I have been polishing on this machine for several months and have been satisfied with my rocks, but they just didn't have that hight polish. After listening to this tutorial, I'm sure there will be a difference now. Thank you for helping beginners.
I agree with everything you said here. I would like to add that I have a the water pump and I run a lot of water on my pads because I started to see what I would call a semi-permanent build up of rock bits in the fibers of the pads when I would look at them under the microscope but when I run with a lot of water, like more than you think you need I don't get that same kind of build up. It could also be the rocks that I polish on it but its just something that I have observed. I think you can also see this build up with your naked eye and its when the pads start to turn more pale in color that's not the resin fibers loosing their color or just getting old that's build up of rock dust and that's why I think you see it more so in the lower grit and not in the higher since you're removing less material at those stages. I'm not sure if it really matters a whole but its something that I have observed. Great video!
Thank you so much for this video! I just got into rockhounding + lapidary about 6 months ago. After starting on some DIY orbital sander/grinder setups, I purchased the Hi-Tech Diamond Slant Cab (basically the same machine tilted at an angle). I had high hopes that everything that was fighting me in terms of a nice polish with the starter DIY setup would be remedied with the Slant Cab. I was immediately frustrated and started to think I had a LONG ways to go even with the new machine. Of course, I started with the starter set of discs. Then I found your video. This changed everything and after purchasing additional stages I immediately started to get beautiful polishes and, when finding less than ideal results, I could see where things went wrong becuase of having the proper number of stages (and therefore seeing which stage(s) I had not spent enought time or paid enough attention for). Thanks again!
Great vid ! I had already purchased an 80 grit disc with the machine, but after still getting minor scratches all the way through, I've purchased the 220 260 and 3,000 to hopefully have it all out after the 220. I don't like the paste and felt disc either. The paste was hard to get out of the husk edge and any minor fractures on the face. One issue I had from mine was vibration. It got very bad about 8 polishes in. Took the machine apart and noticed all 4 motor mount bolts were loose and would not thread snug. Almost as if they had not been tightened when made. It had 5mm x 20 mm bolts. I re-tapped the threads and put 5mm x 25mm bolts back in. Smooth as can be. Despite that little issue, the machine is great for my needs.
@@RockhoundingLife Thanks ! Might be obvious, but I've never seen the question asked: How far along do you use the marker ? Just through the last grinding stage and not into polishing ?
What a great video! I just bought a Hi-Tech Diamond Flat Lap and now thanks to you I feel a lot more confident. I know what to expect and how to polish my rocks adequately. Thank you so much for the info.
A good description on how to polish using a flatlap. I use mine for cabs. Flat one side, domed on the other. Each step should take less time than the previous. 😷⚒
Awesome guide…I bought every disc, was all set, seemed really cumbersome, so I sold it all. Bought it back (she never used) and needed the help you’ve just given. I’m all set to go now. Have oodles to polish! Big thank you.
Great video, thanks Jason! I wish I would have seen this before I bought mine! Just fired it up this week and spent several wasted hours to determine that this kit is NOT "All-U-Need" for sure! HATE the felt polishing pad. I ordered the 80# and 3000# disc$$$ the other day, should be here tomorrow! Stoked! The only thing I got right was the pro-flow water system, it's very nice to just have 2 five gallon buckets that I can swap out quickly and they last for a while, worth the $25.
I would also look at the 260 grimding disc as well. I believe its crucial to have for polishing the harder stuff. It is really good at getting all the grinding scratches out. You just cant have any scratches on the surface before you start on the 325 polishing disc. It will turn out being a dull polish. Just make sure you are checking the dry surface after using the grinding discs.
I just found your video after having the 8 inch Hi Tech flat lap for about a month. Such great advice! The salesperson at the company suggested that I buy the 80 and 360 grit grinding discs when I bought the machine, but the progression of 80, 180, 360 grinding discs still left scratches that the 325 polishing disc just couldn't get out. I just used your affiliate link and discount code to order the 260 grit grinding disc along with the 220 and 3000 grit polishing discs. Along with your advice on machine speeds (I missed reading that part and was grinding at the max speed), I hope to get good polishes on my geodes.
a high pressure water spray AND scrubbing with a nylon bristle brush dedicated to the grit size I'm trying to remove, ultrasonic cleaning of the piece and the lap was the only way I was able to keep from cross contaminating subsequent, finer grit laps. It's a lot of work but it's made all the difference for me.
I discovered your video because I have been so frustrated with my newly purchased flatlap from Hightech Diamond. You answered ALL my questions in this one video. I can't tell you how appreciative I am to you. Thank you so very much! I am ordering the extra disks asap. Plus, I have subscribed to your channel. Wishing you the very best, Tina😊
No problem, i am glad this video helped you. If you order more discs be sure to use our affiliate link in the description of this video and use the code RHLIFE at checkout and you will get 10% off. linktr.ee/rockhoundinglife
Thank Jason. I ordered extra disks yesterday and I used your code. I appreciate the discount. I'm looking forward to continuing my work once the disks arrive. Have a good one, 👍🏽
I am getting the hi tech slant cabber for my Christmas, I have ordered extra discs including the disc that is impregnated with cerium oxide. I cut and polish opals and Scottish agates. Can’t wait to try it out. I have also got the water pump system.
Thank you for your review and opinion of the hi-tech diamond flatlap. Its always helpful when someone that has used the machine for several years, can talk honestly about the product and experiences with it. I know that it works well for certain things and not so good with other things, and the tip about the extra diamond disk and the 220 polishing disk before jumping into the rest of the polishing disks and the 3000 polishing wheel vs diamond paste and the polishing pad. Ive seen what the machine is capable of with just the disks it come with, and ive seen get a much better shine with more. Honestly, if you are already spending the money on the machine itself, then the little bit extra for the extra disks is well worth it. To get the best shine possible without spending $1200 on up for a cabking or a slant lap. Its a good machine for beginning lapidary artists. Thanks Jason!
