DMT Diamond Sharpening Bench Stones Recommendation Request

I am assembling my sharpening tools. I plan to get both the 4000 and 8000 Norton stones, and since I have read disappointing reviews of the Norton coarse stones, I will instead get a DMT duo diamond sharpening bench stone to both flatten my Norton stones and the backs of my chisels and plane blades. There may be times I'd like to sharpen a shaper and/or router bit as well. I will get the 10" size diamond stone. I use the Veritas MK II Honing system.

What Duo DMT diamond stone would you recommend? They come in double-sided grits of:

extra fine/fine,
extra fine/coarse,
fine/course, or
coarse/extra course.

Thanks!

Jeff,

I got the 8" 600/1200 grit one and like it very much. The other one is 300/1200 combo which I find to be too much of a spread between grits. Depending who you buy through I think there are other combinations available. I bought through LV.

Hey Jeff,
I would go with fine/coarse or just with sandpaper for flattening.

Hello Jeff.
Elliott here. I've been using DMT stones for quite a few years now. My wife used to operate a horse clipping business of which I became the designated blade sharpener.
The coarse/X-tra coarse (blue dot / black dot ) stone is my preferred model. AT first they are VERY aggressive but with a small amount of use they get "broke-in" and are more than adequate. The X-tra coarse will remove ALOT of steel quickly from the back of a chisel/plane blade.
The good thing is you lube the stone with H2O. To clean them i've found through experience that " Bar Keepers Friend " is the best cleaner for them with a stiff plastic bristle brush.

HTH : Elliott

Elliott Cameron said:

The coarse/X-tra coarse (blue dot / black dot ) stone is my preferred model.

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Elliot, do you have the 8" or the 10" version? I was thinking the 10" would be easier to use with the plane blades . . . less chance of running off the edge of the stone.

Jeff, get yourself a set of Shapton stones, and never look back.

You don't soak them in water, but rather just sprinkle water on them when you use them. Yes, they cost more, but they do a great job when coupled with the LV MK II guide.

Hey Jeff. I've been using the 10" version. Since you're going to be using Norton stones for the sharpening , the coarse / X-coarse will be perfect.
One thing to remember with the diamonds ... don't use excessive force , allow the diamonds to do the work. Don't forget your "Bar Keepers Friend" .

Elliott (2-T's)....

Elliott Cameron said:

Don't forget your "Bar Keepers Friend" .

Elliott (2-T's)....

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I just made a note of it in Ian Kirby's book Sharpening With Waterstones. Thanks!

Yer welcome .....