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Post by greig on Jul 23, 2020 13:42:43 GMT -5
I am trying to remove the wheel marks on an agate with my flat lap. I bought it used with some disks and find that it will be a month before I can get replacement disks delivered. Either my coarse grit blades are worn out or the the diamonds are clogged (as I am not making much progress on the agate). I know with my saw to cut a brick to clean the diamonds. Anybody have any advice for a flat lap wheel?
Update: I turned on the lap and tried a wire brush with brass bristles. Seemed to clean the diamonds a little bit but also smeared "gold" onto the agate. I am sure that will wear off.
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pizzano
Cave Dweller 
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on Jul 23, 2020 16:52:40 GMT -5
I was given some tips by the Covington Engineering folks related to freshening up and cleaning the diamond faceting discs I use to rough grind and shape my stones prior to Vibe cycles.
Glass.....I use clear discarded jars. Wrapped within a towel, give a wack or two to break into large pieces. Run the discs at normal operating speeds, apply moisture (I use water to grind) and grind the glass as you would a stone you're working on (wear a glove and eye protection)........rotating around the disc in various directions. Do this a couple of times for just a few minutes each time..........spray/wash the disc completely after grinding........You might be surprised just how well this works even for "down to the last diamond" the disc may be............It has worked for me on every 60, 80, 120 and 220 disc I own. Helps prolong the life of the disc too....!
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Post by rockjunquie on Jul 23, 2020 18:07:53 GMT -5
You can use a piece of obsidian, too. It's glass.
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jul 23, 2020 19:05:29 GMT -5
I have heard of folks on the faceting forums who put their laps in the dishwasher and run them through a cycle to clean the swarf off. I've never tried it.
I will usually scrub a disc with a nail brush and clean water after I use it and then spin it dry so the swarf doesn't solidify in between the diamonds. |
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Post by stardiamond on Jul 23, 2020 20:07:51 GMT -5
I have a couple no hole end laps. All my grinding is done using a lot of water and my laps and wheels stay clean.
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Post by Pat on Jul 23, 2020 21:54:23 GMT -5
I have heard of folks on the faceting forums who put their laps in the dishwasher and run them through a cycle to clean the swarf off. I've never tried it.
I will usually scrub a disc with a nail brush and clean water after I use it and then spin it dry so the swarf doesn't solidify in between the diamonds. I just learned a new word. Swarf. I think I have swarf on my kitchen floor in the corners. |
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jul 23, 2020 22:04:24 GMT -5
I have heard of folks on the faceting forums who put their laps in the dishwasher and run them through a cycle to clean the swarf off. I've never tried it.
I will usually scrub a disc with a nail brush and clean water after I use it and then spin it dry so the swarf doesn't solidify in between the diamonds. I just learned a new word. Swarf. I think I have swarf on my kitchen floor in the corners. Don't we all, Pat, don't we all.  |
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Post by knave on Jul 23, 2020 22:04:52 GMT -5
I’m afraid swarf is collecting between my ears this year
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Post by greig on Jul 24, 2020 14:07:15 GMT -5
Nice. Glass or obsidian sounds like a plan. I might use the idea in a video if it works so others can learn. Thanks for the help. I think I have silver swarf clogging the diamonds. And swarf is a real term. Love it.
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller
Member since June 2011
Posts: 4,060 
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Post by gemfeller on Jul 24, 2020 14:18:06 GMT -5
Nice. Glass or obsidian sounds like a plan. I might use the idea in a video if it works so others can learn. Thanks for the help. I think I have silver swarf clogging the diamonds. And swarf is a real term. Love it. Yes, swarf is a commonly-used term in faceting and other lapidary usages. An old facetor's method of removing it when embedded in diamond grit is to soak the lap in hot water, then to scrub it with Lava soap and a stiff (plastic) bristle brush. The method has worked for me many times. This is recommended for metal laps only. |
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pizzano
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on Jul 24, 2020 14:24:28 GMT -5
Nice. Glass or obsidian sounds like a plan. I might use the idea in a video if it works so others can learn. Thanks for the help. I think I have silver swarf clogging the diamonds. And swarf is a real term. Love it. If it is successful for ya and a video is published, I'll defer my stipend to the RTH Tumbling Foundation.........  |
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