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Author Topic: Nelson Machine Works Rotary Lap  (Read 1175 times)

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VanViking

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Nelson Machine Works Rotary Lap
« on: October 23, 2019, 10:03:24 AM »
I just purchased a Nelson Machine Works (Portland Oregon) Rotary Flat Lap Model 16A. It appears to be in great shape, just need to rewire. I have never used a rotary flat lap, and was wondering if anyone out there has any experience with this type of machine. Also what about accessories, any information on that would be appreciated also. I have a couple Nelson slab saws and really like the way they are built. The stuff on the bottom shelf was gone when I picked this thing up, I was told they went to another machine...
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Slabbercabber

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Re: Nelson Machine Works Rotary Lap
« Reply #1 on: October 24, 2019, 05:06:24 AM »
In general, flat laps tend to be slower than drum types.  Where they excel is doing flats.  If your saw is well tuned, the flat lap can do a mirror surface on two slabs at a time.  I would advise against diamond paste and instead use SiC discs.  Paste is very slow.  Diamond discs are available but pretty expensive.
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VanViking

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Re: Nelson Machine Works Rotary Lap
« Reply #2 on: October 24, 2019, 09:19:35 AM »
Thanks for the reply, but this has a steel wheel that has the same groves as my vibratory lap. I have thought about putting a sanding disc wheel on top of the steel lapping plate, but would like to know how this was intended to be used. the pan under it is cupped to catch fluid, and I think they used oil as a drip on this one, but not positive. My intention is to use this to get the saw marks off of my slabs, but again would like to know a little for about this particular lap. It was built in the 60s, by Nelson Machine Works out of Portland Oregon, but like the saws I have, there is not much information out there about them.
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Slabbercabber

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Re: Nelson Machine Works Rotary Lap
« Reply #3 on: October 25, 2019, 05:42:45 AM »
It was intended to be used with loose grit.  I tried that once but found it very frustrating.  On the positives side you will learn a lot by doing it that way and if you already have tumbling grit around the learning is really cheap.  One thing that will save you time.  Start at the smallest size grit that will get you there.  RPM for grit will be smaller that for disks so you don't throw the grit off the wheel.
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