bills
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since March 2016
Posts: 93 
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Post by bills on Mar 24, 2016 20:44:17 GMT -5
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,718
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Post by Fossilman on Mar 25, 2016 9:49:19 GMT -5
SCORE!!!!!!!!! Nice to get equipment like that for a few coins...
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bills
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since March 2016
Posts: 93
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Post by bills on Mar 28, 2016 22:34:31 GMT -5
I am starting a class on faceting in the next few weeks at the Fallbrook Gem and Mineral Society.
Look. like it will be a challenge.
If I progress I will be looking for faceting head for my new toy.
bill
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Post by 150FromFundy on Mar 29, 2016 16:36:30 GMT -5
The protractor (facet attachment) is the expensive part. However, you got a real good deal on an 8" flat lap until you find one.
How many disks did you get. They are also expensive. For faceting, you need rigid "sintered" diamond disks. The peel and stick pressure adhesive sanding disks won't do.
Darryl.
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bills
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since March 2016
Posts: 93
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Post by bills on Mar 29, 2016 17:29:11 GMT -5
I got 1 worn out 600 disc and 3-6" curved disks.
I plan on using it as a lap grinder I just ordered some overlay disks to try it out.
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Post by 150FromFundy on Mar 29, 2016 18:41:29 GMT -5
For a flat lap, the overlays are fine. Not so for something as precise as faceting. You will need a couple of coarse disks for the initial sanding. I spend most of my time on an #80 then a #180 to remove saw marks. I then move on to a #260, then the #600. It's a big leap between the #260 and the #600, so I wish I had something half way between. I finish with a #1200 then move on to diamond paste on felt disks. Your flat lap disks should essentially match the standard grit sizes that are found on an arbour grinder "cabbing" machine.
It's a lot harder to finish "flats" than a domed cabochon. Get a good light, a 10X loupe and be patient. You will gain a whole new appreciation for scratch removal.
Darryl.
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Post by Rockoonz on Mar 29, 2016 23:06:33 GMT -5
I turned an old faceter into an intarsia maker, the base for the mast is a good place to attach a 90 degree fixture for good glue joints.
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Post by rockjunquie on Mar 30, 2016 10:47:59 GMT -5
Looks like you got a deal. A flatlap is also good for finishing backs.
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Post by johnjsgems on Mar 30, 2016 10:55:04 GMT -5
Only problem with faceting machines used for flat lapping is the usual low speeds. I had an MDR unit that must have turned 750 rpm at maximum. It was painfully slow for flat lap work. By the way, you can buy quality "facet rated" electroplated discs that work fine for faceting or lapidary. Faceting usually a 360 is first step. Also non-psa backed discs can be placed on an aluminum master lap without slipping at faceting speeds. I have sold the blue 1200 grit diamond sanding discs to facetors for prepolish discs. Most stick to hard discs though.
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bills
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since March 2016
Posts: 93
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Post by bills on Mar 30, 2016 13:30:30 GMT -5
What speed works best for lapping?
I may replace the motor as it only runs at 1500 RPM,the lap wheel is very slow.
I was thinking of getting a 3600 RPM motor,or maybe converting it to a v/s DC motor.
bill
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