Hi Dave and all, having watched this video with the polishing of the Picasso piece that I was fortunate to win and have now received, I am greatly honored. It has that added connection to Jim. I also have a bunch of the Dave and Jim Cali Crayon jasper I feel blessed. I am going to upload the unboxing as a Part 1 video and then Part 2 will be me polishing the extra piece you added. Dave, thank you, you are a very kind, talented and spiritually connected person.
Thank you so much for reminding me that all that material really was Jim’s and family out there in California I actually don’t even have a single piece of the crapn box material that we harvested but I’m happy that everyone who got it appreciate it even more now that he’s gone
Hey Dave, thanks for the demonstration, it's impressive how fast these work. This will be my first lapidary machine and I was wondering if there's a particular place you'd recommend to order discs from. I've seen a few sites with decent competitive prices ($90 per disc), but figured you might know if there are better deals. Also, I can't find leather or felt magnetic pads or the sponge-backed pads on Diamond Pacific's website, do they still make them? If so, would I have to contact them directly to order them? Thanks for sharing all your knowledge, I've learned a ton from your videos.
This is a real game changer Dave. I use a 6 in hi tech, and between acrylic backing plates and getting disks in, is tough! This is amazing flat sponge pads !!!
I just got my 8rl, I cant wait to start using it! The only thing that is weird is mine came with the watering cup on the right side and the power switch on the left.
Not too sure the one I use wasn’t that loud and I used to use the prototype and it was even better. I talked to don about it a little bit the retired owner of Diamond Pacific. He told me that it will definitely break in and become less loud.
OK, now I own one of these machines, and I tried polishing several flat pieces of Jade with it, and nothing looked like this! I wonder if it is because of the fiber structure. Anyway, you gave me hope...
I'm wondering why that flat lap hasn't come up with a system that can filter and recirculate the water? Seems like that should be easy enough to design... Why not you Dave? You could upgrade the upgrade and have your own patented product soon getting a 4-5 figure monthly income!
@@tinymetaltrees No, I wasn't kidding, but I have never used a flat lap or made a cab. It just seemed like a good idea and will nix the idea as not being practical..
I appreciate your enthusiasm but honestly I wouldn’t know where to begin on any kind of designs like that if Jim was still around he could rip it up in five minutes the guy was a genius
I have a question about a rock saw I acquired when dad passed. It's a large one and a tree fell during the last hurricane and broke the site glass and filled with water so I had to toss all the mineral oil in it. My dad used Natures-Oil 100% mineral oil which is very costly now. I am struggling to learn is their is a cheaper option and is all food grade mineral oil the same. I will be trying to cut petrified wood. I believe I will need at least 10 or 15 gallons if not more. I am new to this and trying to learn. Thank you in advance for any help.
@@TheLastLevitan i wouldn’t call it the dream just yet i’m mostly playing other peoples music, making other peoples dreams come true I definitely would not mind not making any money at all being on tour with something I’m proud of then shuffling between a bunch of different bands, playing covers or someone else’s passion project I’m super thankful that I have this gem community Otherwise I would would probably be pretty bummed out since I don’t always feel like an artist just regurgitating someone else’s tunes for them.
@lapidarydave just gotta think about the journey. Some just picking up the guitar would give anything to be able to regurgitate famous songs. Eventually people will be regurgitating your songs on stage, you just have to push yourself to write and keep putting your sound out there no matter what
At the time I'm writing this comment the machine is $865 and if you wanted to buy five laps and have 140, 280, 600, 1200, 3000 that is another $520. I'm sure its a good little machine but that does feel like a bit of a steep price point. I do agree with you that the thumbscrew attachment methods are less than ideal.
