huskeric
spending too much on rocks
Member since May 2016
Posts: 353
|
Post by huskeric on Mar 17, 2017 14:34:42 GMT -5
I am getting to where a flat lap would be a nice thing to have. I have watched the videos, etc. for these, and wondered if anyone has done this? I like this idea for a few reasons:
1) I already have a router, and it's been around long enough that if something happened to it, I would be OK. 2) It's designed to be mounted to a router table, so I could make a mounting plate that would make it easier to get on/off the table. 3) It's variable speed 4) It has a locking spindle that would make mounting wheels a LOT easier 5) I don't have to do any electrical work and mount a switch or anything, just plug it in and use the trigger/lock
Basically, I would find an arbor to put into the chuck of the router and use it as a direct-drive tool. the flat lap itself would be the same kind of configuration as many have created on these boards.
The downsides of this (at least the ones I can think of) are: 1) It will be loud, really loud. 2) It might spin 10x faster than I want it to, even lowering the RPMs to their minimum 3) The potential for getting shocked will be greater, since it is direct-drive and any water would go right where it shouldn't.
If this is stupid, I don't mind being told so. Thanks!
|
|
zarguy
fully equipped rock polisher
Cedar City, Utah - rockhound heaven!
Member since December 2005
Posts: 1,791
|
Post by zarguy on Mar 17, 2017 14:46:04 GMT -5
The 2 main issues I see are: Cut down the speed even more, closer to what lapidary requires, that may also cut down on the noise. Rheostat or other electronic hack? Isolate it from the water. Maybe running it an an angle like a Slant-Cabber would help keep water from the motor.
Solve those 2 & it may work out. Lynn
|
|
NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
|
Post by NDK on Mar 17, 2017 16:15:34 GMT -5
I'm all for repurposing things, and think Lynn has some good points, but a quick Google search says a router spins around 18,000 rpm. I'm thinking the $ you'd spend to slow that down 90% would be better spent on a regular 1/3 hp motor. I see them cheap at my local restore often.
Just my 2¢ worth. It's a simple & economical piece of equipment to build. You'll enjoy it immensely. Good luck!
|
|
Tommy
Administrator
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,652
|
Post by Tommy on Mar 17, 2017 21:42:58 GMT -5
I agree with NDK - not to be a wet blanket but a router spins waay too fast for any practical application. Any platform you had rotating that fast would become a lethal projectile if it came loose LOL.
If you used it as a motor with an arbor to pulley/belt slow it down - again the drive pulley would have to be huge and I suck at math so don't ask "how huge" lol. Again, lethal projectile.
Might as well get a cheap motor on craigslist and start of fresh.
|
|
inbtb
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2016
Posts: 351
|
Post by inbtb on Mar 17, 2017 22:39:04 GMT -5
Using 18000 rpm with 1.5 inch driven pulley to get your flat lap down to 1000 rpm you would need a 27 inch driven pulley. This is according to my RPM/Pulley calculator program. I spin my 6 inch gem lap at about 1100 rpm according to the calculator.
|
|
|
Post by spiceman on Mar 17, 2017 23:31:05 GMT -5
Using a router is creative but saftey is number one. Way too fast for a flat lap. You could rig up a variant but a different motor might be faster for you to get it working.
|
|
Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
|
Post by Fossilman on Mar 18, 2017 9:37:18 GMT -5
I totally say,"Don't even try it"......Wood equipment is totally set up different than rock equipment,with RPM's and the way they are crafted...
|
|
vwfence
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2013
Posts: 557
|
Post by vwfence on Apr 5, 2017 0:23:58 GMT -5
I am in the process of building a flat lap from a cheap auto buffer / polisher, a steel post mount for a deck , apiece of vinyl decking and a set of 7 inch diamond pads
|
|
kevin24018
spending too much on rocks
Member since February 2012
Posts: 284
|
Post by kevin24018 on May 8, 2017 10:06:44 GMT -5
there are some variable speed routers on Ebay, if the price is right.......car buffers too, but the most concerning issue is protecting from water, I think you can find one or the other with the correct speed.
|
|