Great overall explanation of how to use the machine and discs properly and effectively. I've got the 8" Hi-Tech and use it similarly in terms of extra discs. However, one difference I do is that I've purchased some diamond discs (no backing plates - non Hi-Tech diamond discs) from Amazon that I lay flat on top of the Hi-tech discs. For instance, I have a 60 grit diamond disc (no backing plate), that I lay on top of my 180 grit Hi-Tech disc. I use only 1 of the neoprene washers to hold down the two discs together on the machine. The motor is more than strong enough to run the two discs together. I then step through the grinding levels from coarse up to polishing.
Thank you for this video. It was very informative and well done. I got the Hi-Tech 8 in flat lap for Christmas after we watched you use it for the Rockmas gifts. I assembled it last night but had some of the same issues that you addressed in your video. We just ordered the extra disks that you recommended, using your promo code.
It's great that you bought one. Did you use our affiliate link when you bought it? If so we would get a commision. Helps the channel out. Let me know if you need more help than what our videos give and ill be happy to share my experience with the machine.
@@RockhoundingLife My wife bought the flat lap as a Christmas gift for me and didn't think to use your affiliate link. She felt bad when she realized that she could have used a link and helped get you some commission. I did use your link and promo code when I bought the extra disks. I may be buying a 10 inch saw in the next month or so, so I'll be sure to use your link if I do.
Yes i agree on the 3000 disc. Its a good polish. I haven't had good success with cerium oxide on the local rock i polish here in NS but have had pretty good success with Aluminum Oxide.
Man I am so glad you made this video! I just bought my 8 inch a couple weeks ago and have been trying to polish one of my large Montana Moss agates that I found and it has been frustrating to say the least, many hours trying to figure it out so far. I did purchase the 80 grit disk but after the 180 grit it’s just been giving me heck, after I finish this comment I’m gonna order the other disks you mentioned! Just want to throw out a huge THANK YOU for this info!
Just found your channel and was impressed with your explanation and advice. I have the Hi-Tech slant lap and did buy the extra discs besides the 260. I will now be getting it on my next order. I did also buy the 60 grit for heavier grinding. Thank you for the advice and keep up the good content.
Hi Dennis, Welcome to the channel! If you do purchase extra discs be sure to use our affiliate kink in the video description and enter the discount code RHLIFE at checkout to get 10% off your order!!
I think the slant lap is extra difficult to use because you are always inadvertently putting more pressure on one part of the rock as you hold it up, rather than letting gravity do the work.
The shape is hard I have to do some shaping today so and I let the rock tell me what design I may go for cause there all different and I don’t have a saw I do I need a new blade I start with a rock I think I can make into something nice
Thanks for the info. Due to the upcoming substantial price increases from HI Tech, I pulled the trigger and ordered one. Hurray, it was in stock. Was wondering about additional disks. This helps. Just have to recover from the purchase price, LOL
Congrats!! It's a great beginner machine and the extra discs are a huge help in the polishing process. Be sure to use our affiliate link in the video description and the code (RHLIFE) at checkout for a 10% discount on the discs.
Love your video’s! Thanks for such detailed explanations. A beginner here, and I’ve learned so much watching your great videos. For the flat lap, do you have to buy HiTechs discs, or are ones on Amazon able to be used? Or do you “get what you pay for”? Thanks!
Great video, very informative! I do want to know if you prefer the diamond metal pad to the regular pad or vise versa? I got a couple of the metal ones (same grit 1000) with my machine (not hi-tech diamond) but bought the pads from hi- tech to use on it and they do awesome! I just need to watch the scratches! Thanks for sharing!
Hey there Jason, Absolutely love your vid’s especially on the flat tops. I am about to get the 6” Slant cab due to low funds but the opals I have are small. I have been pressured by the Hi-Tech agent to get the in between pads to reduce flat spots but read here that it really doesn’t make any difference, now taking it off my shopping list. So please correct me if I’m wrong as I’m about to press the buy button - I should also include 80 & 260 grit Electroplated grinding pads and the 220 & 3000 grit polishing pads. Would you recommend anything else as I also plan to use the cerium oxide? Thanks so much for your time and these vids you put out for us all 🙏👍
The slant cab is basically the same machine as the flat lap just at an angle. Just copy the same discs i use. 80, 180, 260 grinding. Then 220, 325, 600, 1200, 3000. That will get you mirror shine. Be sure to use our affiliate link in the description and use the code RHLIFE at checkout.
Thank you for all the great advice. I too have the same machine, but didn't buy extra disc's or pads. I will definitely use your pormo code when i do. Will do now though. Love your videos.
Thanks for your great tips. I just got the 8’’ flat lap and was wondering if you recommend also, purchasing a sponge pad to put under the smoothing discs?
First, thank you for this. I just got one of these machines and this is the most guidance I have found anywhere about how to use it. I have been working with some jasper and agate, and as I'm going through the polishing discs it seems like I just get more and more scratches as I go. I'm going 80 - 180 - 320 - brown - red - blue. Are all the scratches supposed to be gone BEFORE the brown one? Also, if everything is clean between discs, what is a good first thing to try?
Hi there, glad you have found it helpful so far. First thing is you should practice on smaller stones first, like 1 - 2 inches max. Then work you way up to larger stones. Smaller stones are much eadier to polish on the flat lap. Second, you should avoid using the 80 grit and 180 grit discs if you can. Only use them if you have bad saw marks in your surface. Try tonget a smooth cut off of your saw. This will allow you to use a 260 or 360 grinding disc starting out. Lastly, if the last grinding disc you use is a 260 grit, for example, then your first polishing disc should be the 220 ( purple). Similarly, if the last grinding disc you use is 380 grit then you start polishing with the 325 disc (brown). Doing it this way will help you get all those annoying scratches out.
It can be very difficult to get a good, scratch free, equally good polish all over the whole stone, especially with larger pieces. Thank you for this tutorial, i'm sure it will be very helpful for beginners. I've polishing for about 3 years, but still having some problems, i think that part of it is not moving it enough with the flat polish. I expect that the figure eight will help. Thank you for sharing your tips!
