What grade diamond wheel for honing carbide?

[Grindstone CowboyParticipant @grindstonecowboy]

I've been offered a 1200 grit diamond wheel, which I propose to use for honing carbide lathe tools by mounting it on a low-revving motor. But before I go to all that trouble, do you think 1200 grit is a suitable grade? I have a feeling it may possibly be too fine to be of much use.

Thanks for any advice, or examples from someone who has actually done anything simlar.

Rob

[Grindstone CowboyParticipant @grindstonecowboy]

Is 1200 too fine?

[StuartParticipant @stuart18648]

1200 will be absolutely fine Rob. I normally start with 1000 then finish with 2000 and it doesn't take too long at all.

When I'm feeling particularly indulgent I'll mount up an alumina wheel charged with 1um diamond for a mirror finish

[Grindstone CowboyParticipant @grindstonecowboy]

Thanks Stuart, I'll go ahead then

Rob

[bernard towersParticipant @bernardtowers37738]

Any particular reason you are going to use a low revving motor?. I run my 4 and 6 inch diamond wheels mat 3200 rpm. I would have thought that higher revs and light cuts were the order of the day for a fine finish.

[Grindstone CowboyParticipant @grindstonecowboy]

Hi Bernard

I was taking ideas from this video by Stefan Gotteswinter – it would certainly simplify things to just go with a bench grinder. The wheel is the type with the diamond on the face, rather than around the periphery.

Rob

Links to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOBtH4m2TYo

[Neil LickfoldParticipant @neillickfold44316]

You can run the wheel wet in low rpm ranges and not make a mess. The water just takes away the carbide particles blocking the wheels surface. The low speed has the advantage of very low heat.

[Author]

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