hypodactylus
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2021
Posts: 467
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Post by hypodactylus on Jan 21, 2022 14:22:02 GMT -5
I am wondering if anyone around here has experience with, or opinions on the Diamond Pacific 8RL Rotary Lap (Link). I am trying to decide between it and an Ameritool Rotary Lap (Link). I want a no center hole setup, so I would be attempting a 'conversion' on the Ameritool with a 'no-hole' master lap; still to be determined if this is a possibility. Anyhow, just looking for some input from anyone on the 8RL or the feasibility of a 'no-hole' setup on the Ameritool. Thank you!
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rewdownunder
spending too much on rocks
Member since March 2012
Posts: 357
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Post by rewdownunder on Jan 21, 2022 15:06:54 GMT -5
I have used the Diamond Pacific 8" as a demo unit for about eight hours total at our club shop to polish small to medium slabs. It works great, fast and easy to use. Discs last a long time but are expensive. I think you could use any no hole mag laps on it. Heavy construction but it is single speed.
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hypodactylus
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2021
Posts: 467
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Post by hypodactylus on Jan 21, 2022 17:00:38 GMT -5
Excellent, thank you for the response!
I am a little bit uncertain about the single speed aspect; do you feel like the speed was too slow?
Also, how do you feel about the amount of noise it makes? People seem to indicate that the Ameritool is not noisy, but I'm not sure about the Diamond Pacific.
Thanks again!
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rewdownunder
spending too much on rocks
Member since March 2012
Posts: 357
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Post by rewdownunder on Jan 21, 2022 19:23:52 GMT -5
The speed is great for grinding but I like to have more control when it comes final polish. I was thinking of making one with a DC motor and speed control unit. I have all the parts but just need someone weld it up for me. When covid is not so bad and the snow is gone I will be in Minnesota where my father in law can do the welding for me. I do like a slanted lap for doing slabs and no hole is the way go for larger pieces. I will also add a small pump for water supply as I do not care for the overhead drip system. Do not remember noise being a problem at all.
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vwfence
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2013
Posts: 564
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Post by vwfence on Jan 25, 2022 13:46:24 GMT -5
i made a flat lap {?} from a variable speed car buffer and misc scrap parts and use 7 inch diamond pads on it
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Post by holajonathan on Jan 29, 2022 20:18:01 GMT -5
I know nothing about the DP unit, although everything they make is high quality, with a price to match.
I've only had my Ameritool 8" lap for a few months, but I love it. It is plenty powerful, very quite, easy to clean, and the variable speed is a must for me, as I go slow when using it to polish.
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hypodactylus
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2021
Posts: 467
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Post by hypodactylus on Jan 29, 2022 21:50:57 GMT -5
I was interested in the Diamond Pacific, but the price was a bit too steep. I wish it had variable speed. They told me that it spins clockwise, which seems backwards to me; however, maybe that is not a big deal.
I ended up buying an Ameritool lap; it seems nicely built. Excited to try using it.
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Post by holajonathan on Jan 29, 2022 22:44:10 GMT -5
I was interested in the Diamond Pacific, but the price was a bit too steep. I wish it had variable speed. They told me that it spins clockwise, which seems backwards to me; however, maybe that is not a big deal. I ended up buying an Ameritool lap; it seems nicely built. Excited to try using it. Good choice. I think you'll like it.
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vwfence
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2013
Posts: 564
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Post by vwfence on Jan 31, 2022 8:52:46 GMT -5
Jonathon are you interested in building one that is crude but works ? Opps this is someone elses thread . I built one for about 150 dollars
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Post by Rockoonz on Jan 31, 2022 10:26:01 GMT -5
I think you are comparing two entirely different machines. If I could only have one, and I had the cash for either, DP wins. I have used the Ameritool, club has one and my intarsia teacher used them. They are well built, and the current $100 off promotion makes them a pretty good deal. I have a faceting machine, which is horizontal, and my Sesona grinder, which is vertical. Logic, my logic anyway, screams that I must have a slanted machine. rewdownunder if you were in the greater Phoenix area I could help fab up a frame. I haven't drawn up mine yet but I would definitely prefer a round tub to a square one like the DP, crud is harder to clean out of corners. Some type of pivot to allow for flat or slanted use is also a consideration, but may add an unnecessary level of complex for most people.
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hypodactylus
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2021
Posts: 467
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Post by hypodactylus on Jan 31, 2022 11:54:38 GMT -5
Jonathon are you interested in building one that is crude but works ? Opps this is someone elses thread . I built one for about 150 dollars Not sure who you are directing this at, but you don't need to worry about thread 'ownership'; any and all related discussion is welcome in any thread I happen to start! Making your own sounds like an interesting project!
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Post by holajonathan on Feb 1, 2022 2:34:00 GMT -5
I think you are comparing two entirely different machines. If I could only have one, and I had the cash for either, DP wins. I have used the Ameritool, club has one and my intarsia teacher used them. They are well built, and the current $100 off promotion makes them a pretty good deal. I have a faceting machine, which is horizontal, and my Sesona grinder, which is vertical. Logic, my logic anyway, screams that I must have a slanted machine. rewdownunder if you were in the greater Phoenix area I could help fab up a frame. I haven't drawn up mine yet but I would definitely prefer a round tub to a square one like the DP, crud is harder to clean out of corners. Some type of pivot to allow for flat or slanted use is also a consideration, but may add an unnecessary level of complex for most people. I agree they are very different animals. The Ameritool is a great all-around lapidary tool, especially with the variable speed. The DP slat lap looks like a commercial grade machine. The Ameritool is not nearly as stout, but I don't have and complaints about how it works. I would describe the Ameritool as having just enough power. The DP unit might have more power. If I could only have one, it would be the Ameritool for the flexibility that variable speed offers when polishing. Polishing isn't the number one reason to get a flap lap, however. Can't go wrong with either option, I suppose.
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Post by holajonathan on Feb 1, 2022 12:22:57 GMT -5
Wayne ( vwfence) emailed me a few photos of his angle-grinder converted lap. I will post them here and in the DIY section for anyone who may stumble upon this thread and be looking for an affordable DIY option.
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