Nice video. I'm just starting using a 6" flat lap. (no facets). I'm having an issue where the outside of the flat surface has a different polish than the center. I'm going to try this the next rock I try on it, but can having a foam sponge disk between the master lap and the resin bonded polishing wheels cause that? Or is more likely that I'm just a little heavy handed while learning and I'm putting more pressure on one side of the rock and it is causing a slight rounding of a ring on the outside that will not come out with the final 3000 and cerium oxide discks?
Unpolished edges usually means the surface isnt flat. Need to make sure you are spending enough time in the early grinding stages and not rushing it. If the cut wasn't smooth you need to spend a lot of time on those grinding stages
FYI, you mentioned a vibration (7:06). I had a bad vibration when using one of my electroplated diamond disc because to plate slide slightly off center on the base plate. I removed it and recentered it and the vibration went away.
I am in the process of setting my machine up and I have a question about applying the smoothing discs to the acrylic backing plates. Am I supposed to remove the cardboard/paper sheet from the sides of the backing plate or just leave it on and attach the smoothing discs to the backing plates as they are? Thanks in advance
Electroplated disks are basically a 'single' layer of diamonds electroplated on. They wear the diamond until the disk is no longer usable. A sintered disk are multiple layers of diamonds embedded in a carrier material.(There can be different carrier materials for different purposes). As the sintered disk is used it continuosly exposes new diamonds. so it essentially is always cutting like it is new. This also gives cleaner and more precise cuts. Sintered disks last longer but are also more expensive. But for the type of grinding/polishing you saw in this video, you might not see a difference. I'm not sure one could easily find sintered disks....there are more common with burs where their composition becomes more useful, i.e. cutting precises shapes, concern for unnecessary chipping, etc. Some professionals though never use sintered which means you can go a long way with just electroplated.
The one thing that would transform this machine into something really valuable for the trade is if some smart cookie could design and sell a replacement center "bolt" for the discs. An attachment that is flat and level with the discs, not sticking up out of the center an inch and getting in the way. Know what I mean Vern?
Do you see any difference by occasionally switching the rock inside to outside? I ask because the surface speed is greater the further from center you get.
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for this video. I have a quick question! After watching your video, I now realize why I'm getting scratches on my agate geodes. Can I start the process over at 80? I would assume it wouldn't hurt anything to start over. I got all the way to the 1600 with them and realized either I give up, or I start over. 😖
If you dont know what stage the scratches are from then you should start over. Make sure to check the piece dry after each stage to make sure you are happy.
@@RockhoundingLife Thank you! So, I have the 8" flat lap and these geodes are at the maximum size... I can barely do a piddly figure-8 pattern with them. However, I noticed after I made the effort of a figure-8 pattern and I didn't press down on the rocks (that's one thing I *for sure* did wrong), most of the geode faces now have a nice "frosted" matte face after hitting them with the 80 grit last night.
When I use the 3000 polishing pad I get a build up on the rock of the polish. It hardens and have to use the buff pad to get it off. It looks like bubble gum on the Rock. Do you know why that happens? Kim
Something I have not yet seen addressed in several reviews of this machine. What do I do when grinding a fairly large flat surface and it keeps grabbing and trying to rip it out of my hand? Am I using too much water? not enough water? bad technique? thanks
I can honestly say i have not had that issue yet. I try to keep a firm grip but only apply light pressure. Just a bit more pressure than the weight of the stone.
I have found that the mid-grit grinding wheels are too unpredictable. You can get a nice level surface with an 80 grit wheel with very few scratches and then some random irregularity in the 180 can just chop up the rock. The method I settled on is to use the vibrating lap for 60 and 120 grit then transition to the pre-polish wheels on the flat lap. I’m getting very consistent results.
That is interesting. The 180 grit disc is the toughest to master i find. I bypass it completely by making sure my saw cuts are smooth (Keeping blades sharp etc). If i can do that i go to the 260 disc as my first stage which has been working well for me.
@@RockhoundingLife maybe I just got a bad 260 but that wheel appears to be just as damaging as the 180. Last agate I was working was a coyamito with a little vug and that 260 wheel absolutely chewed up the edges of the vug. Like worse than any 80 could if you pressed down on it. Could just be an irregularity in the wheel but it just got to the point where is was so frustrating, I had to find an alternative.
I am struggling to get scratches out with 320 and looked for a guide online - I suspected I should have something in between 180 and 320. I’m going to give up for now until I get the disc, because I’m doing this for an hour and it’s not going anywhere 😝
I would get the 260 electroplated grinding disc and the 220 polishing disc (purple). It will make your polishes so much easier. Use my code RHLIFE at checkout for 10% off.
On the cabking i use the standard grit wheels that come with the machine. But i recently aquired a 6 cabking and equiped it with 8000, 14000 and 50000 grit wheels for additional polish.
Just curious how long the polishing disc's last you? I've only had my machine for a month and wondering how long before I'll have to get new polishing disc's
Hey man! Wanted to see if you had any insight as to an issue I ran into with my flatlap smoothing discs. I know this is an old video, but its relevant. Out of nowhere it seemed, multiple of my discs from 220 all the way to 1200 started leaving these little furry light scratches on the surface of my stones. the scratches are extremely light and small, sorta like fine beard stubble thats really only noticeable when you angle the rock towards the light. the center of my disc where the bolt is works just fine where its still fresh since I dont use that part and seems to clear those scratches up. After trying to scrub these pads clean, nothing seemed to work. I first noticed these scratches when I tried making obsidian cabs. Agate polishes just fine though on the problematic side of the disc, but anything else, like quartz, it leaves those same furry marks. I was told it could possibly be the obsidian contaminating my discs. what do you think?
@@RockhoundingLife I purchased my entire set in january. I did hit a few of my discs hard since i just started learning to cab on these discs. How do i tell when the discs are worn? I've been told it will just take longer to polish anything, but thats not quite the case here, as it is totally removing the glassy sheen haha. is the polishing mesh just on the surface of the disc? or does the resin exist inside of the disc as well? what indicators have you noticed?
