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Dude congrats on getting a sponsor for your channel! That's really awesome. I've been thinking about getting my hands on a flat lap for some time, but just haven't quite pulled the trigger. Very cool.
After spending the day screwing around with my freshly cut thunder eggs and not getting very far with sanding/polishing I ordered one of these! Thanks for showing it in action, I will put it to work as soon as it gets here!
Currently Rockhounding , ya it looks a little primitive but for now I’ll use it. Thanks again, I’m usually on the cheaper side but watching you polish the granite, I couldn’t resist.
Ok I just got my first 6 inch flat lap used waiting for disc's have been watching you and everyone else one trip I have learned in between disc's dry the stone and cover the cut side with magic marker or pencil so when you go to the next disc you can see the scratches and make sure you have them all out love you and your wife thanks for all the lessons learned alot from you. You rock Dude!
Using marker on the stone's surface also allows you to be sure you get any low points out, same concept as scratches (which are just low points you made yourself).
I'll add a recommendation for that. I have two pieces of Hi Tech. Both the saw and the flat lap are well constructed, fairly quiet, reliable and do a great job.
You need to turn up the water to help with the process. And if you do several stones you can work through each rock at each level before changing plates. Congratulations, and you can check a local lapidary shop to see how long each process should take.
@@CurrentlyRockhounding your welcome, I responded earlier to someone who said that 100 grit takes down the cut marks faster, and I want to add that at all grits below 400 more water is needed especially with the quality of stone that you have. The heat from the grind can crack the stone and especially if is near the opal grade. I've used a rough stone grinder with water, and a 7 wheel lapidary grinder some are steel with diamonds some are composite. Definitely water for agates, flints, sulfur, common or precious opal.. the stone heating up is the issue and the more water on the rough grit the sound in less. If you do lots with silicate wear a mask besides the water to keep particles out of your lungs.
hi, the best way to see if you spent enough time on a grit before going to another is to dry out the surface you're polishing, that way you'll be able to see the scratches better ;)
Great video and thank you! I'm no expert but i have learned that rinsing and cleaning your stone between grits is important. That way no residual scratching will occur. As well as wiping clean your wheel.
I don't think the number of subs matter as much as the level of engagement and what I'm doing here on this channel hasn't been done yet by anyone else. I think they recognize where I'm taking this.
That is great Congratulations on a sponsor! I was surprised how quiet the machine was, just the grinding of the stones was making the noise. I'll have to take a look at them. Your stones were beautiful with a nice polish too. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Thanks great info I have the machine Through inheritance, I married into a rockhounding family, thought I better joy them are else I'd never see them Lol, have great fun now planning weekends and holidays around rockhounding. Two weeks from today it's southern Oregon ,succor creek canyon 1st time in the area Thanks again Keep up the good work Dan federal way wa
Very cool i recently got a slant lap. Now i cut and cab everything. Just got exclusive rights to a sapphire claim here in helena montana if ya want to take a field trip this way let me know i can take guests with me. I also dremel out circles in stones to set opal and not so great sapphires with epoxy and polish them up. They are sweet. Have fun with the new toy.
I need one of these grinders so bad. I have the wet tile saw but these flat lap grinders would cut the time way down than my current hand held masonry files, sandpaper and trying to make do with my belt grinder. It takes me forever to hand polish. A cabbing machine would be a life saver too.
Love the channel! 2 questions for ya.. how long do these pads last? And do you have a video showing you polishing cabs? Would love to see if this machine works for shaping and polishing a piece after you cut it on the saw. Thanks!
Thank you. So far I have polished about 30ish rocks with these pads and they are still just as good as they were when new, the company says that last for 100+ rocks but I guess it really depends on factors like how often you clean them, how hard the stones are, and what size. I have done a number of cabs on the flat lap but I do not have a video up showing my exact process at this time.
Wow I can't even imagine how you must be feeling right now! That is a nice little piece of equipment. Those stones are really beautiful and I can't wait to see what else you do with that thing 😉
Nice man! That's super awesome that they sent you that! It looks like it works well too! I myself never used diamond past before but I briefly had a flat lap but sold it because i would rather wait to be able to afford a new one. Still waiting lol
@@CurrentlyRockhounding not necessarily! It's nice to be able to have flatlaps when you're trying to keep a super flat edge for more precise projects. For example, i may have 2 of the same size saw but each one has its own purpose. One is for quick cuts and one is for careful cuts. Every machine has its own place in the shop :)
I use a sharpened Aluminium rod, like a pencil. Mark across your stone and when you can’t see your lines time for the next grit. I would do that twice per grit. The aluminium doesn’t scratch the stones.
a little off topic, but if you were starting in to this, what would you buy first, the hi tek 10 inch slab saw, or the 6 inch trim saw? Could I get by with the slab saw alone, doing triming and slabbing on it?
