Introduction
Achieving sharpness and precision in your cutting tools and sharpening stones is essential for a wide range of tasks. The Jende 10×4 Glass Lapping Plate with Silicone Carbide Powders is a versatile and reliable tool designed to assist you in achieving razor-sharp edges on your knives, chisels, planes, and sharpening stones. In this article, we’ll explore the features and benefits of this industrial-level lapping plate, how to use it effectively, and why it’s a must-have for anyone who demands the utmost precision in their cutting tools.
Precision Glass Lapping Plate
The Jende 10×4 Glass Lapping Plate is a precision-crafted tool that measures 10 inches in length, 4 inches in width, and 1/2 inch in thickness. It is made from high-quality float glass, known for its exceptional flatness and clarity. This float glass is precisely machined to provide a perfectly flat surface, making it an ideal reference plate for various cutting tools and sharpening stones.
Two-Sided Design
One of the standout features of the Jende Glass Lapping Plate is its two-sided design. On one side, the glass surface is etched with a groove that is 0.5 mm deep. This etched groove is designed for use with the included coarse, medium, and fine Silicon Carbide lapping powders. The etching enhances the plate’s lapping capabilities, allowing it to be more aggressive when working with these powders.
The etched groove also plays a crucial role in minimizing stiction on finer grit sharpening stones by providing a channel for swarf runoff. This design ensures that your lapping process remains smooth and efficient, even when working with the finest grit stones, contributing to a precise and consistent edge.
On the other side of the plate, you’ll find a perfectly smooth and flat surface. This side is designed to be used as a reference plate for sharpening a wide range of cutting tools, including knives, chisels, and planes. It can also accommodate a half-wide sheet of full-sized sandpaper or lapping film, making it a versatile tool in your sharpening arsenal.
Silicone Carbide Lapping Powders
The Jende Glass Lapping Plate comes with three grades of Silicon Carbide lapping powders: coarse, medium, and fine. These powders are essential for the lapping process, as they help flatten and maintain the quality of your sharpening stones. The coarse powder is used to remove material quickly, while the medium and fine powders progressively refine the stone’s surface, resulting in a sharp and polished edge.
Using the Lapping Plate
To use the lapping side of the plate, follow these steps:
- Wet the surface of the glass, ensuring that the water is evenly distributed but not pooled.
- Lightly sprinkle the desired Silicon Carbide powder grit across the wet glass surface.
- Pre-soak your sharpening stones if necessary.
- Mark the surface of your stone with a grid pattern using a pencil.
- Begin the lapping process with even pressure, moving in an X pattern, until the pencil marks are completely removed.
This process ensures that your sharpening stones remain flat and true, allowing you to achieve precision and consistency in your sharpened edges.
To use the reference side of the lapping plate, cut a piece of sandpaper or lapping film to size. Fold the sandpaper over to create a lip to secure the end under the plate. You can usually use a small drop of water to adhere it to the plate sufficiently. This side of the plate serves as a reliable reference surface for honing and fine-tuning your cutting tools.
Conclusion
The Jende 10×4 Glass Lapping Plate with Silicone Carbide Powders available at Jende Industries is an industrial-level tool designed for those who demand the highest level of precision in their sharpening and lapping processes. Its two-sided design, featuring a lapping side and a reference side, along with the included Silicon Carbide lapping powders, make it an indispensable tool for anyone in need of perfectly sharpened tools and consistent, flat sharpening stones.
Whether you are a professional chef, a woodworking enthusiast, or a dedicated hobbyist, this lapping plate will significantly enhance your sharpening and lapping capabilities, resulting in sharper, more precise cutting tools. With its durable construction and the ability to handle a wide range of grits, the Jende Glass Lapping Plate is a must-have addition to your sharpening toolkit.
