Questions about diamond paste and polishing

[Taogem]

I picked up a couple of flat ribber backed discs that am thinking will be ok to adhere either felt or leather to for the diamond paste.

I am thinking that can do my regular oxide polishing then move on to say a 24,000 and then a 50,000 diamond paste. The 14,000 seems too abrasive. I am past that as have came off the oxides.

Does that sound about right?

Would felt or soft leather be best?

How do I apply and best use the paste? Is it done dry or do I squirt a bit of water on the disc?

Anything else that I need to consider?

[Taogem]

I read today that some pastes are used with a oil soluble liquid and some are water soluble.

I am not sure what I have. They don't say either way on the syringes.

I went ahead and adhered a soft backing to the four inch disc and then applied some nice soft leather.

Not sure if I am suppose to just apply the paste and use it just as it comes out of the syringe, or if I am suppose to apply a little water or oil of some type.

[seth]

I would clean the stone off very good before you switch to diamond paste. I use the diamond belts and then finish off on a smooth leather wheel backed with foam for some stuff. The chrysocolla cab posted was done on smooth leather purchased from a saddle shop. The rough side would probably be an undercut with softer chrysocolla. Agates and jasper are pretty easy and would work rough or smooth. Using other polish like white would not be a good idea with softer or porous stones. It will show up in any flaw or pit.

[seth]

Forgot about the diamond paste extender. I use this also to spread out the diamond paste and lubricate the smooth leather that can tend to grab a stone if you apply to much pressure without it. I have never had a problem using the extender with any type of paste. I can not say that I have used it with the cheap stuff from China that may be a water base. You get what you pay for.

[Taogem]

Yes, that was the very first problem I had when I tried with another leather disc I had. It would want to skip over the leather, and the paste would build up on the stone.

I can't tell if the paste I have is water or oil soluble.

I suppose it would be as easy to just see if it dissolved in either one?

Here is a link to a site that offers various extenders.

Want to make a suggestion on which one to use?

I am thinking the paste I have is water soluble because it did not work well with some oil that was given to me.

I don't know exactly what is in the oil, but does not seem to work well with paste I have.

Thanks Seth 

[seth]

I use Graves diamond extender. The diamond paste can be purchased from Rio Grande and other places. Diamond belts charged with grits down to 50.000 can also be purchased. 3m, Eastwind and other places have the belts. The diamond is in a flexible belt for expando drums. No paste on them. They don't fill flaws with powder.

[Taogem]

Thanks Seth..