[woodknots]

@sreilly - Steve: when I need to flatten the back of a chisel or plane iron, I use the magnetic base from a dial indicator to start. Saves me from having to exert pressure using just my fingers. I start with some 80 grit sandpaper on plate glass if the back needs a lot of flattening, moving up to 120, then 150. At that point I'll move to my diamond plates then onto my Japanese water stones.

 

[woodknots]

Steve - I bought one of those surface plates from Lee Valley years ago and have rarely used it. If you've got a countertop company near you, you might see if they have a piece of granite lying around - it could be significantly cheaper or free - (I like free) and it will do the same thing as that $50 item.

 

[woodknots]

Ditto what Barry and Steve said:

Another good book is - "The Complete Guide to Sharpening" by Leonard Lee