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[nyatii]

Hi All,
I'm new here and could use some help identifying and fixing a vibrating lap that was given to me. I can’t find any markings. The top is held on by 3 springs and rides on 3 nylon bushings with rubber inserts. One of the inserts is broken and the top of it has separated. I would like to see if I could locate a replacement part.
Also, there is a plate on the bottom of the top section and the screws are partially backed out. I don’t know if the screws are supposed to be that way, have backed out by vibration, or someone backed them out.
Any help would surely be appreciated.  Jim

[nyatii]

Doesn't anyone recognize this machine?

[vitzitziltecpatl]

Not me.

Sounds like it's time to fabricate what you need, and give it a go.

I read somewhere recently that "super balls" make great vibe feet, so any kind of tough rubber like that would be good. Just make all three the same and go for it.

[nyatii]

That is a brilliant idea, Vince.
I hadn't considered something like that as I was concentrating too much on finding exactly what was used before.
I will start the hunt. I have some mahogany obsidian that I slabbed this fall and sure would like to see what it looks like polished.
Thank you.
Jim

[peruano]

I followed someone else's suggestion and bought Whamo super balls (1.5" diameter) to use in a Raytech vibratory lap; and I know one other person who has used them successfully in a Lortone vibratory lap.  They work, and may be part of a universal design feature in similar laps.

[nyatii]

Thank you Peruano.
Holy Cow! they sure get big bucks for the original Wham-o super balls.
I found some 1 1/5" size, but wonder if that might be too large. The hole in the feet with the insert is about 3/4" and the top sits pretty tight on top of the feet because of little spring stretch. I searched for wham-o 1" balls but can't seem to find any. There are other cheaper brands that are 1" however, I'm guessing it's the Zectron material that makes them last and the cheaper balls are just that, cheap rubber or similar.
Do you know of any Wham-o balls that are 1" or do you think the cheaper ones would work?
Jim

[vitzitziltecpatl]

I wonder if cheap two-piece golf ball guts would work? I've never deconstructed one. Don't know how resilient the rubber cores are.

[nyatii]

That's another good thought, Vince.
Jim

[55fossil]

   Not sure if this helps, but looks very similar. Mine has the original plastic standoffs, not rubber. See if your lap may have had plastic in the base mounts at one time.

[nyatii]

55fossil,
Yes, it looks very much like mine.
The standoffs on my are plastic/nylon but have rubber inserts in the middle. Mine only stick up about 1/8", but that may be because they are worn down. Do you have any literature with yours?
Jim

[55fossil]

Jim:   I will leave it to the experts to sort out the details. The HP manufacturers Plate on the front shows everything I know.  Google???

[nyatii]

Thank you 55fossil.

[catmandewe]

I have seen old ones like these with bottle caps glued to the bottom of the pan so that they sit over the posts that hold it up. Havent played with how well it works yet, but I brought a couple home from Q to play with them.

Tony

[nyatii]

Thank you catmandewe. I can see how the caps would keep everything centered, wouldn't think they would last for long. I'm still looking trying to find the right little ball to use or find replacement parts.

[Phishisgroovin]

might go looking at a hardware store for some nylon chair or table glides. like what fits on a chair or table leg footing.
Just take one with you, you will have to pry it out somehow.

[nyatii]

Thats a good idea since I can't seem to find any superballs of the right size.