Fun, isn’t it, Brian? If you have time, go get a few marble tiles and mess with them. I second the idea to buy disks and actually hone the stone flat. Or take a class! It
Costs, but you come away feeling ready to take on the world!
Agree with above. BUT practice more with what you have. They produce results that MOST customers are pretty happy with. Not as good (or as messy) as diamonds, but sufficient and sometimes pretty good.
The convenience of DIP pads makes them a very attractive option. I was taught using 800 grit pucks attatched to a floor pad under a 175 followed by a hogs hair pad and 5x powder.