Did they not come with the pads? I honestly don’t know if they do or if they don’t but if they didn’t and one was going to buy them he definitely want to get to 60 grit as well that’s my favorite pad it just works so fast
Looks like a great lap but I guess I won't be getting one. I can't afford that. Bummer ! I really like that it doesn't have a center bolt. And you can change the pads fast. Unfortunately I live on a fixed income. So there's not going to happen.
i got some basic stuff like idaho seam agates and a picasso marble piece and a tiger eye and a luguana lace agate....small slabs dont think they need to be cut only polished....nothings big, they all palm sized @@lapidarydave
@@johnny0253 I think I can definitely do that. Send me a text 772-284-4459 and shoot me a picture of what you would like me to polish I think I could probably definitely do those for you before I head to Tucson in mid January if you were interested.
@@lapidarydave thank you for responding. I bought a hi tech Diamond 8” and I’m not happy with it. The machine itself I’ve had no problems,it’s the pads that I’m not happy with. I have collector slabs and it just won’t get them 100% flat so there ends up with dull spots when in the polishing stage , and even if I get one to go completely flat there are 1,000s of spiderweb like scratches very fine but there. So I was looking at your video for a better machine. I rock hunted with Bill (owner of Diamond Pacific) before he passed away.
He might be right my friend I was talking to don about it and he says that it definitely breaks in I think since this is such an early version perhaps even straight out of prototype that they will be changed in the future and I wouldn’t be surprised if they already are
Why wouldn't the flat vibration lap machine they make be better or worse? It's rhetorical. Having to hold it....the first thing I'm thinking is a way to automate the holding and moving of the rock when using this. It COULD be a better way to do it than using a vibration table (a true rock lapping table orients the vibration and limits is to a PLANE of orbit). It IS pretty what you did and the tool has GREAT value in a limited range. I like to buy overkill on a machine and the vibration table IS overkill on this one rock. I know their vibration table is $1700 but if your doing a LOT of stuff or heavy single faces....the vibration lap is truly EASY. You turn in on and walk away. This is great when you have ONE or TWO smaller faces to polish. You'll hate it after 50..lol. When I buy the vibration table I'm flying down there, buying the table, buying $1000 wroth of ROCKS from the BACKYARD....and driving it all back home. The rock pile in back of Diamond Pacific is one of a kind.
One thing that this can do that vibration table pretty much can’t do is that you could shape stones on this machine not just polish flat sides brings of a great point that I didn’t ship anything in this video I just polished to flattens also in the future they’re coming out with the pad nova Desks which will allow you to contour stones with pre-polishing and make a high-end cabochons right on this machine so if anything that’s the difference between the two I will I want both personally
I uas an old B&I flat lap unit. I make my own 8inch "nova sponge laps" by using the ameritool flex laps, a piece of sponge disc and a master lap as a base. Worked great for many years now. Nice little unit.
Thanks for a great clear video for a newly obsessed rockhounder. I am ready to buy after your great demo❤
You can fill a gallon jug and turn it upside-down on top of that blue cup and it will act like a water cooler refilling as used.
Absolutely I was just talking to don and Diamond Pacific about the same thing I think he was talking about using a 2 L bottle
Hi Dave and all, having watched this video with the polishing of the Picasso piece that I was fortunate to win and have now received, I am greatly honored. It has that added connection to Jim. I also have a bunch of the Dave and Jim Cali Crayon jasper I feel blessed.
I am going to upload the unboxing as a Part 1 video and then Part 2 will be me polishing the extra piece you added.
Dave, thank you, you are a very kind, talented and spiritually connected person.
Thank you so much for reminding me that all that material really was Jim’s and family out there in California I actually don’t even have a single piece of the crapn box material that we harvested but I’m happy that everyone who got it appreciate it even more now that he’s gone
Hey Dave, thanks for the demonstration, it's impressive how fast these work. This will be my first lapidary machine and I was wondering if there's a particular place you'd recommend to order discs from. I've seen a few sites with decent competitive prices ($90 per disc), but figured you might know if there are better deals.
Also, I can't find leather or felt magnetic pads or the sponge-backed pads on Diamond Pacific's website, do they still make them? If so, would I have to contact them directly to order them?
Thanks for sharing all your knowledge, I've learned a ton from your videos.