@@RockhoundingLife I did order an entire new set though. it will be here on monday, I'm just trying to use this as a learning experience so I can maximize the usage of these discs this time around
Big problem for me with trying to do flat polish- I start with an 80 grit (As in the video) and use the "Felt tip marker trick" to make sure it is grinding to a level surface. But it can take many hours- even DAYS- at the 80 grit stage, running full-speed- grinding and grinding away, to get it to a perfectly flat surface so it will take a polish. Otherwise, you get what I got on my first attempts- a rather dull matte finish, or uneven finish, even on hard agate.
So would a fairburn agate be a hard agate if you know if not it's cool I started rock hounding 3 years ago in South Dakota I have learning disabilities and find reading hard because I get pissed off about a lot of miss in formation people give online for South Dakota
They have a 60 grit I’ve gone through 2 they wear out fast and just don’t grind anymore. And I’ve spent hours on 1 slab that actually looks flat but you can see dry spots and no grind spots. And even if you get one to go flat ,even up to the 3,000 grit there’s still micro scratches everywhere. I’ll bet if you look close on your shiny rocks there’s micro scratches. I’m not happy with mine, I’ve bought 2 of every disc.
I don't get the micro scratches you speak of. Flat polishing is tough on this machine but doable. We can discuss further by email. Rockhoundinglife@gmail.com
@@RockhoundingLifetried again,still have micro scratches. Oh it’s shiny like a mirror,but the scratches are visible in the sunlight,and looks like spider silk. I even use a vegetable brush to clean my discs
Me too. The red polishing pad, it leaves sometimes small patches on the rock and it’s hard to take it out. I don’t have this issue with the other polishing pad grit
I live my High Tech Flat lap . What stinks is I’m disabled arthritis and it spread so bad in two years n not to mention I went to my Doctor on May 5th 2022 and my next appointment is tomorrow 1/10/23 n this is the blood guy it’s not the hip doctor . Anyhoo I can’t get out and rock hound witch sucks but was walking the dog and found a nice fossil mixed with some jasper I wanna cab it up today hopefully the back arthritis is about to flare I can feel it and if it does that’s it I’m done it’s brutal the pain
Also, what is the difference in between electroplated diamond disc ( the one that came with the all you need in #180grits) and the electroplated diamond laps?
You shouldn't have to buy all the extra discs tho.....It's supposed to be a grinder/polisher?......so, the appropiate discs for polishing/shining the rocks should also be included in the kit...after all the machine isn't cheap!
Its one of the least expensive machines on the market. You don't HAVE to buy the extra discs, ive just had an easier time getting the results I want with them.
@@RockhoundingLife Quality does not come cheap. Thank you for producing these videos. Your work teaching others is the highest calling in life, along with medical practice and spiritual practice. If you are young and have some extra money and plan to keep this equipment a long time, then buy new and keep it in tiptop condition. If you’re old, the card and buy quality used like high Tech, Lortone tone, or Highland Park. Keep your equipment in good condition and it will always be worth whatever you paid for it.
Why not just strap a bigger water jug, like a 2-gallon, somewhere above the machine? Of course you'll need a 5-gallon drain bucket. You can get a 2-gallon with a spout at the grocery store.
I have been polishing on this machine for several months and have been satisfied with my rocks, but they just didn't have that hight polish. After listening to this tutorial, I'm sure there will be a difference now. Thank you for helping beginners.
Hope it helps!!
I agree with everything you said here.
I would like to add that I have a the water pump and I run a lot of water on my pads because I started to see what I would call a semi-permanent build up of rock bits in the fibers of the pads when I would look at them under the microscope but when I run with a lot of water, like more than you think you need I don't get that same kind of build up. It could also be the rocks that I polish on it but its just something that I have observed.
I think you can also see this build up with your naked eye and its when the pads start to turn more pale in color that's not the resin fibers loosing their color or just getting old that's build up of rock dust and that's why I think you see it more so in the lower grit and not in the higher since you're removing less material at those stages.
I'm not sure if it really matters a whole but its something that I have observed.
Great video!
Do you think the extra water prolongs the life of the disc ?
Thank you so much for this video! I just got into rockhounding + lapidary about 6 months ago. After starting on some DIY orbital sander/grinder setups, I purchased the Hi-Tech Diamond Slant Cab (basically the same machine tilted at an angle). I had high hopes that everything that was fighting me in terms of a nice polish with the starter DIY setup would be remedied with the Slant Cab. I was immediately frustrated and started to think I had a LONG ways to go even with the new machine. Of course, I started with the starter set of discs.
Then I found your video. This changed everything and after purchasing additional stages I immediately started to get beautiful polishes and, when finding less than ideal results, I could see where things went wrong becuase of having the proper number of stages (and therefore seeing which stage(s) I had not spent enought time or paid enough attention for).
Thanks again!
Hey that is awesome!! So glad our video helped with your polish! Rock on!!
Great vid !
I had already purchased an 80 grit disc with the machine, but after still getting minor scratches all the way through, I've purchased the 220 260 and 3,000 to hopefully have it all out after the 220. I don't like the paste and felt disc either. The paste was hard to get out of the husk edge and any minor fractures on the face.
One issue I had from mine was vibration. It got very bad about 8 polishes in.
Took the machine apart and noticed all 4 motor mount bolts were loose and would not thread snug. Almost as if they had not been tightened when made.
It had 5mm x 20 mm bolts.
I re-tapped the threads and put 5mm x 25mm bolts back in.
Smooth as can be.
Despite that little issue, the machine is great for my needs.
If the grit disc is not center on the lap then I notice it will vibrate. The grit discs will move off center on the lap over time I have noticed.
@@RockhoundingLife
Thanks !
Might be obvious, but I've never seen the question asked: How far along do you use the marker ? Just through the last grinding stage and not into polishing ?
What a fantastic, informative video! I learned something here today, and that's just so helpful to my rockhounding journey. Thanks Jason. 🍻🇨🇦
Glad it was helpful!
What a great video! I just bought a Hi-Tech Diamond Flat Lap and now thanks to you I feel a lot more confident. I know what to expect and how to polish my rocks adequately. Thank you so much for the info.
