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Post by perkins17 on Jul 27, 2021 21:46:55 GMT -5
Can you make cabs on a flat lap easily? Thanks!
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jul 27, 2021 21:54:24 GMT -5
Absolutely. Both Vince and I started cabbing on flat laps. jasoninsd does all his cabs on a slant cabber flat lap.
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Post by perkins17 on Jul 27, 2021 22:08:43 GMT -5
Absolutely. Both Vince and I started cabbing on flat laps. jasoninsd does all his cabs on a slant cabber flat lap. Thanks! I will see if I can find a used one at my rock club's sale.
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hummingbirdstones2
fully equipped rock polisher
Vince A., 1958-2023
Member since August 2018
Posts: 1,461
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Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Jul 27, 2021 22:09:54 GMT -5
Yeah, you can definitely cut cabs on a flat lap.
To make it easier on yourself, you'll want to get resin-bonded diamond discs and put rubber backers behind them for the 280 and finer grits. Use steel laps or toppers for the 80 and 220 (or whatever grits you decide to use) rough grinding and shaping, and then the resin discs.
The rubber backers will allow the finer grit laps to conform to the profile of your domes, and make it a lot easier to get smooth domes.
A variable speed flat lap will also allow you to cut at a lower rpm, which also helps. Just use a light touch and let the diamond do the work. If you can see the stone just beginning to depress the surface of the lap that's all you need. More pressure does not help - it just wears out your laps faster.
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Post by perkins17 on Jul 27, 2021 22:12:06 GMT -5
Yeah, you can definitely cut cabs on a flat lap.
To make it easier on yourself, you'll want to get resin-bonded diamond discs and put rubber backers behind them for the 280 and finer grits. Use steel laps or toppers for the 80 and 220 (or whatever grits you decide to use) rough grinding and shaping, and then the resin discs.
The rubber backers will allow the finer grit laps to conform to the profile of your domes, and make it a lot easier to get smooth domes.
A variable speed flat lap will also allow you to cut at a lower rpm, which also helps. Just use a light touch and let the diamond do the work. If you can see the stone just beginning to depress the surface of the lap that's all you need. More pressure does not help - it just wears out your laps faster.
Thanks! I was hoping that it would be a cheaper alternative to wheel grinders.
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Post by jasoninsd on Jul 27, 2021 22:25:32 GMT -5
Yep! Exactly what Vince said. What he described as far as the setup of the different disks is what I use. Heck, you can even use a Dremel to make cabs. miket makes his cabs using a Dremel.
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hummingbirdstones2
fully equipped rock polisher
Vince A., 1958-2023
Member since August 2018
Posts: 1,461
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Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Jul 28, 2021 8:52:09 GMT -5
perkins17 - You can get started for less than a multi-wheel grinder. If you get a flat lap, though, get 8" laps. You will want them eventually.
Better to get them in the beginning than to buy twice. You will always use them, even if you get a wheeled machine later.
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Post by perkins17 on Jul 28, 2021 10:16:39 GMT -5
perkins17 - You can get started for less than a multi-wheel grinder. If you get a flat lap, though, get 8" laps. You will want them eventually.
Better to get them in the beginning than to buy twice. You will always use them, even if you get a wheeled machine later.
Thanks! I will be looking to see it I can find a used one or purchase one from my rock club.
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