ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
|
Post by ChicagoDave on Oct 29, 2016 18:46:12 GMT -5
Well, it only took 2 months of emails to the seller, but I finally have a new toy. I bought a "never been used" 8" Ameritool flat lap. I got it for what I think was a great price. I don't like buying used equipment, but I thought this was good since it hadn't been "used" yet. The seller included the receipt for when he purchased it - in 2006 (I obviously failed to ask when it was purchased and I was shocked it was so long ago)! I noticed it has a bit of a wobble when running, but the grinding surface seems flat. The wobble seems to be in the edges of the disc. So I hope this wasn't a bad decision! Anyways, I have some great preforms that Tela sent me so I guess I need to start getting to work. One quick question for other owners - what speed do you run your machine at? I couldn't find any information. Any other tips you would offer? Thanks!
|
|
|
Post by rockjunquie on Oct 29, 2016 19:57:09 GMT -5
Congrats!!!!
As for the speed, I think it is whatever you are comfortable with and what you think will work best for your stone. How many discs did you get?
|
|
ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
|
Post by ChicagoDave on Oct 29, 2016 20:40:52 GMT -5
5 discs. Never even cut the hole out of the 4 adhesive backed ones. 180, 325, 600, 1200 and polish.
|
|
|
Post by rockjunquie on Oct 29, 2016 21:13:24 GMT -5
That diamond disc looks untouched! You may want to check out adding a few discs. I have one, but I never use it, my son does. I purchased extra discs to fill in some of the gaps. I don't know if you really have to or not. You'll have to try them and see.
|
|
|
Post by Pat on Oct 30, 2016 0:41:00 GMT -5
I go as fast as is comfortable --- so the stone doesn't fly from under my fingertips. I start slow, then ramp it up. I have Ameritool 6".
|
|
metalsmith
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 1,537
|
Post by metalsmith on Oct 30, 2016 11:59:15 GMT -5
Congrats on the purchase. Different speeds / grades seem to suit different stones imho... Slow for harder stones; fine for softer.
|
|
unclesoska
freely admits to licking rocks
All those jade boulders tossed in search of gold!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 934
|
Post by unclesoska on Oct 30, 2016 14:13:11 GMT -5
Well, it only took 2 months of emails to the seller, but I finally have a new toy. I bought a "never been used" 8" Ameritool flat lap. I got it for what I think was a great price. I don't like buying used equipment, but I thought this was good since it hadn't been "used" yet. The seller included the receipt for when he purchased it - in 2006 (I obviously failed to ask when it was purchased and I was shocked it was so long ago)! I noticed it has a bit of a wobble when running, but the grinding surface seems flat. The wobble seems to be in the edges of the disc. So I hope this wasn't a bad decision! Anyways, I have some great preforms that Tela sent me so I guess I need to start getting to work. One quick question for other owners - what speed do you run your machine at? I couldn't find any information. Any other tips you would offer? Thanks! I don't have one of these machines, so what I'm about to say could be totally wrong. The 2 visible screws on the top front may need to be "screwed down" and by doing so may alleviate the "wobble" you mention. Are there screws on the top back? Just spitballin' here. I'm sure others will jump in to correct me.
|
|
unclesoska
freely admits to licking rocks
All those jade boulders tossed in search of gold!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 934
|
Post by unclesoska on Oct 30, 2016 14:22:59 GMT -5
I was totally wrong- the 2 screws on top are to raise or lower the black splash guard for individual preference.
|
|
ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
|
Post by ChicagoDave on Oct 30, 2016 14:42:38 GMT -5
I was able to look over everything today even better. I set a flat edge across the top of the black splash guard and adjusted the screws so the edge just cleared the disc. Spun everything by hand and there was no visible up/down movement. I checked all the way from front to back also. So, it appears the wobble is only a slightly out of round mounting disc and nothing that will cause an issue. I am quite happy about this!
Thanks for the info on the speed. I will play around and see what works best.
|
|
|
Post by Garage Rocker on Oct 30, 2016 20:04:42 GMT -5
I've got half a bucket of items waiting for a machine like that. It's on the list. Nice grab!
|
|
victor1941
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2011
Posts: 1,982
|
Post by victor1941 on Nov 5, 2016 21:14:43 GMT -5
I have used an Ameritool for 5 years and use a 60 or 80 grit for rough shaping with the speed set at the 9:00 position or 3/4 speed. Make sure to use plenty of water and have the disc balanced so there is no vibration when the ma
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on Nov 6, 2016 14:36:25 GMT -5
Wobble usually from backing plate or disc off centered on backing plate. They changed to a thinner backer a few years ago so now use 1/4" plexi disc. Yours likely has the thicker discs with grid work on bottom. If you buy new backers add a washer under mounting screw.
|
|
ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
|
Post by ChicagoDave on Nov 7, 2016 15:24:13 GMT -5
Thanks, johnjsgems. I sent an email to Ameritool asking about the wobble and any differences in the new machines from the one I purchased. They said nothing about the wobble and only said a new motor and drain design had been implemented. I used the 180 grit wheel to grind down some chips/scratches in rocks in my tumblers (9:00 position worked great Victor). It worked really well. I also glued a couple of preforms that Tela sent me to some aluminum rod and I'll try getting them to a final shape before moving to the Lot-O for polishing. I've been looking for videos showing how people create cabochons on flat discs but haven't turned up much info. Any links would be greatly appreciated.
|
|
|
Post by rockpickerforever on Nov 8, 2016 14:34:54 GMT -5
A little late, but let me comment on the wobble. I have an 8" Ameritool flat lap, have had it three or four year. I love it!
The wobble is definitely caused by the steel lap not being centered on the master lap. You can get the finer diamond grit paper ones off center easily, too. I don't know if it has changed or not, but used to be the center hole was not even cut out, you had to do that yourself!
The thin steel laps are attached to the master lap with a peel and stick adhesive (PSA). Depending on how long it has been installed off center, you may be able to leave it in the sun, or heat it up someway possibly, you could get it to slide into position? Jean
|
|