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Post by tkrueger3 on Aug 9, 2010 18:30:08 GMT -5
Anyone know if there's a thread with something like a tutorial or brief instructions for building a flat lap? Here's the thing: I bought this old oak table that has a really good motor mounted under it, with the shaft up through the table top, and it had an 8" buffer pad mounted on the shaft (direct drive). The motor is a GE 1/3hp, continuous duty, 1725 rpm sweety. Runs very quietly, no play in the shaft. What I think I'd like to do is take what's there, and build a flat lap around it, on top of the table. Something like maybe a 12". Problem is, I've never even seen a flat lap, and don't have any idea how they are put together, what parts are hidden underneath, etc. What I need is guidance. :help: "HAAAALLLLLLPPPPP!!!! ?", they heard echoing off the ivy-covered walls of the staid old subdivision ..... Seriously, though, if someone can just point me to where I can read all about it, I'll be thrilled spitless. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D I took pictures of it, to the extent I was able: The motor plate: How the shaft comes up thru the table: The actual top part of the mount: The buffer that was attached to the shaft: Thanks for taking the time to read my plea! Tom
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Post by johnjsgems on Aug 9, 2010 19:59:40 GMT -5
If you want a steel lap plate to use with S/C you would need to belt drive to slow down. If you want to direct drive you would need diamond laps. I saw a set up for dry sanding using wood floor sanding discs. Looks like the buffer would work well as is. What size polish head? Since motor is 5/8"shaft you wouldn't be able to mount standard 8" laps without an adapter. If you want to direct drive 12"you would be probably looking at magnetic diamond laps. I don't know how long the motor would last with a 12"steel lap plate riding on the shaft. Looks like a nice buffer to me.
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Post by tkrueger3 on Aug 9, 2010 20:27:09 GMT -5
Thanks, John! There is room on the table to build a belt-drive rig, if only I knew how. I hadn't thought about the rpm's being too fast for a lap - it would need to be stepped down by about 1/2, right? Like a 2" pulley on the motor, and a 4" pulley on the lap. I'd want to go with something like a 12" lap, probably S/C cause they're cheaper. I'm guessing there would need to be some sort of catch basin underneath, then a base plate (are the S/C laps sticky-back or magnetic?) mounted in a bearing of some sort, then a variety of grits in S/C laps. I also am guessing that that sort of arrangement would need a water drip, or a hand-held squirt bottle, wouldn't it? That's easy enough to do. It also would need a splash shield to keep from throwing rock snot all over the garage, my car, etc. Maybe I'm biting off more than I can chew? Tom Oh - PS: The buffer wheel is an 8" - looks like an aluminum plate, with a bodacious mounting flange, and a padded buff that underneath the dried on rock snot appears to maybe be canvas? I imagine it is a pretty good buffer, but what I need more is a way to polish things like thunderegg halves, specimen slabs, etc. I can't do that with my Expando wheel, and that's the only sanding/grinding/polishing facility I have.
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Post by johnjsgems on Aug 9, 2010 21:58:15 GMT -5
The old laps had a machined flat steel disc and you used SC grit and a water drip. Speed has to be slow (400-600 rpm). A 4-7"guard around the lap will contain the mess. Cover the guard with newspaper and replace when cleaning between grits.
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Aug 10, 2010 10:37:20 GMT -5
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