What can I do?

[glaserm]

Hello All,
I quite new at this but would like to try simple Intarsia, inlay (for example a knife handle) or a domed  cab.
The problem is that I don't have a flat lap.

Can someone suggest a project that I can do with my Lortone combination saw and arbor?
Thanks for any advice. Best, --Michael

[Steve]

This tutorial mentions something about flat lapping on glass..........that might help.......

http://gemstone.smfforfree4.com/index.php/topic,1204.0.html

[deb193]

what wheels are on your arbor, and why is a domed cab a problem - are you asking about the final polish?

[mirkaba]

Can you add a flat disc to the end of your arbor? Might be the easiest solution.

[glaserm]

Thanks much for the quick response ... if only the bank or the phone company were so conscientious!

Hi deb193, the problem with doing a combination cab, I thought, would be that the cabochon(s) would be hard to handle on grind and sanding wheels. I thought that they might separate during that process. I'm still not sure how to acheive a close fit so that the edges would be nicely graded.

Hi mirkaba, yes,  at the end of the shaft a polish head, etc, can be threaded in.
The felt polishing head was the one feature that I couldn't use. When I tried to polish with it, the stones went FLYING away at lightening speed! I've been hand-polishing with diamond compound on leather.

Steve, thanks, I'll check it out.

Really appreciate you guy's advice. --Michael

[hulagrub]

Michael, I would try to get two small slabs, and get a good square edge on both, and then epoxy those two edges together. I can get reasonably straight flat edges, on my Genie, with the 6" wheels. Look at my preform, for the last cab contest, those edges are very straight, and probably close to 90*.
Try it and see what you can get!!!!!
Have fun and show us your results! 

[Rockoteer]

Does this help you at all?

http://gemstone.smfforfree4.com/index.php/topic,7900.0.html

TOG

[deb193]

I think you might get straight enough edges on all but tight curves. Possibly try a block or cab-rest that would let you put the edge 90-deg to the wheel. The real issue would be a gap - not weakness - because the epoxy join should be very strong.