Refurbishing Diamond Wheels

I like this idea. I think I'm going to try it on my 400 grit belt. Its pretty worn out and a new one would be at least $85. This would be much cheaper, Thanks for posting this.

This is a great post, thank you akansan for referring me to this!

One question I have is that this process here is described for refurbishing "diamond wheels", but what about the disk type wheels for a "flat lap", would this procedure work similarly to the "verticle wheel" type of wheels you guys are using?

Also, is this method strictly for "refinishing" a diamond wheel, or can it also be used to "create one" from scratch?

What would happen if you were to simply use an old spent 8" diamond saw blade (or any "other" round steel, wood or glass disk for that matter) and coat one side of the blade with this mixture, would it create a "suitible" flat lap wheel? Could you even "recoat" a "grinding wheel" with this diamond mixture technique?

Sorry if these questions sound as if they have "obvious" answers, I'm a real "newbie", and I"m currently building a "flat lap", for which I'll have to eventually "purchase" the wheels for, and since I have all the ingredients for a "makeshift" wheel, why not make some wheels if it "is" possible since I have the grit, epoxy, and round steel disks, it sure would save some money if it was possible! I could at least "create" the flat lap diamond wheels I happen to have the grit for already, and purchase the rest of the ones I need.

Also, is this proceedure strictly used for "diamond wheel" resurfacing, or can it be used with a "polishing compound" as well?

Thanks in advance for your answers and for putting up with a newbie!

Chris

I am thinking about making copper or zinc cabbing wheels that can be charged with diamond. Pretty expensive to make, but easy to recharge with diamond and doesnt use much grit at all.

Hi.
Now that a year has passed, can you give us an update on how well they held up, etc?
Thanks!
Phil

I guess I better fess up. I have re-furbished my Nova Wheels using the same method described by HPD. The re-furbished wheels have held up pretty well. I am guessing that I used the wheels for more than a year (I am not a heavy use cabber, at least I don't think so). I have recently re-re-furbished the 280 and the 600 grit wheels.

I use about 5 carats of powder and have learned to apply thin and even coats. I don't take the wheels off the Genie.

I have found that:
1). Applying thin coats is the key. You may have to re-coat more frequently, but you don't have to worry about spinning the wheels as the epoxy dries as frequently, if at all.

2). Apply even coats - having a bumpy wheel is like driving down a bumpy road - very annoying.

On the plus side, re-furbishing the wheels costs about $10 each compared to the cost a new Nova wheel. I figured if I screwed up the Nova wheel, I could alway buy new ones (yes, I am frugal).

is there a big difference between real diamond powder and manufactured diamond powder used for recoating wheels?

Marine Dad, the argument goes like this. The natural diamond guys say their stuff cuts better, lasts longer. The synthetic guys say since their product is manufactured the particle size is more consistent. You would have to try both to know if it makes a difference but I think Dr. Joe is probably right.

Jadecarver.com has the best price I've found - 0.40 per carat, but requires a 100 ct minimum order - $40. You can order different grits to make the 100 ct minimum.

He doesn't have as many grits as the seller above. I used 300 grit to refurb my 280 grit wheel.

He doesn't list all of the grits he has & his prices have changed, so you'll need to email or call him.

Lynn
(edit 11.5.17) I've found much cheaper prices on eBay - .28 (that's 28 cents) per carat or less.

Looks like I'm gonna have to try this with some carbide belts.