geekynekoluv
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2023
Posts: 3
|
Post by geekynekoluv on Aug 12, 2023 13:01:59 GMT -5
Hi! I've been tasked with getting an old Hi-Tech Diamond flat lap up and running for a shared lapidary space I recently joined. I've been informed that all it needs is replacement discs and "an enclosure for ensuring it doesn't splash everywhere". The flat lap in question appears to be an older model of this product: hitechdiamond.com/collections/lap-machinesI'm attaching two pictures of our old model (which is clearly in dire need of some cleaning, lol.) Does anyone here recognize this model? I have two questions regarding it. First: Will the discs for the new model work on the old model? The product description indicates that it uses a 1/2" arbor, if that helps. If I have to measure our old model's arbor, how would I go about that? If the arbor is the same dimensions, then can I assume the new discs will work? I have contacted the company, but in the age of modern customer service, I am hedging my bets against potential unresponsiveness. Second, I believe the black, ring-shaped wall around the disc is a splash guard, and from the videos of the current model, I would imagine it should to a perfectly adequate job of preventing excessive splashing. Was the splash guard inadequate in this model or something? Does anyone know whether building an enclosure for it is even necessary? Thanks in advance for any help! —Aki photos.app.goo.gl/imXdoX7gLVZ4aPzv5photos.app.goo.gl/7gJRBM8QaYXmZ6so7
|
|
victor1941
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2011
Posts: 1,979
|
Post by victor1941 on Aug 12, 2023 14:49:05 GMT -5
Geeky, the arbor hole should be 1/2 inch which matches the standard discs on the market. The black rim catches the spray from cab processing and the disc stand holds a container that drips water onto the cutting surface. Check to make sure you have a catch basin for the spent water and ground rock. You also need to check to make sure the motor works. My guess the new shape is ergometrly friendly.
|
|
geekynekoluv
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2023
Posts: 3
|
Post by geekynekoluv on Aug 12, 2023 20:22:26 GMT -5
Thank you! I did notice that the new design has a tray specifically for putting a catch basin in. Looking at our old model, I'm not seeing a designated spot for a catch basin, so I'm assuming we'd just put one on or next to the base. So just to be clear, are you saying that you think our old model would indeed take the same 1/2" discs that are standard on the market these days? Everyone in the shared lapidary area seems to be under the impression that the motor works fine, so that at least should not be a problem, hopefully, lol. Thanks again for your response!
|
|
victor1941
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2011
Posts: 1,979
|
Post by victor1941 on Aug 12, 2023 21:23:24 GMT -5
Geeky, my Ameritool 8" flat lap has a plastic tube that extends out the side that drains the catch bowl. Make sure that you adjust the screws to get the proper height to catch the spray and also keep the drain tube cleaned on a regular basis to prevent overflow. 1/2" should fit your machine.
|
|
|
Post by hummingbirdstones on Aug 12, 2023 23:40:14 GMT -5
geekynekoluv I second everything that victor1941 said. I have one that is probably the same as Victor's. I just use a an old large plastic sour cream tub for it to drain into. I always hated using the water cup for the drip water because of refilling it so often, so a couple of years ago we sprang for the pressure tanks for our machines. They work a treat!
|
|
geekynekoluv
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2023
Posts: 3
|
Post by geekynekoluv on Aug 13, 2023 23:45:28 GMT -5
Thank you both! This is all great advice!
|
|