Want to start a chat about lap grinding beads

sangell · #1 2012-12-25, 9:35pm

Hi, I am still very interested in lap grinding "window" beads. I also am interested in faceting them.
I would love to start a chatting with a few folks about this.
Please let me know if you are interested.

Thanks
Sue

destadickinson · #2 2012-12-26, 2:35am

I have been doing this style of bead since taking a class from Jeri at the Gathering. Sell well with fellow bead enthusiasts, okay with finished jewelry shows. I am horrible with pictures, but will attempt in the next couple of days. What have you been creating?
Desta

LemonwoodStudio · #3 2012-12-26, 4:54pm

I'm interested .. but don't know much about it all. I have a lot of questions though!!

houptdavid · #4 2012-12-26, 6:28pm

Learned a little at Glass Stock West it is fairly easy to just lap a window in beads, it does take time and some PPP
all the basic info is here...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qO6KKP6qDw

http://www.inlandcraft.com/howto/lap...FlatLapHTU.htm

Kalera · #5 2012-12-26, 10:38pm

I wrote a simple tutorial that's up on the Ameritool site, if that helps at all: http://www.ameritool-inc.com/faceting-tutorial.htm

I'd be happy to answer questions, if I can.

flaming_fools · #6 2012-12-26, 10:51pm

Kalera - EXCELLENT tutorial - thanks for the link-

truegem · #7 2012-12-26, 11:03pm

Kalera you are so generous!

theglasszone · #8 2012-12-27, 12:14am

Oh man! I've been pining for a flat lap for about a year! I so want to take the plunge!!

Kalera, thank you so much for that awesome step-by-step!

That Ameritool is gorgeous! I have been pricing these, and really can't afford to go quite that deep - at least to start out with. Can I ask for input from peeps who own some of the various brands? I hope that's not inappropriate to ask...

I might - if I save for a few months - be able to swing the Swap Top. Does anyone have one of those?

De

LemonwoodStudio · #9 2012-12-27, 5:26am

Thanks Kalera!

Second De's question on other brand grinders .....!

chrisann · #10 2012-12-27, 6:03am

De I had a swap top and didn't like it, would get the job done if you could get it set up right, but what a pita And twice as messy as it should be. Sold it after a few months, bought an ASW diamond which is a work horse, to bad I very rarely use it.

Anne Londez · #11 2012-12-27, 6:10am

I have a swap top too, it's not the best but I find it ok for occasional use.

Kalera · #12 2012-12-27, 12:33pm

Thanks you guys! I would also love to hear about experience with other brands, I've only ever used the Ameritool.

KJJames · #13 2012-12-28, 6:25am

I just recently bought the All-You-Need Hi Tech Diamond flat lap and had to return it because the flange kept coming loose and the backing discs did not fit well at all. In fairness, it may have just been a defective machine. However, I didn't want to take the chance. So, I upgraded and bought the Ameritool...boy am I glad I did! You get what you pay for. It is a great machine. I am still in practice mode. I also need to say "THANK YOU KALERA"! Without your tutorial, which is fantastic, I would have been lost. It is worth saving your pennies and buying a good one so you don't get frustrated and give up.

Three Muses Glass · #14 2012-12-28, 12:56pm

The swap top is just bordering on OK like a C-. The motor is weak and the water feed is crappy. Unless they changed it, I got one 7 years ago or so. The diamond disks are good, no problems with them at all. I have a big homemade one, I just wanted a little one for smaller jewelry pieces and beads but it bogs down if you press too hard so takes longer than it should. I just brought the big one inside after modding it to fit under a worktable.
There are plans on Hisglassworks for a flat lap if you or someone you know is mechanically inclined.

Kalera · #15 2012-12-28, 1:44pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJJames

I just recently bought the All-You-Need Hi Tech Diamond flat lap and had to return it because the flange kept coming loose and the backing discs did not fit well at all. In fairness, it may have just been a defective machine. However, I didn't want to take the chance. So, I upgraded and bought the Ameritool...boy am I glad I did! You get what you pay for. It is a great machine. I am still in practice mode. I also need to say "THANK YOU KALERA"! Without your tutorial, which is fantastic, I would have been lost. It is worth saving your pennies and buying a good one so you don't get frustrated and give up.

Thanks Karen!

theglasszone · #16 2012-12-28, 10:28pm

Wow, thanks for all the input. I'm still not sure what to do as far as an investment; frankly, what I'm looking to do is flat lap and polish murrini, so not sure I necessarily would need heavy-duty.

And, of course, I'm going to have to figure out how to manage handling small murrini slices which I'm pretty sure wouldn't work well trying to hold with the tips of my fingers with both hands!

I suppose using dopping wax and a dowel might be an option...

dusty · #17 2012-12-29, 3:05am

How about dopping wax and a flat/sturdy board? Kill 25 birds with one stone, you know?

However, rather than polishing with the lap, at least on the later steps, you might consider a rock tumbler.

For investment's sake, I'd consider primarily the longevity of the disks.

tehhol55 · #18 2013-01-05, 11:52am

bump