robertd
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2018
Posts: 10
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Post by robertd on Apr 27, 2020 14:13:10 GMT -5
Hey folks,
I find myself in back to fiddling with doing a bit more than just rock tumbling and collecting slabs and other rough. Given the quarantine and all that we are dealing with the excuse to break back into hobbies is hitting me after a back log of working far too much over the last year or so. At any rate, I've decided I am going to invest in or make (debating home brew vs just spending a few bucks on a basic machine from Kingsley-North) a flat lap, most likely a horizontal one since that seems for what I want to do most practical. My interests lie mainly in making jewelry sized appropriate cabs and small intarsia work.
So my question is what is the practical difference between the 6" and the 8" lap setups for basic work? I am leaning towards a 6" machine since I have about 15 or 16 6" diamond disc laps I got in an equipment trade awhile back as part of a bundle but it's not something I am dead set on.
Given I will open up that cob-webbed and quite the chained pit of my wallet to shell out for some new gear I was curious what folks have to say in using the machines and more importantly for those who have used both what they prefer and why.
Thanks for the replies folks...
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Post by Rockoonz on Apr 27, 2020 15:10:12 GMT -5
2 thoughts. Go big or go home: 6 inch bases and laps will easily mount to a 8 inch machine, but the reverse is not true. If it is possible that you will outgrow 6 inches it is just logical to start with the capacity to upgrade. The KISS system should not apply to home made things lapidary: "Keep It Simple" usually ends up being "Seep It Sketchy". Home made and factory built horizontal direct drive laps with the motor bearings supporting the platter and the motor right where the water would like to go are always that tool you find last when doing inventory on a rock estate (I've done many). It's buried deep on a shelf with all the junk parts and broken machines they abandoned early into the game. Ironically, they are also the first to sell to some newby who thinks they're getting a deal. If you must build one or buy one a belt drive with the motor away from the tub is the only way to go with a horizontal unit. Older ones from Covingtom, Sear, Wards, and a plethora of manufacturers with the aluminum tubs are a great choice and usually quite affordable. Too far away for either of us, but this is what I'm talking about, and about the coolest version I have ever seen. www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Lapidary-Table-Saw/193439001199?hash=item2d09dcea6f:g:6CYAAOSw3AdemJUF
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robertd
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2018
Posts: 10
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Post by robertd on Apr 27, 2020 15:30:30 GMT -5
Yes I have pondered just how long those machines survive was a question in my mind. Makes me wonder if the Slant style Lap I have seen would be worth it given the water issues. I hadn't really noticed any current production laps using a belt drive but I suppose that is mostly from not paying attention to the expensive machines.
I do admit that the lower bar entry with either the Ameritool or Hi-Viz machines Kingsley-North is selling currently had caught my eye and in fact they seem quite similar.
Part of it too is if I am going to manage to have the patience to find a better machine. I've been keeping on eye on Craigslist among other spots but nothing really had struck me as being worth grabbing in my area and it seems the local club here disappeared for all intents and purposes. The local Jr College had some short lapidary classes but obviously they have been cancelled so that route into my fellow rockhounds seems to be out of reach just now.
I do love that antique tool but I shudder to think what it weights even if the owner was willing to ship it.
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Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Apr 27, 2020 19:23:56 GMT -5
We both really like our 8" Hi-Tech flat laps. If you put a 6" lap on it actually allows you to work the edge of the lap more easily.
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robertd
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2018
Posts: 10
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Post by robertd on Apr 30, 2020 5:27:00 GMT -5
We both really like our 8" Hi-Tech flat laps. If you put a 6" lap on it actually allows you to work the edge of the lap more easily. Out of curiosity what type of Masters plates does the Hi-Tech use? I have seen the descriptions state it can't use steel laps so what are you using Aluminium Masters, Corian, Acrylic or something else?
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Post by Rockoonz on Apr 30, 2020 20:52:18 GMT -5
We both really like our 8" Hi-Tech flat laps. If you put a 6" lap on it actually allows you to work the edge of the lap more easily. Out of curiosity what type of Masters plates does the Hi-Tech use? I have seen the descriptions state it can't use steel laps so what are you using Aluminium Masters, Corian, Acrylic or something else? Can't speak for hi tech for sure, but Ameritool laps use acrylic master laps.
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robertd
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2018
Posts: 10
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Post by robertd on May 1, 2020 1:40:23 GMT -5
Do the acrylic masters have an issue with hard material like say carbide tooling? or say Ruby? I doubt I would do any super hard gemstone material but if I can adapt the lap to sharpen carbide gravers that would be quite welcome. I have a fair stash of 6" diamond discs just for that but I hadn't gotten around to making a dedicated hone/sharpener yet, so my hope is whatever flat lap I get can be adapted for dual duty.
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Post by Rockoonz on May 1, 2020 9:41:41 GMT -5
Do the acrylic masters have an issue with hard material like say carbide tooling? or say Ruby? I doubt I would do any super hard gemstone material but if I can adapt the lap to sharpen carbide gravers that would be quite welcome. I have a fair stash of 6" diamond discs just for that but I hadn't gotten around to making a dedicated hone/sharpener yet, so my hope is whatever flat lap I get can be adapted for dual duty. The master laps are meant to have a diamond lap on top of them so carbide should not be a problem other than hot bits sticking to the plastic tub of the lap unit if you run it dry.
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robertd
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2018
Posts: 10
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Post by robertd on May 1, 2020 16:08:41 GMT -5
I am probably going to just order a 8" lap from Kingsley-North though other than the price difference I am not sure I see much practical difference between the Ameritech vs the Hi-Tech per say. Does are there any practical pro/con's between the two?
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Post by rockpickerforever on May 1, 2020 16:30:43 GMT -5
I have the 8 inch Ameritech, and I love it. I especially like it's compactness, and that it doesn't make a mess. rockjunquie has the same, as do quite a few RTHlings.
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Post by rockjunquie on May 1, 2020 16:52:31 GMT -5
Yes, the 8" Ameritool, is a good option. Mine has taken a beating.
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Post by Rockoonz on May 2, 2020 10:42:54 GMT -5
Between the 2 I would take Ameritool hands down, but I have been acquainted with the owner for years from all the shows they do. They are made in USA too if that makes a difference.
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Post by rockjunquie on May 2, 2020 15:06:56 GMT -5
Between the 2 I would take Ameritool hands down, but I have been acquainted with the owner for years from all the shows they do. They are made in USA too if that makes a difference. I should have mentioned that they have excellent customer service, too. And, yes to me it did matter that it was made in the US.
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Post by hummingbirdstones on May 2, 2020 15:35:56 GMT -5
I think the Ameritool and Hi-Tech are pretty much even in performance. I have the Hi-Tech -- it was the first machine I ever bought to work stones and I've been using it for over 20 years. Never had a problem with it. It takes the acrylic master laps, but we also have a steel master that I use with metal diamond toppers and it works fine even with the additional weight on it.
The Ameritool was not out yet when I bought my machine, so I don't have any experience with it. The people who do have them really like them, tho.
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Post by knave on May 2, 2020 15:41:00 GMT -5
If it’s not too much bother, can we show side by side links or pics? I think I know what machines these are, just want to be sure.
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Post by opalpyrexia on May 2, 2020 17:55:53 GMT -5
If it’s not too much bother, can we show side by side links or pics? I think I know what machines these are, just want to be sure.
Here's my Ameritool 8" next to the Hi-Tech 8" —
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Post by knave on May 2, 2020 17:57:39 GMT -5
Thank you Gary!
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