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Gadgets, Gizmos, and Dohickeys => What Equipment to Buy and Where to Get it. => Topic started by: R.U. Sirius on March 24, 2021, 02:40:51 PM

Title: Help me understand the difference between different designs of flat laps
Post by: R.U. Sirius on March 24, 2021, 02:40:51 PM: I've seen flat laps described as vibratory, reciprocating, and also oscillating - but couldn't find clear explanations of differences in the way they work.

I am looking into two used units - one is a 20'' Lortone oscillating lap, and another one a 10'' Raytech vibrating lap. Ignoring the price, size, and condition, what are practical differences between the two in terms of efficiency of grinding and polishing, issues with splashing, noise, etc.?
Title: Re: Help me understand the difference between different designs of flat laps
Post by: Slabbercabber on March 25, 2021, 12:50:18 PM: I can't help with one better than another but I can tell you that all three operate the same way. It's just a war of semantics. The only other option would be an electronic oscillator. It would be superior, but as far as I know, no one makes one.
Title: Re: Help me understand the difference between different designs of flat laps
Post by: lithicbeads on March 26, 2021, 06:52:08 PM: Weight on the slabs has always been an issue as has uneven polishing as the polish starts first on the outside of the flat.
Title: Re: Help me understand the difference between different designs of flat laps
Post by: R.U. Sirius on March 26, 2021, 07:06:05 PM: Quote from: Slabbercabber on March 25, 2021, 12:50:18 PM
I can't help with one better than another but I can tell you that all three operate the same way. It's just a war of semantics. The only other option would be an electronic oscillator. It would be superior, but as far as I know, no one makes one.

Is there a similar contraption out there used in other kinds of machinery? Or are you thinking of a brand new invention?
Title: Re: Help me understand the difference between different designs of flat laps
Post by: Slabbercabber on March 27, 2021, 07:38:53 AM: Quote from: R.U. Sirius on March 26, 2021, 07:06:05 PM
Quote from: Slabbercabber on March 25, 2021, 12:50:18 PM
I can't help with one better than another but I can tell you that all three operate the same way. It's just a war of semantics. The only other option would be an electronic oscillator. It would be superior, but as far as I know, no one makes one.

Is there a similar contraption out there used in other kinds of machinery? Or are you thinking of a brand new invention?

Diamond Pacific makes a vibra-sonic vibrating tumbler. I think that's what it is called. It is way faster and less damaging than traditional tumblers. It would take a large power converter to run a flat lap with that system. No doubt that is why I've not seen one.
Title: Re: Help me understand the difference between different designs of flat laps
Post by: Slabbercabber on March 27, 2021, 07:59:17 AM: I looked it up. It's call Mini-sonic.
Title: Re: Help me understand the difference between different designs of flat laps
Post by: lithicbeads on May 06, 2021, 08:04:38 PM: I have seen extremely large vibrasonic tumblers in commercial shops but they were special orders and wildly expensive.