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Gadgets, Gizmos, and Dohickeys => Fixing, Modifying and Refurbishing your Lapidary Equipment => Topic started by: shirlnbruce on March 28, 2018, 08:45:36 AM

Title: recharging diamond sanding discs
Post by: shirlnbruce on March 28, 2018, 08:45:36 AM

Hi, time to cut costs and learn how to recharge my diamond sanding discs which I purchase from Ameritool.  Does anyone know the steps to take to recharge these, or even if they can be recharged.

Thanks

Title: Re: recharging diamond sanding discs
Post by: PhilNM on March 28, 2018, 09:46:20 AM

IF they are similar to sanding belts, epoxy and diamond powder will work.

Title: Re: recharging diamond sanding discs
Post by: shirlnbruce on March 28, 2018, 11:07:08 AM

Hi Phil, no they are not like belts, they are flat laps, probably some kind of a plastic embedded with diamond grit.

Title: Re: recharging diamond sanding discs
Post by: hummingbirdstones on March 28, 2018, 11:13:15 AM

Welcome to the forum!

The Ameritool flat lap discs are made to be replaced when they are used up.  You're best bet is to replace them with new ones.  I really don't see how you would be able to recharge them.  They are a resin impregnated lap and trying to redo the surface will most likely not be worth the time and expense.

Check around to get the best price for replacements.  Kingsley North has them on sale quite often.

Title: Re: recharging diamond sanding discs
Post by: Phishisgroovin on March 28, 2018, 12:59:29 PM

JB-weld and mixing in diamond grit powder purchased off ebay would work.
Just have to keep the disk turning very slowly so the epoxy weld resin doesnt puddle up and the mixture will cure slowly and flat.

Title: Re: recharging diamond sanding discs
Post by: Phishisgroovin on March 28, 2018, 01:01:41 PM

In the beginning of lapidary, alot of flat laps were made from copper disks, its soft enough that the diamonds can be pressed into (impregnating the copper disk) the copper and used for finishing stones.

Title: Re: recharging diamond sanding discs
Post by: jerrysg on March 28, 2018, 08:24:40 PM

For the coarser grits (2000 and lower) you could substitute SiC paper bonded to a disc.  Get some worn out 8" faceting discs and use spray adhesive to bond the paper. When it's worn out, you can use a solvent to remove the old paper and replace with new. I want to experiment with this for my Ameritool but my faceting friends keep forgetting to bring their old discs.

Also to get some flex in the disc to duplicate what you get with the Nova wheels, bond some 2mm craft foam (from Michaels - $0.99/per 9x12 sheet) to the disc and then the SiC paper to the foam.

Jerry

Title: Re: recharging diamond sanding discs
Post by: PhilNM on March 29, 2018, 11:15:27 AM

I've seen them made out of plywood too. you just keep them recharged with diamond powder and a special spray made for it. Minnesota lapidary supply has it.