I ordered a self sticking Hook and Loop pad and stuck it to an Aluminum Backing plate and then ordered a supply of all the sandpapers that stick to the velcro. The hook and loops let the stones sink in so that there is more surface contact and the cut lines and dimples are no longer an issue.
perfect home made lapidary wheels. cheap, and effective!! Don't throw out those scraps though!! They can be used on your 1 inch dremel discs for fine details and finishing Nice to see I'm not the only one that pre shapes my stones then finishes them in the tumbler. I like that controlled randomness!!
Good idea. Just a couple observations to make things a bit easier... 1. Trim the foam just like you did the sandpaper (after mounting to disk). Just use your razor knife against the edge of the disk. 2. Give your scissors a spritz of WD-40 (or whatever oil/lube you have) so adhesive dosen't stick to them. Overall good work.
Hi John, thanks for the comment. I've tried applying the sandpaper to the foam first then sticking them both on the disk and only trimming it once to shape. The problem with that was it's a bit trickier to line up as the sand paper is almost the same size as the disk and you can't see it on the backside. Also the adhesive on the foam backing is very strong and really sticks to the scissors, so I cut it while the backing is still on to save that grief. Others might have more luck with different material as you can us regular foam and use spray adhesive on the just the paper and the disk, then there wouldn't be any stickiness for the scissors to jam up on. Anyways, all good. Thanks for watching and the tips!
Just an update John, I tried the oil on the scissor trick and it worked great!! The adhesive didn't stick at all, nice! Thanks for that, saves a lot of headache.
Thanks Tess, ya this method saves some cash for sure. I find soft disks work best for cabs but I wish they last longer. Looking forward to some videos with your new Vibratory Lap!
Oil would almost for sure destroy any sandpaper unless it had a durable fiber backing. You might be able to find some on amazon that could work with oil. Personally I avoid oil and rocks as it can be tough to get out on porous minerals. The Wood Opal I get comes soaked in oil (which is crazy) and it's a nightmare to get it all back out.
Hi James, They hold up for whatever stone you are working on. Softer amber and opal they work really well. Agate or quartz and they wear out pretty quick. I had a hard time finding a supplier for soft disks so that's why I made my own. Only adds about $1 per stone all finished up.
I ordered a self sticking Hook and Loop pad and stuck it to an Aluminum Backing plate and then ordered a supply of all the sandpapers that stick to the velcro. The hook and loops let the stones sink in so that there is more surface contact and the cut lines and dimples are no longer an issue.
perfect home made lapidary wheels. cheap, and effective!! Don't throw out those scraps though!! They can be used on your 1 inch dremel discs for fine details and finishing Nice to see I'm not the only one that pre shapes my stones then finishes them in the tumbler. I like that controlled randomness!!
Good idea. Just a couple observations to make things a bit easier... 1. Trim the foam just like you did the sandpaper (after mounting to disk). Just use your razor knife against the edge of the disk. 2. Give your scissors a spritz of WD-40 (or whatever oil/lube you have) so adhesive dosen't stick to them. Overall good work.
Hi John, thanks for the comment. I've tried applying the sandpaper to the foam first then sticking them both on the disk and only trimming it once to shape. The problem with that was it's a bit trickier to line up as the sand paper is almost the same size as the disk and you can't see it on the backside. Also the adhesive on the foam backing is very strong and really sticks to the scissors, so I cut it while the backing is still on to save that grief. Others might have more luck with different material as you can us regular foam and use spray adhesive on the just the paper and the disk, then there wouldn't be any stickiness for the scissors to jam up on. Anyways, all good. Thanks for watching and the tips!
Just an update John, I tried the oil on the scissor trick and it worked great!! The adhesive didn't stick at all, nice! Thanks for that, saves a lot of headache.
That can works as an spectra lap, using any powder as cerium oxide?
No powder on the lap no. I have a buffing wheel where I use Cerium for the polish.
Thanks so much! Is this the standard 2mm foam available at craft stores? In the video it looks thicker than that. I really appreciate your video!
I think it's more between 5 and 8 mm. Anything will do though, you just want enough foam for the stone to sink into a bit.
Thank you for your instructions
Excellent how-to video. I have ordered a vibratory flat lap and think I will be able to use your process and save $$. Thanks
Thanks Tess, ya this method saves some cash for sure. I find soft disks work best for cabs but I wish they last longer. Looking forward to some videos with your new Vibratory Lap!
I have lots of sliced rock just waiting for a vibe Lap to eat.
I'm assuming this is for those that have several blank discs so one doesn't have to repeat every time for different grit
Do you think that sandpaper could be charged with lubricants and compounds?
Oil would almost for sure destroy any sandpaper unless it had a durable fiber backing. You might be able to find some on amazon that could work with oil. Personally I avoid oil and rocks as it can be tough to get out on porous minerals. The Wood Opal I get comes soaked in oil (which is crazy) and it's a nightmare to get it all back out.
Thank you! Is there a way to email you directly?
Is this normal wet and dry paper.
Tia
Olá tudo bem amigo ? Deixa eu te perguntar tem como eu fazer alguma coisa para polir melhor minha Safira bleck star vc tem uma dica pra mim.
Do these hold up? What is the quality in comparison to a precessional made one.
Hi James, They hold up for whatever stone you are working on. Softer amber and opal they work really well. Agate or quartz and they wear out pretty quick. I had a hard time finding a supplier for soft disks so that's why I made my own. Only adds about $1 per stone all finished up.
Rough Market Awesome thank you I’m gonna be trying this year in the next couple days. Thanks you
Try automotive sandpaper. A lot more durable. You can get it at an auto parts store.
very good