Brand: Atoma (for diamond plates), DMT (for diamond plates), Grizzly (for granite plates)
A Flattening Plate, often a diamond plate, cast iron lapping plate, or a thick granite surface with adhesive sandpaper, provides a crucial, truly flat reference surface. It is used to flatten the back of plane irons, an essential step before sharpening the bevel, and to re-flatten warped or dished sharpening stones, ensuring consistent and effective sharpening.
Type: hand_tools
Price Range: $50-200
Pros
- Ensures perfectly flat plane iron backs, crucial for optimal planing performance.
- Indispensable for maintaining the flatness of waterstones, oilstones, and other sharpening media.
- Durable and long-lasting, especially diamond plates, which resist wear and remain flat over time.
Cons
- Can be a significant upfront investment, particularly for high-quality diamond plates.
- Requires proper technique to ensure even flattening and avoid introducing new problems.
- Granite plates require specialized abrasive paper, which is a consumable and adds to ongoing cost.