This is a real game changer Dave. I use a 6 in hi tech, and between acrylic backing plates and getting disks in, is tough! This is amazing flat sponge pads !!!
The magnets need something to help center it, and a variable speed motor. Is that the spindle of the motor grinding against the tub ?
I just got my 8rl, I cant wait to start using it! The only thing that is weird is mine came with the watering cup on the right side and the power switch on the left.
I just received one, it is loud, I spoke with DP, they are taking it back and making it right. I love everything else about the machine.
Not too sure the one I use wasn’t that loud and I used to use the prototype and it was even better. I talked to don about it a little bit the retired owner of Diamond Pacific. He told me that it will definitely break in and become less loud.
OK, now I own one of these machines, and I tried polishing several flat pieces of Jade with it, and nothing looked like this! I wonder if it is because of the fiber structure. Anyway, you gave me hope...
Yes I love it I just made me a flat lap I'm so gonna get that thumbs up for sure 😊 the pads I hope there not to much
I am *totally* buying one of those! That is so nice, and yet, so simple. I like it. Really looking forward to those sponge pads as well.
me too i want one so bad they work great
How much are they? I would love to get of those. I have a bunch of slabs I need to polish.
I'm wondering why that flat lap hasn't come up with a system that can filter and recirculate the water? Seems like that should be easy enough to design... Why not you Dave? You could upgrade the upgrade and have your own patented product soon getting a 4-5 figure monthly income!
Are you joking?
Dump used mud in grass. Refill water.
Save time and money by not cleaning and maintaining a recirculating filter.
@@tinymetaltrees No, I wasn't kidding, but I have never used a flat lap or made a cab. It just seemed like a good idea and will nix the idea as not being practical..
I appreciate your enthusiasm but honestly I wouldn’t know where to begin on any kind of designs like that if Jim was still around he could rip it up in five minutes the guy was a genius
You don't get excited FOR something. You get excited ABOUT something. You get excited for SOMEONE.
have you ever had the magnetic lap fly off? curious what happens if things get too off-center!
I’ve never had it fly off and I don’t even center it as good as I should even on the 6 inch version being slightly off-center works pretty well
I have a question about a rock saw I acquired when dad passed. It's a large one and a tree fell during the last hurricane and broke the site glass and filled with water so I had to toss all the mineral oil in it. My dad used Natures-Oil 100% mineral oil which is very costly now. I am struggling to learn is their is a cheaper option and is all food grade mineral oil the same. I will be trying to cut petrified wood. I believe I will need at least 10 or 15 gallons if not more. I am new to this and trying to learn. Thank you in advance for any help.
Hey there my friend I’m not really familiar with natures oil brand are use Kevin Kessler oil for my saws I think it’s a horse /livestock laxative
I'm sure you have a cab sheet. A plastic sheet to draw and measure Cabs with. When I flat grinded, I would use one and measure the stone a bit more.
Question! What do you do as a side job? Or is this your side job?
i’m a full time musician when i’m not doing the youtube rock stuff
@lapidarydave wow buddy that sounds amazing. Keep living your dream man! I aspire to be in your exact position actually. I love guitar and gemstones
@@TheLastLevitan i wouldn’t call it the dream just yet i’m mostly playing other peoples music, making other peoples dreams come true I definitely would not mind not making any money at all being on tour with something I’m proud of then shuffling between a bunch of different bands, playing covers or someone else’s passion project I’m super thankful that I have this gem community Otherwise I would would probably be pretty bummed out since I don’t always feel like an artist just regurgitating someone else’s tunes for them.
@lapidarydave just gotta think about the journey. Some just picking up the guitar would give anything to be able to regurgitate famous songs. Eventually people will be regurgitating your songs on stage, you just have to push yourself to write and keep putting your sound out there no matter what
At the time I'm writing this comment the machine is $865 and if you wanted to buy five laps and have 140, 280, 600, 1200, 3000 that is another $520.
I'm sure its a good little machine but that does feel like a bit of a steep price point.