When in doubt always buy the biggest saw you can afford or will fit in your space. If that means waiting longer and saving up some, I would suggest doing that. You can always cut something small on the big saw but not the other way around.
Currently Rockhounding i started out with same package as what you received with the flat lap, when I upgraded my pads(worn out) i added the foam insert to the smoothing discs and tech 10 polish pads. huge improvement with getting the flat areas out and with creating the dome.
Wow...I just found your channel and have to say congrats for getting that machine, and also congrats on having some great vids. That machine looks awesome by the way! I actually was considering purchasing one of those...eventually...and now that I see it being used it is definitely higher on the list. It would fit perfectly in my small studio. Keep up the good work.
I would suggest a 100 grit and a 3000 for hard material SiO2 The 100 grinds away waste quickly The 3000 super polishes before diamond paste Inspect very carefully between stages to confirm all scratches are gone
Congrats on the sponsor.... Me and my honey are New to rock hounding here so I've been watching your videos and learning alot!!! Keep you the great ideos👍👍👍👍 Question how long do the pads usually last of do they wear out quick from grinding ..the large surfaces you can grind with them?
@@CurrentlyRockhounding are you still on your original set of pads that you got when you got it? We dont have alot or what some would call pretty agate here but the ones we have found ..they just amaze me with some of the colors and patterns.Some I dont even know what they are ..but man o man!! .. We are saving for a polisher found out they dont come cheap.. Any way..keep up the awesome and informative videos..we really enjoy watching and learning from you👍
Really cool for Hi Tech to give you a $600 machine,,,I thinl they did the same for Agate Dad.....could a certain Rockhound from NY be next...lol....Seriously that was really cool...
Thx for the information. Question, which would you recommend purchasing 1st if you can only buy one, the Flat Lap or the 10” slab saw? Do you have more of a propensity for one activity over the other? Thx for your thoughts. Happy New year!
Hi, after watching your video, I decided to purchase this same polisher. Are you supposed to clean the felt pad when you are finished? If so, how do you clean it?
Nice video, thank you. How do you feel about the machine a year later, as far as dependability and durability? How about all the discs, how long do they last and about how much work did you do with them? Looking into rotating tumblers, vibratory tumblers and this style you have here. Really not happy on many levels when researching and viewing tumblers and so this style you have looks a bit better; at least for flat surfaces. Did you ever try to round any on this machine? Thanks for any advice and details, as all this rock equipment is not cheap at all.
I still really like it. I think it's hard to beat at the price point. I have also not had any issues with it. At this point I have polished a pile of rocks and the pads are still in good condition. If I have a other video showing them under a microscope. I have made cabs on this if that's what you mean by rounding rocks on it. I think it really depends on what you want to do, and if you're willing to wait for a good deal on used machines.
@@CurrentlyRockhounding Thanks for the quick reply and details. Another question, I saw on their site that they sell a separate machine and discs for crystals. That confused me a bit, as most rocks have quartz/chalcedony in and on them. Is there really a need for a separate disc set or have you done any more quartzy pieces on the machine and pads you have? Last question if you dont mind, do you have any tumblers or could recommend ones that are quality? Came across so many and found this Covington company that seems more commercial grade then say Thumlers, Loritone and so on. Im basically hounding out here in cali and oregon for the past four years and looking to buy my first saw and maybe a machine like you have and/or a tumbler and/or what this guy has in his video below. Looking to buy a few things needed of quality, but not break the bank, as this is new to me. So if I can get tumbled style rocks on what you have and/or the guy has below, then I may not need a tumbler for any size of my rocks. Trying to get all rocks sizes done on the least amount of equipment and I know thats tough to do, but money is an issue. I just want to be able to have 2-3 quality pieces of equipment that can do most of the work and as of now, that would be cutting and polishing flat pieces of all sizes. If I can get smaller rocks to have that "tumble effect/roundness" on a machine like you have or the guy below; then great and no need to spend for a tumbler. Sorry to be a bit long, just doing my best to explain my position. Thanks again and btw, you remind my of Maynard James Keenan . Thanks Chris ruclips.net/video/4zt5GiNw-Ys/видео.html
@@ChristopherSchiffermiller The do sell discs that are all diamond and not the resin discs, go with the resin. Both work but if you want to do rocks mostly and not glass go with resin. The other ones handle sharp glass edges better. It kinda sounds like you should just pick one to go with and start there. In the world of lapidary size matters, you can always cut something small on a big saw but not the other way around and the same goes with polishing...etc. Feel free to email me, comment threads are less than ideal.
