meta7
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2010
Posts: 164
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Post by meta7 on Sept 21, 2010 13:17:05 GMT -5
I just bought a used 18" vibrating lap. It has 2 pans: one has a criss-cross indented pattern on it, the other is smooth. It came with 2 pads, but one is ripped and they are probably both contaminated (grit-wise). My questions: 1. Do I use the criss-cross pan for the grits (80, 220, 600) and the smooth one for the polish? 2. What are the pads for (do I use them only with the polish or for all of the grits?) 3. What inexpensive readily available material (such as from Home Depot) can I use to make new pads? 4. How much grit do I use with an 18" pan? Thanks, Dave
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Post by jakesrocks on Sept 21, 2010 15:05:25 GMT -5
# 1--- Yes. # 2 ---New polishing pads are available from Kingsley North. Pg 38, item 3 in the catalog. I'd throw the old pads away, as they may be contaminated. # 3 --- See # 2 # 4 --- You'll need to experiment, and see what works best for you. A vibrating lap is not one that you just turn on and forget about. Check the water in the pan often, as it will splash out and evaporate. Is your Vibro Lap an old Highland Park model, or a newer Diamond Pacific ? Diamond Pacific bought the patterns and rights to the older Highland Park equipment. With very few changes, the new Vibro Lap is The same as the old one. Parts are interchangeable. The felt polishing pads come glued to a galvanized steel backing. If you wanted to try making your own polishing pad, I'd suggest buying a yard of the material they use to line the outside cabinets on travel trailers and motor homes. I've used it for polishing discs, and it works and lasts good. You should be able to get it from a place that does RV repairs. Don
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meta7
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2010
Posts: 164
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Post by meta7 on Sept 21, 2010 15:18:01 GMT -5
I don't understand what the criss-cross surface is for if you are going to put a polishing pad over it?
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Post by jakesrocks on Sept 21, 2010 15:36:31 GMT -5
If you have the machine I think you do, The pan with the criss-cross pattern is used for the grinding and sanding stages. The smooth pan is used with the polish pad. They should stack on the machine with the smooth pan sitting a few inches above the patterned pan. If you have the Kingsley North or Diamond Pacific catalogs, check out the Vibro Laps. You'll be able to see what I'm talking about. If you contact Diamond Pacific, they may send you an instruction booklet for the machine. Don
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Post by johnjsgems on Sept 21, 2010 20:15:36 GMT -5
Yes, the criss cross patterned pan is for grinding. It allows the slurry to move under the rocks. Machine needs to be level. Slurry should be on thick side to cut down on splashing. Leave the 60/90 for the tumbler. Start with a straight 220 or 120/220. The coarser grits wear out the pans too fast. The pads are used for polish only. They are usually felt but I think carpet would work ok. 20" Rociprolap pads are around $20 so a scrap of carpet would be worth a try. You also have to weigh down slabs or small rocks. Larger rocks are ok without. Small stuff bounces on surface and doesn't stay in contact. You should have a bumper ring around the outside edge. I made individual bumpers for the rocks out of scrap tubing to prevent rocks banging together and chipping. Grind around edges before you start if you can (a slight bevel). It helps to prevent pieces breaking off the edges and causing scratches in later steps. Wash the grinding pan between grit steps.
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adrian65
Cave Dweller
Arch to golden memories and to great friends.
Member since February 2007
Posts: 10,787
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Post by adrian65 on Sept 21, 2010 22:14:08 GMT -5
Could you please tell me which is the power of the motor?
Thank you, Adrian
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Post by johnjsgems on Sept 21, 2010 23:27:33 GMT -5
Adrian, I don't know` about the 18" but Diamond Pacific uses a 1/3 hp on the larger laps (20" & 27").
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adrian65
Cave Dweller
Arch to golden memories and to great friends.
Member since February 2007
Posts: 10,787
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Post by adrian65 on Sept 22, 2010 9:27:49 GMT -5
Thank you John!
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Post by jakesrocks on Sept 22, 2010 9:48:24 GMT -5
Diamond Pacific hasn't changed much on their laps. Just added expanded metal guards around the bottom of the unit. My old Highland Park 20" came with a 1/3 hp. motor. Don
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Post by Rockoonz on Oct 18, 2010 23:40:46 GMT -5
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bschultz
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2004
Posts: 234
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Post by bschultz on Oct 31, 2010 17:11:30 GMT -5
I just bought a 20" Loretone vibrating flat lap and was wondering how much grit to use. 1/2 cup? 1/4 cup? Perhaps a certain depth in the pan? I'm familiar with lapidary but I have never used a flat lap. Any tips would be much appreciated.
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snuffy
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2009
Posts: 4,319
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Post by snuffy on Oct 31, 2010 17:40:45 GMT -5
Bob,I've got the instruction and parts list for the 20, and it says to use graded 220 in the first coarse,8 tablespoons. Graded 600 for the second,8 tbsp, tin oxide polish,2 or 3 tbsp.The mixture of grit to water should be like pancake batter,will have to add water as it evaporates.
snuffy
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bschultz
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2004
Posts: 234
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Post by bschultz on Nov 1, 2010 11:44:44 GMT -5
Thanks for the reply snuffy. That info helps alot.
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Post by johnjsgems on Nov 1, 2010 17:01:19 GMT -5
A lot of lappers use graded grit but I've heard just as many that use ungraded successfully as well. Always start with a medium grit (220 or 120/220). 60/90 will wear the pans out too fast and 220 will remove saw marks pretty quickly anyway. Always weigh down slabs and lighter pieces.
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