Glad it was helpful!
A good description on how to polish using a flatlap. I use mine for cabs. Flat one side, domed on the other. Each step should take less time than the previous. 😷⚒
Awesome guide…I bought every disc, was all set, seemed really cumbersome, so I sold it all. Bought it back (she never used) and needed the help you’ve just given. I’m all set to go now. Have oodles to polish! Big thank you.
Glad it helped!
Thank you for educating me prior to purchasing a flat lab.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the outstanding review Jason! I really appreciate you taking the time to explain the proper use of this machine!
Thank you so much. You really helped out this old rockhound who is new to polishing!
Glad it was helpful!
Great video, thanks Jason! I wish I would have seen this before I bought mine! Just fired it up this week and spent several wasted hours to determine that this kit is NOT "All-U-Need" for sure! HATE the felt polishing pad. I ordered the 80# and 3000# disc$$$ the other day, should be here tomorrow! Stoked! The only thing I got right was the pro-flow water system, it's very nice to just have 2 five gallon buckets that I can swap out quickly and they last for a while, worth the $25.
I would also look at the 260 grimding disc as well. I believe its crucial to have for polishing the harder stuff. It is really good at getting all the grinding scratches out. You just cant have any scratches on the surface before you start on the 325 polishing disc. It will turn out being a dull polish. Just make sure you are checking the dry surface after using the grinding discs.
@@RockhoundingLife Good call, bigtime money pit
Great overall video! Very educational and thorough and I learned a lot! Thank you!
Lin H.
Glad it was helpful!
As always you give good advice, keep up the good work, eh..
I just found your video after having the 8 inch Hi Tech flat lap for about a month. Such great advice! The salesperson at the company suggested that I buy the 80 and 360 grit grinding discs when I bought the machine, but the progression of 80, 180, 360 grinding discs still left scratches that the 325 polishing disc just couldn't get out. I just used your affiliate link and discount code to order the 260 grit grinding disc along with the 220 and 3000 grit polishing discs. Along with your advice on machine speeds (I missed reading that part and was grinding at the max speed), I hope to get good polishes on my geodes.
Sounds like you have what you need now. If you are cutting the rocks make sure you are getting nice smooth cuts. That will help as well.
a high pressure water spray AND scrubbing with a nylon bristle brush dedicated to the grit size I'm trying to remove, ultrasonic cleaning of the piece and the lap was the only way I was able to keep from cross contaminating subsequent, finer grit laps. It's a lot of work but it's made all the difference for me.
I discovered your video because I have been so frustrated with my newly purchased flatlap from Hightech Diamond. You answered ALL my questions in this one video. I can't tell you how appreciative I am to you. Thank you so very much! I am ordering the extra disks asap. Plus, I have subscribed to your channel. Wishing you the very best, Tina😊
No problem, i am glad this video helped you. If you order more discs be sure to use our affiliate link in the description of this video and use the code RHLIFE at checkout and you will get 10% off.
linktr.ee/rockhoundinglife
Thank Jason. I ordered extra disks yesterday and I used your code. I appreciate the discount. I'm looking forward to continuing my work once the disks arrive. Have a good one, 👍🏽
Thank you Jason, lol
Awesome! Good luck and feel free to reach out if you have questions!
I am getting the hi tech slant cabber for my Christmas, I have ordered extra discs including the disc that is impregnated with cerium oxide. I cut and polish opals and Scottish agates. Can’t wait to try it out. I have also got the water pump system.
Sounds great! Let me know if you have any questions and I will gladly share my experience with the machines.
Thank you for your review and opinion of the hi-tech diamond flatlap. Its always helpful when someone that has used the machine for several years, can talk honestly about the product and experiences with it. I know that it works well for certain things and not so good with other things, and the tip about the extra diamond disk and the 220 polishing disk before jumping into the rest of the polishing disks and the 3000 polishing wheel vs diamond paste and the polishing pad. Ive seen what the machine is capable of with just the disks it come with, and ive seen get a much better shine with more. Honestly, if you are already spending the money on the machine itself, then the little bit extra for the extra disks is well worth it. To get the best shine possible without spending $1200 on up for a cabking or a slant lap. Its a good machine for beginning lapidary artists. Thanks Jason!
Great video for this machine. I also quite using the felt pad. But I did buy the cerium oxcide disk. Works great after the 3000.
Nice! I started using the felt pad again but with aluminum oxide instead of Cerium oxide. I'm much hsppier with the result.
A lot of valuable information shared! Thanks!
My pleasure!
Great overall explanation of how to use the machine and discs properly and effectively. I've got the 8" Hi-Tech and use it similarly in terms of extra discs. However, one difference I do is that I've purchased some diamond discs (no backing plates - non Hi-Tech diamond discs) from Amazon that I lay flat on top of the Hi-tech discs. For instance, I have a 60 grit diamond disc (no backing plate), that I lay on top of my 180 grit Hi-Tech disc. I use only 1 of the neoprene washers to hold down the two discs together on the machine. The motor is more than strong enough to run the two discs together. I then step through the grinding levels from coarse up to polishing.
Thank you for this video. It was very informative and well done. I got the Hi-Tech 8 in flat lap for Christmas after we watched you use it for the Rockmas gifts. I assembled it last night but had some of the same issues that you addressed in your video. We just ordered the extra disks that you recommended, using your promo code.
It's great that you bought one. Did you use our affiliate link when you bought it? If so we would get a commision. Helps the channel out. Let me know if you need more help than what our videos give and ill be happy to share my experience with the machine.
@@RockhoundingLife My wife bought the flat lap as a Christmas gift for me and didn't think to use your affiliate link. She felt bad when she realized that she could have used a link and helped get you some commission. I did use your link and promo code when I bought the extra disks. I may be buying a 10 inch saw in the next month or so, so I'll be sure to use your link if I do.
Thank you so much I just purchased one of these so this was SUPER helpful
Glad I could help!
Good review. I found that 3,000 puts a nice acceptable polish on my cabs but the cerium oxide on the polishing disk takes it to another level.
