plate that has lasted about 10 years with moderate use. It feels and looks worn, yet continues to cut and polish steel.

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[mudman]

Following the advice of a few respected users on the net, such as Steve Knight and Larry Williams, my DMT Duosharp coarse/extra coarse stone is reserved for flattening my Shapton waterstones.

Steve in particular is adament that diamond stones are ill suited for use on steel.

On the other hand, I have a extra fine DMT plate that has lasted about 10 years with moderate use. It feels and looks worn, yet continues to cut and polish steel.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Yes, I found that discussion just a little bit too late. :?

 

[Paul Chapman]

I have three of the 8" polka dot DMT stones (coarse, fine and extra fine) which I've been using for years, with either WD40 or 3-in-1, and they are still performing well. Can't remember when I bought them but it must be 10 years ago at least and they get regular use.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[woodbloke]

Same here, 3 DMT's....recommended but I use paraffin or domestic heating oil on mine but I think that any very thin oil will do - Rob

 

[gidon]

I have two Duosharps that get used a fair bit and are still going strong.
Mudman I think if diamonds are dropping off your DMT stones I would speak with DMT and ask for a replacement!
I think some of the discussion on the web on diamond stones has a lot to do with the fact that (the DMT stones at least) start off very aggresive but quickly reach their real coarse/fineness. I bought a coarse (/fine) stone quite some time after I bought my extra coarse (/extra fine) - the coarse was far more aggresive than the extra coarse early on. Also once they have worn down to their proper grit you don't hear them cutting quite like you would a Norton waterstone for example.
Going back to the original post - what's all the secrecy about? Am I missing something ?
Cheers
Gidon

 

[Waka]

No secrecy, I was just commenting on how well I thought the credit size stone was for those bits and bobs.

Sorry to hear that some of you are not happy with your diamond stones, I have a very fine one that i bought at ally pally and so far am very happy with the results, this purchase was to replace my waterstones that I have to admit were not to my liking.

 

[DomValente]

I'm with you Waka, sold my Tormek, oil stones messy, diamonds are lovely.

Dom

 

[Handrubbed]

I'll raise all bets and say that my DMT "stones" were rather far gone from assorted steel sharpening tasks and then were delivered the final blow by using them to flatten waterstones. Fortunately, the waterstones are as advertised and sandpaper on granite keeps them truly flat. I do think that small diamond paddles are very nice for touching up very bits, etc. My diamond stones now serve as the hones for my handscrapers, so they have found a home.

My theory about the (DMT) diamond stone failure is that the nickel matrix metal that holds the diamond crystals in place fails easily. The diamonds then wash away.

 

[bugbear]

My theory about the (DMT) diamond stone failure is that the nickel matrix metal that holds the diamond crystals in place fails easily. The diamonds then wash away.

I think is correct, and it may explain the variation in perceived longevity.

IIRC (anyone confirm?) diamond stones are meant to be used quite gently, and the diamonds will work very nicely, and for a long time. If the pressure and/or force is increased, the stone fails in the way you suggest.

BugBear

 

[Alf]

It seems to me suggestive that many of the diamond stone users who have no complaints (myself included) seem to use something other than water on them. :-k And I'd agree that a gentle touch seems to be beneficial too - diamonds aren't a girl's best friend for nuttin'.

Cheers, Alf

 

[wonky]

dont the diamond stone people say that if you use water you have to dry them properly becuase any rust will get under the plated bit and the diamonds will fall off?