Flat lap recommendation?

kansassky · #1 2014-09-20, 9:53am

Hoping to tap the collective experience and knowledge of LE folks...

Can anyone here recommend a particular brand or model of flat lap grinder/polisher?

I would like to polish the backs of cabachon glass pieces and glass beads (up to 2.5" in diameter). So, doesn't have to be a large unit.

Prefer new but would consider used equipment.

hyperT · #2 2014-09-20, 1:37pm

Diamond Laps are the best. Drip water onto then. They come in different grades (fine to course) For polishing I use at thick piece of leather and use cerium oxide as the polishing medium. 1/4 inch or so also drip water. I built my own machine for this and bought the 6 inch laps for it. You will also need some dop wax and a stick to hold the cab while you grind and polish it.

hyperT · #3 2014-09-20, 1:54pm

Here's one you can buy all ready to go.

http://www.inlandcraft.com/singlepro...&partnum=10680

Three Muses Glass · #4 2014-09-20, 3:19pm

This is a good price for the Inland Swap Top flat lap-
http://www.kingsleynorth.com/skshop/...93111&catID=93
I have one of the older ones and it's only good for small things. The motor gets bogged down if something is too heavy or you press too hard and the water feed sucks BUT the diamond disks are very good and long lasting.

That one in the link looks to be an improved version of the one I have but since it doesn't show the water feed, no idea on that. There are much better ones out there, but I didn't want to spend $$$ for small things.

eta- looking at that again, I'm not at all sure the water drip kit comes with it still. I'd check on that first. That doesn't look new and improved. lol