Yes i agree on the 3000 disc. Its a good polish. I haven't had good success with cerium oxide on the local rock i polish here in NS but have had pretty good success with Aluminum Oxide.
Man I am so glad you made this video! I just bought my 8 inch a couple weeks ago and have been trying to polish one of my large Montana Moss agates that I found and it has been frustrating to say the least, many hours trying to figure it out so far. I did purchase the 80 grit disk but after the 180 grit it’s just been giving me heck, after I finish this comment I’m gonna order the other disks you mentioned! Just want to throw out a huge THANK YOU for this info!
Glad it is helpfull! Make sure you use our affiliare link in yhe description and use the code RHLIFE at checkout for 10% off
@@RockhoundingLife will do!
Just found your channel and was impressed with your explanation and advice. I have the Hi-Tech slant lap and did buy the extra discs besides the 260. I will now be getting it on my next order. I did also buy the 60 grit for heavier grinding. Thank you for the advice and keep up the good content.
Hi Dennis,
Welcome to the channel! If you do purchase extra discs be sure to use our affiliate kink in the video description and enter the discount code RHLIFE at checkout to get 10% off your order!!
Great explanation and overview. Really helpful video with a lot of awesome, detailed information. Thanks for sharing Jason!✌️🤠
Great video! Very informative! Keep up the great work!
Much appreciated!
Used the code to purchase suggested items! Thanks again for all of your insights! Looking forward to trying out some of the tips you suggested!
Great video. Lots of tips! Thankd
Glad you enjoyed it!
I have one of their slant laps, same polishing difficulty. Thanks for this video
Glad it helped!
I think the slant lap is extra difficult to use because you are always inadvertently putting more pressure on one part of the rock as you hold it up, rather than letting gravity do the work.
Awesome educational video for us rookies...Thank you Sir!
My pleasure!!
I agree I want the 60 or 80 I live the diamond disk the others are for the polish processes
Last comment I like your channel cause your answering the question I ask Ty good video
The shape is hard I have to do some shaping today so and I let the rock tell me what design I may go for cause there all different and I don’t have a saw I do I need a new blade I start with a rock I think I can make into something nice
Thank you for your video! It's super helpful!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the info. Due to the upcoming substantial price increases from HI Tech, I pulled the trigger and ordered one. Hurray, it was in stock. Was wondering about additional disks. This helps. Just have to recover from the purchase price, LOL
Congrats!! It's a great beginner machine and the extra discs are a huge help in the polishing process. Be sure to use our affiliate link in the video description and the code (RHLIFE) at checkout for a 10% discount on the discs.
Love your video’s! Thanks for such detailed explanations. A beginner here, and I’ve learned so much watching your great videos. For the flat lap, do you have to buy HiTechs discs, or are ones on Amazon able to be used? Or do you “get what you pay for”? Thanks!
I totally agree, the 180 grit just doesn’t cut it.
Nope. You need more grinding versatility.
Great video, very informative! I do want to know if you prefer the diamond metal pad to the regular pad or vise versa? I got a couple of the metal ones (same grit 1000) with my machine (not hi-tech diamond) but bought the pads from hi- tech to use on it and they do awesome! I just need to watch the scratches! Thanks for sharing!
Great video thanks for the tips
Great video! What are the polishing disks made of -- silicon carbide?
I think so
Hey there Jason,
Absolutely love your vid’s especially on the flat tops. I am about to get the 6” Slant cab due to low funds but the opals I have are small. I have been pressured by the Hi-Tech agent to get the in between pads to reduce flat spots but read here that it really doesn’t make any difference, now taking it off my shopping list.
So please correct me if I’m wrong as I’m about to press the buy button - I should also include 80 & 260 grit Electroplated grinding pads and the 220 & 3000 grit polishing pads.
Would you recommend anything else as I also plan to use the cerium oxide? Thanks so much for your time and these vids you put out for us all 🙏👍
The slant cab is basically the same machine as the flat lap just at an angle. Just copy the same discs i use. 80, 180, 260 grinding. Then 220, 325, 600, 1200, 3000. That will get you mirror shine.
Be sure to use our affiliate link in the description and use the code RHLIFE at checkout.
Thank you for all the great advice. I too have the same machine, but didn't buy extra disc's or pads. I will definitely use your pormo code when i do. Will do now though. Love your videos.
Thank you for this review
My pleasure!
Thanks for your great tips. I just got the 8’’ flat lap and was wondering if you recommend also, purchasing a sponge pad to put under the smoothing discs?
I don't think it is needed.
First, thank you for this. I just got one of these machines and this is the most guidance I have found anywhere about how to use it. I have been working with some jasper and agate, and as I'm going through the polishing discs it seems like I just get more and more scratches as I go. I'm going 80 - 180 - 320 - brown - red - blue. Are all the scratches supposed to be gone BEFORE the brown one? Also, if everything is clean between discs, what is a good first thing to try?
One other dumb question: if you are using the polishing disc that comes with it, how wet do you keep that?
Hi there, glad you have found it helpful so far. First thing is you should practice on smaller stones first, like 1 - 2 inches max. Then work you way up to larger stones. Smaller stones are much eadier to polish on the flat lap. Second, you should avoid using the 80 grit and 180 grit discs if you can. Only use them if you have bad saw marks in your surface. Try tonget a smooth cut off of your saw. This will allow you to use a 260 or 360 grinding disc starting out. Lastly, if the last grinding disc you use is a 260 grit, for example, then your first polishing disc should be the 220 ( purple). Similarly, if the last grinding disc you use is 380 grit then you start polishing with the 325 disc (brown). Doing it this way will help you get all those annoying scratches out.
@@RockhoundingLife this is extremely helpful, thanks!!
It can be very difficult to get a good, scratch free, equally good polish all over the whole stone, especially with larger pieces. Thank you for this tutorial, i'm sure it will be very helpful for beginners. I've polishing for about 3 years, but still having some problems, i think that part of it is not moving it enough with the flat polish. I expect that the figure eight will help. Thank you for sharing your tips!
Very true!
