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Author Topic: Help me understand the difference between different designs of flat laps  (Read 13237 times)

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R.U. Sirius

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Help me understand the difference between different designs of flat laps
« 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.?
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Slabbercabber

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Re: Help me understand the difference between different designs of flat laps
« Reply #1 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.
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lithicbeads

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Re: Help me understand the difference between different designs of flat laps
« Reply #2 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.
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R.U. Sirius

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Re: Help me understand the difference between different designs of flat laps
« Reply #3 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?
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Slabbercabber

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Re: Help me understand the difference between different designs of flat laps
« Reply #4 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.
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Slabbercabber

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Re: Help me understand the difference between different designs of flat laps
« Reply #5 on: March 27, 2021, 07:59:17 AM »
I looked it up.  It's call Mini-sonic.
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lithicbeads

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Re: Help me understand the difference between different designs of flat laps
« Reply #6 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.
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