I do agree with you that the thumbscrew attachment methods are less than ideal.
Did they not come with the pads? I honestly don’t know if they do or if they don’t but if they didn’t and one was going to buy them he definitely want to get to 60 grit as well that’s my favorite pad it just works so fast
Thanks Jared I was wondering this.
Looks like a great lap but I guess I won't be getting one. I can't afford that. Bummer ! I really like that it doesn't have a center bolt. And you can change the pads fast. Unfortunately I live on a fixed income. So there's not going to happen.
Do you think that the lack of adjustable speed is a problem? If not I think this could be made very inexpensively...
nice job.... you do any polishing for custumers??
I do depending on the material what did you have in mind
i got some basic stuff like idaho seam agates and a picasso marble piece and a tiger eye and a luguana lace agate....small slabs dont think they need to be cut only polished....nothings big, they all palm sized @@lapidarydave
@@johnny0253 I think I can definitely do that. Send me a text 772-284-4459 and shoot me a picture of what you would like me to polish I think I could probably definitely do those for you before I head to Tucson in mid January if you were interested.
Why is the machine so incredibly loud ?? Thanks
Where can I find a lap machine specifically for cutting diamonds?
i have no idea they are a special machine very different then most lapidary machines and i have never seen one for sale in my entire career
The blue water reservoir could be improved with a simple clear water tube level to indicate water level.....
Great !!!!
Why is it making a grinding noise with nothing on the plate
i didn’t set it up right i’m going to do a unboxing and setup video of a new one to replace this video
@@lapidarydave thank you for responding. I bought a hi tech Diamond 8” and I’m not happy with it. The machine itself I’ve had no problems,it’s the pads that I’m not happy with. I have collector slabs and it just won’t get them 100% flat so there ends up with dull spots when in the polishing stage , and even if I get one to go completely flat there are 1,000s of spiderweb like scratches very fine but there. So I was looking at your video for a better machine. I rock hunted with Bill (owner of Diamond Pacific) before he passed away.
@@kevinunger433 bill was a legend
you should try out one of the dp flat laps if you live in the area they really are great
Best lapping disks
Also man idk about the sound of that motor. Something isn't tight enough somewhere
They should of counter sunk the hole in the plate it seems to be sticking up.
He might be right my friend I was talking to don about it and he says that it definitely breaks in I think since this is such an early version perhaps even straight out of prototype that they will be changed in the future and I wouldn’t be surprised if they already are
Why wouldn't the flat vibration lap machine they make be better or worse? It's rhetorical. Having to hold it....the first thing I'm thinking is a way to automate the holding and moving of the rock when using this. It COULD be a better way to do it than using a vibration table (a true rock lapping table orients the vibration and limits is to a PLANE of orbit).
It IS pretty what you did and the tool has GREAT value in a limited range. I like to buy overkill on a machine and the vibration table IS overkill on this one rock.
I know their vibration table is $1700 but if your doing a LOT of stuff or heavy single faces....the vibration lap is truly EASY. You turn in on and walk away. This is great when you have ONE or TWO smaller faces to polish. You'll hate it after 50..lol.
When I buy the vibration table I'm flying down there, buying the table, buying $1000 wroth of ROCKS from the BACKYARD....and driving it all back home. The rock pile in back of Diamond Pacific is one of a kind.
One thing that this can do that vibration table pretty much can’t do is that you could shape stones on this machine not just polish flat sides brings of a great point that I didn’t ship anything in this video I just polished to flattens also in the future they’re coming out with the pad nova Desks which will allow you to contour stones with pre-polishing and make a high-end cabochons right on this machine so if anything that’s the difference between the two I will I want both personally
I uas an old B&I flat lap unit. I make my own 8inch "nova sponge laps" by using the ameritool flex laps, a piece of sponge disc and a master lap as a base. Worked great for many years now. Nice little unit.
to much noise, it has very hollow noise being because of all that space under the disc
I make Cabs on my flat lap
like a boss :)😊