Nice video. I'm just starting using a 6" flat lap. (no facets). I'm having an issue where the outside of the flat surface has a different polish than the center. I'm going to try this the next rock I try on it, but can having a foam sponge disk between the master lap and the resin bonded polishing wheels cause that? Or is more likely that I'm just a little heavy handed while learning and I'm putting more pressure on one side of the rock and it is causing a slight rounding of a ring on the outside that will not come out with the final 3000 and cerium oxide discks?
Unpolished edges usually means the surface isnt flat. Need to make sure you are spending enough time in the early grinding stages and not rushing it. If the cut wasn't smooth you need to spend a lot of time on those grinding stages
FYI, you mentioned a vibration (7:06). I had a bad vibration when using one of my electroplated diamond disc because to plate slide slightly off center on the base plate. I removed it and recentered it and the vibration went away.
Yes i ended up doing the exact same thing. The back plates move pretty easily after a bit of wear.
I am in the process of setting my machine up and I have a question about applying the smoothing discs to the acrylic backing plates. Am I supposed to remove the cardboard/paper sheet from the sides of the backing plate or just leave it on and attach the smoothing discs to the backing plates as they are? Thanks in advance
Email us at rockhoundinglife@gmail.com
Thanks for your review. I just ordered one. Are the extra discs from Hi-Tech or will others work ?
Any discs will work that have the 5/8 arbor.
@@RockhoundingLife Thanks do you have any recommendations ?
is an electroplated disk the same as sintered?
Electroplated disks are basically a 'single' layer of diamonds electroplated on. They wear the diamond until the disk is no longer usable.
A sintered disk are multiple layers of diamonds embedded in a carrier material.(There can be different carrier materials for different purposes).
As the sintered disk is used it continuosly exposes new diamonds. so it essentially is always cutting like it is new. This also gives cleaner and more precise cuts.
Sintered disks last longer but are also more expensive.
But for the type of grinding/polishing you saw in this video, you might not see a difference.
I'm not sure one could easily find sintered disks....there are more common with burs where their composition becomes more useful, i.e. cutting precises shapes, concern for unnecessary chipping, etc.
Some professionals though never use sintered which means you can go a long way with just electroplated.
The one thing that would transform this machine into something really valuable for the trade is if some smart cookie could design and sell a replacement center "bolt" for the discs. An attachment that is flat and level with the discs, not sticking up out of the center an inch and getting in the way. Know what I mean Vern?
I agree. Would make polishing larger stones easier
@@RockhoundingLife that's what I was thinking, would turn an 8 in flat lap into a 16".
Your sssoooooooooooooooooo right!!!
Do you see any difference by occasionally switching the rock inside to outside? I ask because the surface speed is greater the further from center you get.
Yes i do. Not only because of speed but because i tend to use the inner half more so amy time i go outside the disc the diamonds are less worn.
On the white polishing disc , do you use water with the polish paste ?
No. You use it dry.
Do use the sponge backing underneath pads
for making cabs ? Is it necessary ?
Are any of your discs the soft backer plate??
I have the hard back plate onnall my discs
What do you use for polishing compound
I use aluminum oxide
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for this video. I have a quick question! After watching your video, I now realize why I'm getting scratches on my agate geodes. Can I start the process over at 80? I would assume it wouldn't hurt anything to start over. I got all the way to the 1600 with them and realized either I give up, or I start over. 😖
If you dont know what stage the scratches are from then you should start over. Make sure to check the piece dry after each stage to make sure you are happy.
@@RockhoundingLife Thank you! So, I have the 8" flat lap and these geodes are at the maximum size... I can barely do a piddly figure-8 pattern with them. However, I noticed after I made the effort of a figure-8 pattern and I didn't press down on the rocks (that's one thing I *for sure* did wrong), most of the geode faces now have a nice "frosted" matte face after hitting them with the 80 grit last night.
When I use the 3000 polishing pad I get a build up on the rock of the polish. It hardens and have to use the buff pad to get it off. It looks like bubble gum on the Rock. Do you know why that happens? Kim
Are you putting the polsish on the 3000 pad?
Something I have not yet seen addressed in several reviews of this machine. What do I do when grinding a fairly large flat surface and it keeps grabbing and trying to rip it out of my hand? Am I using too much water? not enough water? bad technique? thanks
I can honestly say i have not had that issue yet. I try to keep a firm grip but only apply light pressure. Just a bit more pressure than the weight of the stone.
I have found that the mid-grit grinding wheels are too unpredictable. You can get a nice level surface with an 80 grit wheel with very few scratches and then some random irregularity in the 180 can just chop up the rock.
The method I settled on is to use the vibrating lap for 60 and 120 grit then transition to the pre-polish wheels on the flat lap.
I’m getting very consistent results.
That is interesting. The 180 grit disc is the toughest to master i find. I bypass it completely by making sure my saw cuts are smooth (Keeping blades sharp etc). If i can do that i go to the 260 disc as my first stage which has been working well for me.
@@RockhoundingLife maybe I just got a bad 260 but that wheel appears to be just as damaging as the 180. Last agate I was working was a coyamito with a little vug and that 260 wheel absolutely chewed up the edges of the vug. Like worse than any 80 could if you pressed down on it. Could just be an irregularity in the wheel but it just got to the point where is was so frustrating, I had to find an alternative.
I've been getting scratches on my loupe clean quartz, scratches very small and only seen in bright light and under loupe. Any help would be great
What grit wheels are you using in your process?
I am struggling to get scratches out with 320 and looked for a guide online - I suspected I should have something in between 180 and 320. I’m going to give up for now until I get the disc, because I’m doing this for an hour and it’s not going anywhere 😝
I would get the 260 electroplated grinding disc and the 220 polishing disc (purple). It will make your polishes so much easier. Use my code RHLIFE at checkout for 10% off.
Do you use the diamond paste?
No. I use aluminum oxide instead. Its my go to for polishing.
So what is your sequence you use if starting with the 80 grit grinding?
I do an 80 grit grind then a 260 grit grind. Then a 220 polish followed by 325, 600,1200 & 3000.
