lapidopterix
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2008
Posts: 216
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Post by lapidopterix on Mar 8, 2008 16:43:22 GMT -5
I built this lap a couple of years ago using a recycled dryer motor for power. The motor burned up before I could get anything done. I recently put a new motor on it and now it works great for shaping but I need a big pulley to slow it down for polishing.   Custom finish work  My first cab ever (Labradorite). Shaped on the lap and polished with diamond pads on a dremel.  |
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Post by docone31 on Mar 8, 2008 18:48:37 GMT -5
You do not need a slower motor, just a larger pulley on the lap side. I have found, a faster motor gives better control. The ideal speed for lapidary is 1750rpm. This is a combination of wheels size, and grinding. Too fast, and the stone just does not cut or polish well.
With a flat lap, I found 1000 or lower, is the ticket. A router speed control, and larger pulley on the lap side should work well. A faster motor, to me, seems to dampen vibration better than a motor on a 1 to 1. I believe this is a result of the rotating mass dampening better.
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Post by akansan on Mar 8, 2008 20:40:47 GMT -5
Gorgeous cab from that flat lap!
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lapidopterix
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2008
Posts: 216
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Post by lapidopterix on Mar 8, 2008 21:28:01 GMT -5
What is a router speed control? Is it electrical? I'd like to be able to slow the lap to between 200 and 500 rpm to use wood laps for polishing. Having it a little slower (around 1000) for shaping would be nice also.
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Post by johnjsgems on Mar 8, 2008 21:58:57 GMT -5
You are going to have to use pulleys to slow it down. Router speed controls work with brush type motors although they make them run hot. It will burn up your motor as it lowers voltage.
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Wolfden
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2007
Posts: 1,368
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Post by Wolfden on Mar 9, 2008 14:10:25 GMT -5
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lapidopterix
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2008
Posts: 216
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Post by lapidopterix on Mar 9, 2008 18:01:37 GMT -5
Does anybody know a good source for pulleys?
The bowl is a cut down 5 gallon bucket with a garbage bag taped in for a liner.
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Post by docone31 on Mar 9, 2008 19:44:40 GMT -5
I use Ace Hardward for the pulleys. They can order anything.
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Wolfden
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2007
Posts: 1,368
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Post by Wolfden on Mar 10, 2008 19:26:44 GMT -5
here is a link to try .. they have just about anything you could want/need at good prices www.mcmaster.com/Wolf |
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mike4bears
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2007
Posts: 275
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Post by mike4bears on Mar 10, 2008 21:19:01 GMT -5
wolf your sure right about mcmaster carr. if they dont have it no one does. mike
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Wolfden
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2007
Posts: 1,368
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Post by Wolfden on Mar 11, 2008 11:53:20 GMT -5
LOL yaa mike I'v found just about everything I'v ever needed .. I have a couple more places if you need other things . I also have some metal dealers if you need metal stock , flat , pipe , tubing any form of metal you can think of lol
Wolf
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Post by rocklicker on Mar 26, 2008 19:31:45 GMT -5
Congrats on the machine. Great labradorite cab too! Ya know, no hillbilly flat lap is complete unless you got a cupholder for your beer. ;D Actually, it look like you put a lot of thought and design into it. I imagine it will last for many years to come. Nice job!
Steve
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