jone
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2023
Posts: 112
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Post by jone on Jan 6, 2024 22:49:40 GMT -5
Just got an 8” All U Need flat lap for Xmas and I have done a few flat surfaces of petrified wood for practice. Got through the 3000 disc and looked awesome but then tried polishing with the Tech-11 pad and 14,000 diamond paste that came with it and the rocks are less shiny afterwards. One you tuber (Rockhounding Life) mentioned that he rarely uses the pad and stops at 3000.
I searched the forum for this topic and could find little information.
Does this pad/paste need “breaking in” like I’ve read about for the other discs?
I am using the pad dry - stones get noticeably very warm - would some water help?
Any other thoughts?
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Post by jasoninsd on Jan 6, 2024 22:58:18 GMT -5
No! Don't use water on the pad with the diamond paste. You do need a lubricant on it though. There is a special kind you can buy for it...but I just use a couple "light" sprays of silicone. It's cheaper...and it works.
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jone
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2023
Posts: 112
|
Post by jone on Jan 6, 2024 23:13:33 GMT -5
No! Don't use water on the pad with the diamond paste. You do need a lubricant on it though. There is a special kind you can buy for it...but I just use a couple "light" sprays of silicone. It's cheaper...and it from the manual… “Using the Tech-11 polishing pad with water is not required because the diamond compound mixture contains its own carriers. However, if you are working with brittle, heat sensitive material, such as opal, be careful not to let your work piece overheat. To avoid overheating, use a very small amount of clean water to keep your work piece cool or simply lower the RPM to reduce heat buildup.” I know, I know…..throw the manual away…. I will try your suggestion! |
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Post by jasoninsd on Jan 6, 2024 23:24:47 GMT -5
No! Don't use water on the pad with the diamond paste. You do need a lubricant on it though. There is a special kind you can buy for it...but I just use a couple "light" sprays of silicone. It's cheaper...and it from the manual… “Using the Tech-11 polishing pad with water is not required because the diamond compound mixture contains its own carriers. However, if you are working with brittle, heat sensitive material, such as opal, be careful not to let your work piece overheat. To avoid overheating, use a very small amount of clean water to keep your work piece cool or simply lower the RPM to reduce heat buildup.” I know, I know…..throw the manual away…. I will try your suggestion! No...not "throw the manual away"...well...maybe kinda! LOL I just went and looked up the "technical" stuff that's recommended: Microsol Extender. (aka Extender Fluid) When I first started making cabs on the flat lap, I used diamond paste on a similar pad to the Tech-11. I did a bunch of checking, and I saw multiple references to people using a Silicone spray rather than the Extender fluid. So, that's the route I took as it's way cheaper! LOL Now I use Diamond Paste on a canvas pad. I bought a canvas "painting cloth"...and I just cut circles off that when I need to replace one. The only time I've needed to replace it was when I caught a pointed cab INTO the pad...totally my fault for not paying attention. I charge the canvas pad with the diamond paste...and then spray the Silicone on... |
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