DIY Rockhound Flat Lap Machine
A complete grinding, shaping, smoothing and polishing lapidary unit.
This is a cool site you should check out. He lists maps of every state and places to rockhound in each of them. He built a cool machine and fully explained how to make one yourself. Try it out…
http://www.rockpicks.net/flatlap.htm
make your own / DIY Flat Lap machine
Information on the construction of my 8 inch flat lap for faceting/general use.
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General Description |
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| After doing a bit of research, I decided it was time to attempt the construction of a flat lap. My main interest was in accuracy for use in faceting with the added ability to be used as a general purpose lap. To address the accuracy issues, I chose to use a direct drive system which eliminates the variables caused by belt stretch. Also, I thought that a DC motor would be the simplest to apply a speed control to and also had the benefit of being easily reversible in direction. My choice for a motor was a 3/4 HP 130 volt DC ball bearing, permanent magnet motor that was originally constructed for use in an exercise treadmill system. Since I was able to find matched components in surplus, I also opted to use the speed control used in the same treadmill. The housing for the lap is constructed from 8″ x 1″ dimensional Poplar lumber. The top is constructed from 3/4 inch Lexan since it is a very rigid and stable material, though my primary choice would have been tool grade aluminum plate. Price was the main consideration for choosing Lexan which I ordered from McMaster-Carr. I purchased the motor and speed control from Surplus Center and the Lexan from McMaster-Carr. The lumber and other hardware came from Lowes.
Rest of article here: http://www.rockpicks.net/flatlap.htm |