On the subject of diamonds, does anyone have any experience with the Naniwa (at least, I believe it was Naniwa) diamond "stones" - it's something like a mm layer of diamond embedded in some sort of a binder on the top of a plate, as opposed to a thin layer of diamond bonded directly to the metal plate like the diamond hones one normally see. At least, if I'm remembering the thing right. Not really interested in getting any, I've got a working set up, and I remember them being expensive, but this thread reminded me of them and I was curious.
Sorry about my comments on flattening - I went back and re-read the original post, and yeah, those plates are big, and really out of flat. Obviously I missed that, because like others have commented, getting that much iron flat is apt to difficult given what I suggested.
Maybe you should go the other way, and try and make it *more* hollow! Then you could sharpen a scrub plane blade without all that annoying rocking to hit the whole bevel! (I'm joking)
" Be willing to make mistakes in your basements, garages, apartments and palaces. I have made many. Your first attempts may be poor. They will not be futile. " - M.S. Bickford, Mouldings In Practice
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Originally Posted by Steve Friedman
) to benefit from a bigger picture. As mentioned, I am competent with the sharpening media that I have used for more than 20 years. There is a challenge of learning something new, developing new skills. The cast iron piece was there and I wanted to know if I can do anything with it, with the resources at hand. Some go to flea markets, get stuff and spend many hours refurbishing it. It must be satisfying when it works. Life can be enjoyed even in activities that require effort (such as using a hacksaw - I would not, had power saw available). 
..) that using hand tools instead of power tools is hairy. I could also buy the furniture and other wooden items for around the house instead of making it. If learning something new requires effort, do you avoid it? I might still win with the plates (better work on it before the Lent is over...)
