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Post by rockjunquie on Sept 24, 2017 22:35:42 GMT -5
I have 2 8" flat laps to replace for my Ameritool. They are the coarse metal laps 80 and 220. I need to remove the old ones. How in the world is the best way to do it? I don't want to fork out another 50 bucks for new backers. Do I need to buy a heat gun? Do I cut the old lap up on the backing and peel it off? Inquiring minds need to know.
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Post by Pat on Sept 24, 2017 23:50:06 GMT -5
Does it say in the user manual? Is there a user manual??
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Post by rockjunquie on Sept 25, 2017 0:48:51 GMT -5
Does it say in the user manual? Is there a user manual?? No, it doesn't say and there isn't much of one, either. I did write to them, though. Waiting to hear back. It's gonna be tough getting that thing off. |
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Post by Pat on Sept 25, 2017 8:24:17 GMT -5
Could you glue the new one over the old one?
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Post by rockpickerforever on Sept 25, 2017 8:55:47 GMT -5
I also have an 8" Ameritool lap. I remove the metal laps plates (from the master lap) using a straight edged putty knife that has had an edge put on it. I work the sharp edge under the thin metal plate from the side, lifting it up. Once I get it started, I use a screwdriver or the like to help pry it up.
Once it is off, you will need to use some kind of solvent (MEK, acetone, etc.) to remove the glue residue which is most likely present, before installing the new lap.
Pat - you have to remove the old laps, can't apply new ones on top of them. The reason being, even though they are thin, the added height is a problem for the guard enclosing the machine. It can be lifted up some, using the adjustment screws, but it is not really practical.
ETA - The top of the lap has to be below the level of the guard/ shroud, or you'll be getting a shower from the cooling water. |
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Post by rockjunquie on Sept 25, 2017 9:13:58 GMT -5
I also have an 8" Ameritool lap. I remove the metal laps plates (from the master lap) using a straight edged putty knife that has had an edge put on it. I work the sharp edge under the thin metal plate from the side, lifting it up. Once I get it started, I use a screwdriver or the like to help pry it up.
Once it is off, you will need to use some kind of solvent (MEK, acetone, etc.) to remove the glue residue which is most likely present, before installing the new lap.
Pat - you have to remove the old laps, can't apply new ones on top of them. The reason being, even though they are thin, the added height is a problem for the guard enclosing the machine. It can be lifted up some, using the adjustment screws, but it is not really practical.
ETA - The top of the lap has to be below the level of the guard/ shroud, or you'll be getting a shower from the cooling water. Thanks, Jean! But, I was afraid someone would say that. LOL!!!! I was hoping for EZ.  I was looking at those rope saws on amazon. Thought one of those might work to get under it, too. |
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Post by rockpickerforever on Sept 25, 2017 9:24:53 GMT -5
It's not that hard! Stand the lap on edge on a firm surface, and insert the sharpened edge of the putty knife between the master lap and the metal topper. It will easily slide right in and start lifting it. Maybe get your DH to help you. (I know how you feel about that  but someone holding the lap on edge, and someone pushing the sharpened putty knife down would be safer.) |
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Post by rockjunquie on Sept 26, 2017 18:37:12 GMT -5
It's not that hard! Stand the lap on edge on a firm surface, and insert the sharpened edge of the putty knife between the master lap and the metal topper. It will easily slide right in and start lifting it. Maybe get your DH to help you. (I know how you feel about that but someone holding the lap on edge, and someone pushing the sharpened putty knife down would be safer.) I heard back from Ameritool. They agree with you.  They also said to soak it in hot water first. I think my son and I can try tomorrow. |
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QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on Sept 27, 2017 0:19:36 GMT -5
I've never tried removing the topper laps from the Ameritool plastic master laps but I've removed lots from metal master laps (like the Crystalite "Standard" grade laps) by wrapping them in aluminum foil in pairs and placing them in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 225 degrees F. Then using oven or kiln mitts take them out and use the edge of a cheap grade wood working chisel to pry the topper off. Let the master lap cool and then use a strong semi-paste paint stripper like Strypeeze (not the biodegradable crap) to dissolve the remaining adhesive. Then use lacquer thinner and a medium grade steel wool to clean them up. You can then ad a new topper lap, or a sponge rubber disc and canvas resin pad, or a felt polishing pad to the aluminum master lap and reuse it. I don't know if the plastic master laps on the Ameritool laps could take the heat and chemicals of that process but if not, and if you can't find a way to get the topper off then heating it in the oven might be worth a try. Ameritool may not use as stubborn of an adhesive as Crystalllite and Raytech do.
Larry C.
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I was looking at those rope saws on amazon. Thought one of those might work to get under it, too. 
but someone holding the lap on edge, and someone pushing the sharpened putty knife down would be safer.)
They also said to soak it in hot water first. I think my son and I can try tomorrow.
