Vibrating horizontal lap

[Bluesssman]

Could someone tell me about the pros and cons of a vibrating lap?

[Taogem]

I don't know if there are necessarily pros and cons.

They are what they are. Either a person has a use for polishing slabs, or end pieces or they don't..

If you are interested in making perfectly flat gemstones, like maybe earring pairs of other perfectly flat cabs, then that is a pro about them.

Pretty much if your interested in polishing flat surfaces then that is what they are for.

One con might include the constant attention you have to give them while using. Checking them several times over several hours to get the desired results. They are loud too. I think most people keep them well away from the shop.

Anyone else? 

[Bluesssman]

I had not thought about the noise! I keep my vibrating tumbler in the house garage and not the shop for the exact same reason.

I hope I am not posting too many "newbe" questions, but I am very excited about all of this lapidary fun. Now can someone get spring here soon!!!

[Taogem]

I hope I am not posting too many "newbe" questions, but I am very excited about all of this lapidary fun. Now can someone get spring here soon!!!

Absolutely Not !

Please keep the questions coming..  That is what it is all about 

I will put a request in for Spring..

[mirkaba]

Although I have only done 2 batches this is what I have learned. I use graded SC grit in 4 stages. 220, 400, 600 and polish. It takes me about 2 - 3 days to run through the cycle. Some rocks and slabs tend to chip really bad around the face so you should wrap the rocks to prevent chipping from collision with other rocks. I have some 3 and 4 inch pvc rings I put the rocks in. I also use duck tape and some old kirby vacuum cleaner belts. some other things used are rubber bands and assorted types of tape. If you put weights on the slabs they work faster. The slurry has to be maintained at the proper viscosity. Consequently you have to add water every hour or so. It can be a real bugger to clean the rocks between stages. The slurry tends to splash around a bit and it is a little noisy. I made 1 batch of small bookends about 12 pieces and they turned out great and all sold at the flea markets. I think a drip system could be devised to keep the slurry just right but have not gone there yet. Hope this helps...........Bob

[theimage1]

I have also seen people build a "hanging lattice" that keeps the rocks separated. If I remember correctly they hung it from the edges of the vibro-lap and it was about 1/4" above the actual plate. They had two or three variations depending on how many rocks they were trying to keep separate.

Kind of like this:

[mirkaba]

The lattice would certainly work! Nice rendering! Looking at it I remembered that you have to keep the pots level. There are  4 screw in legs with lock nuts for leveling.  Also there are bumpers that go around the outside edge of the pot. I used a circle of surgical tubing with the ends connected by a short section of doweling. Never thought of it  but one could possibly build individual protective rings for the stone this way!! Also the Contempo Lapidary/Diamond Pacific Models have stackable pots. You can run 2 at a time (with short rocks ) Just remember to keep the pot with the finer grit on top to avoid contamination...................Bob

[Taogem]

Nice rendering!

I can never get enough of Ron's 3D imagery !

Not sure about how a person would rig up an auto drip type water feed. I think that is why it is so important to keep a close eye on it. The slurry has to be just right. Not sure if it would be possible to calculate an auto drip.

Don't know for sure..... 

[Dr Joe]

Use a setup similar to an IV drip, a little trial and error and taking the humidity changes into account. Piece of cake.

[Taogem]

Use a setup similar to an IV drip, a little trial and error and taking the humidity changes into account. Piece of cake.

Your absolutely right.. The humidity would be a huge factor for sure..