@@RockhoundingLife thank you so much. I just received my 8 inch and ordered the discs you recommended and can't wait to start!!!
@@RockhoundingLife
Your sequence for polishing are they on the standard grits that come with the cab machine or other purchased pads?
On the cabking i use the standard grit wheels that come with the machine. But i recently aquired a 6 cabking and equiped it with 8000, 14000 and 50000 grit wheels for additional polish.
What kind of time are you spending at each stage?
The first grinding stage takes the longest. Depending on the cut and saw marks up to an hour. But each stage after only takes a couple minutes each.
Just curious how long the polishing disc's last you? I've only had my machine for a month and wondering how long before I'll have to get new polishing disc's
Ive been using mine heavy for 2 years and i dont have to replace them yet.
@@RockhoundingLife yay! I was worried they might wear out quickly
Hey man! Wanted to see if you had any insight as to an issue I ran into with my flatlap smoothing discs. I know this is an old video, but its relevant. Out of nowhere it seemed, multiple of my discs from 220 all the way to 1200 started leaving these little furry light scratches on the surface of my stones. the scratches are extremely light and small, sorta like fine beard stubble thats really only noticeable when you angle the rock towards the light. the center of my disc where the bolt is works just fine where its still fresh since I dont use that part and seems to clear those scratches up. After trying to scrub these pads clean, nothing seemed to work. I first noticed these scratches when I tried making obsidian cabs. Agate polishes just fine though on the problematic side of the disc, but anything else, like quartz, it leaves those same furry marks. I was told it could possibly be the obsidian contaminating my discs. what do you think?
I honestly have not run into or heard of this problem before. How old are the discs? Are they reaching the end of their life?
@@RockhoundingLife I purchased my entire set in january. I did hit a few of my discs hard since i just started learning to cab on these discs. How do i tell when the discs are worn? I've been told it will just take longer to polish anything, but thats not quite the case here, as it is totally removing the glassy sheen haha. is the polishing mesh just on the surface of the disc? or does the resin exist inside of the disc as well? what indicators have you noticed?
@@RockhoundingLife I did order an entire new set though. it will be here on monday, I'm just trying to use this as a learning experience so I can maximize the usage of these discs this time around
Thanks!
Big problem for me with trying to do flat polish- I start with an 80 grit (As in the video) and use the "Felt tip marker trick" to make sure it is grinding to a level surface. But it can take many hours- even DAYS- at the 80 grit stage, running full-speed- grinding and grinding away, to get it to a perfectly flat surface so it will take a polish. Otherwise, you get what I got on my first attempts- a rather dull matte finish, or uneven finish, even on hard agate.
What are you using to cut your rocks?
@@RockhoundingLife a Lortone 12" Oil lubricated slab saw.
So would a fairburn agate be a hard agate if you know if not it's cool I started rock hounding 3 years ago in South Dakota I have learning disabilities and find reading hard because I get pissed off about a lot of miss in formation people give online for South Dakota
Absolutely agree on the disks.
260 to 220 to 325?
They have a 60 grit I’ve gone through 2 they wear out fast and just don’t grind anymore. And I’ve spent hours on 1 slab that actually looks flat but you can see dry spots and no grind spots. And even if you get one to go flat ,even up to the 3,000 grit there’s still micro scratches everywhere. I’ll bet if you look close on your shiny rocks there’s micro scratches. I’m not happy with mine, I’ve bought 2 of every disc.
I don't get the micro scratches you speak of. Flat polishing is tough on this machine but doable. We can discuss further by email. Rockhoundinglife@gmail.com
@@RockhoundingLifetried again,still have micro scratches. Oh it’s shiny like a mirror,but the scratches are visible in the sunlight,and looks like spider silk. I even use a vegetable brush to clean my discs
I’ve had a lot of problems with flat spots, orange peel, fish scale
Me too. The red polishing pad, it leaves sometimes small patches on the rock and it’s hard to take it out. I don’t have this issue with the other polishing pad grit
I live my High Tech Flat lap . What stinks is I’m disabled arthritis and it spread so bad in two years n not to mention I went to my Doctor on May 5th 2022 and my next appointment is tomorrow 1/10/23 n this is the blood guy it’s not the hip doctor . Anyhoo I can’t get out and rock hound witch sucks but was walking the dog and found a nice fossil mixed with some jasper I wanna cab it up today hopefully the back arthritis is about to flare I can feel it and if it does that’s it I’m done it’s brutal the pain
Also, what is the difference in between electroplated diamond disc ( the one that came with the all you need in #180grits) and the electroplated diamond laps?
I think the laps come with the backing plate and the discs do not.
Thank you that might explain the double price. Your video is outstanding and really appreciated. Happy holidays
A reply by someone on the Hi-Tech payroll I'm sure.
Nope. 3 years, heavy use, no issues. Maybe it's user error?
You shouldn't have to buy all the extra discs tho.....It's supposed to be a grinder/polisher?......so, the appropiate discs for polishing/shining the rocks should also be included in the kit...after all the machine isn't cheap!
Its one of the least expensive machines on the market. You don't HAVE to buy the extra discs, ive just had an easier time getting the results I want with them.
This video should explain how to afford a A Hi-Tech Diamond Flat Lap
Well i can start by saying its half the price of the next cheapest flat lap on the market.
@@RockhoundingLife Quality does not come cheap.
Thank you for producing these videos. Your work teaching others is the highest calling in life, along with medical practice and spiritual practice.
If you are young and have some extra money and plan to keep this equipment a long time, then buy new and keep it in tiptop condition.
If you’re old, the card and buy quality used like high Tech, Lortone tone, or Highland Park. Keep your equipment in good condition and it will always be worth whatever you paid for it.
Your water has to be clean every grit.
its not the machine, it would be the laps if anything
Why not just strap a bigger water jug, like a 2-gallon, somewhere above the machine? Of course you'll need a 5-gallon drain bucket. You can get a 2-gallon with a spout at the grocery store.
Don’t get marker in cracks or vugs,you’ll never get it out.
Plus if you have all the right pads they will last longer 👀🚬💁🏼