polished
has rocks in the head
Member since February 2006
Posts: 567
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Post by polished on Mar 9, 2009 18:55:13 GMT -5
Anyone here using the Swaptop flat lap from Inland? I know it's not the best machine in the world, but one came up that was a real bargain and I figured it would be a good starter flat lap - thing is, after installing and using the first stage diamond lap, I can't get it OFF to install the next stage.
I've followed the (really simple) instructions, but the sucker just won't lift off and I'm right at the edge here between throwing it out and sending it back.
Any suggestions??
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Post by frane on Mar 9, 2009 19:25:47 GMT -5
It can really be a pain! I have one too. Now, are you having a problem getting it off the shaft connected to the motor or the arbor off the blade and mother lap? Sometimes the little hex wrench just isn't up to the job. Try using the smaller one (if you have the swap top with the grinder attachment) and see if you can get it to budge a little easier. Sometimes the hex will even get stuck and it is hard to get it to come out. I have noticed if I push on it a little, I can get it back out. If it is the arbor that won't come off the mother lap and flat lap, remember to turn the wrench to the right to loosen it instead of the left direction you would normally go in. I haven't ever tried anything else on it. Just breath deep. It can be frustrating sometimes! Fran
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polished
has rocks in the head
Member since February 2006
Posts: 567
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Post by polished on Mar 9, 2009 19:52:47 GMT -5
Deep breathing was the trick ! I wasn't able to get the arbor/masterlap/disk to lift up off the unit - finally grabbed hold of it with a wrench wrapped in a towel so as not to do any damage, and turned the motor on - instantly it lifted off. I hated to think I was SOL right out of the gate like that !
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Post by frane on Mar 10, 2009 12:41:50 GMT -5
I sure hope the next one goes better for you! It is the polishing that irks me. I can never get it as good as I would like. I also ended up buying a 3000 grit disc and that seems to have helped my results a little. Fran
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polished
has rocks in the head
Member since February 2006
Posts: 567
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Post by polished on Mar 10, 2009 19:11:23 GMT -5
What a difference a day makes! I've just spent an hour working with the lap and I'm not displeased with the results - seeing as how it's my first lap-polished piece. I imagine it takes a bit of learning, trial and error. But it certainly was relaxing and fun! Not sure I like the polish the machine came with, but I'll experiment. At least I'm having fun now
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