O I would have loved to have their trim and lap machines, but unfortunately the market here in Sweden is so small that you cannot find it, and ordering from the US is also costly. I have also checked German websites but didn’t get a result! But so thirsty to have those and enjoy cutting and polishing my stones!
@@lokanoda No dear. Unfortunately there are no suppliers. The only way until now is to order directly from them and stay for the shipping and eventual customs costs. It is sad.
Have you found that there is a break in period for the diamond laps? I’m struggling with a few deep scratches from the coarser grits so I’m assuming the laps may need breaking in to level the surface? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
@@CurrentlyRockhounding I have all the Hi-Tech diamond discs from #80 to #3000. I’m getting a couple of deep scratches from the coarser grits that are hard to remove as I progress. I’ve also found that the #600 makes random scratches. I’ve read that running a piece of hard stone progressively through the grits can “level” any high spots on the discs?
@@mrpilly8662 Just to get rid of the possibly of cross contamination I was go wash all your disks with warm water and dish soap to start. You shouldn't be getting scratches so big that the next stage isn't getting them out. I would also try to see where on the disc you might have an issue and which one, like is there a high spot on the 80 grit?
Question: did you find that your polishing pads took some time to break in? I just received my Hi-Tech flat lap, and while the diamond disc works pretty much as expected, I experienced total failure today trying to take my stones any further. After a whole batch of rocks came out super scratchy and hideous, I decided to focus in, and take a single piece through all the grits, with sharpie marks as my guide to make sure I was getting the whole surface. I got good results after a few minutes on the 180 disc, which felt like the correct amount of time for a small 1.25 inch piece of stone, I added more sharpie and moved on to the first polishing pad. After more than 40 minutes, my lines had barely been removed, and I gave up in frustration! I definitely had good water flow, and I thoroughly rinsed my stones after every grit to avoid contamination, and I moved my rocks with a gentle sweeping motion and light pressure... not sure what else could be working against me! (Also, the initial batch of rocks were slices of found pebbles in a variety of mineral types and hardnesses, so the issue wasn’t one particular type of stone)
Well that sure does sound frustrating and like something isn't correct here. I know you said you were cleaning the rocks between grits to avoid contamination but it still sounds like that happened. Here is my suggestion. Take your discs and wash them really well with dish soap, between stages take your stone and just dip it in a tub of warm soap water, and don't mark your stone with sharpie. It sounds like you're doing everything correct. Also just to be clear here you're using clean water and not recycling the water right? You can also email me and we can chat there and I'm sure I can get you going.
@@CurrentlyRockhounding thanks for getting back to me! I’ll definitely wash my discs with dish liquid really thoroughly before I try again! Definitely haven’t been reusing water, and I rinsed every stone under running water between grits, plus the splash guard as well. I’ve emailed the folks at Hi-Tech, and they’ll probably have trouble shooting ideas as well. But it’s always sad to acquire an anticipated new tool and have your first experience with it go so very badly! I was prepared for a learning curve, but this definitely feels like something is not right. I sure hope washing the discs can create some improvement!
@@stellabelikiewicz1523 I've had a few rocks towards the beginning that really didn't want to take a polish and I think it was contaminated like no mater what I did it seemed like I was stuck at 180 grit. Really give those pads a wash, and seriously shoot me an email if you need anything.
@@CurrentlyRockhounding will do! And say hi to gorgeous Washington State from me! No matter how long I’ve been living elsewhere, Washington will forever be a big part of my heart!
@@CurrentlyRockhounding by chance, when you were stuck at 180 did the washing really help? I was starting to think I just need to get the 220 and then saw this. I thought I was careful enough not to cross contaminate, but maybe not careful enough.
I'm definitely interested in buying one of these, but I have a question- if I invest about $100 more and get the cabochon lap can I still use that for flat lap?
Where do you live? You said the red marble is local to you so I just wondered. I found some in Llano county, Texas. I also found some Llanite which can only be found there in Llano county. I have a vibrating flat lap but haven't used it yet. Just doing some research before trying.
Ok so. I just got mine yesterday. I turned it on after puting it together. How do I get it stabilized so I’m not geting water everywhere, and it’s not throwing everything everywhere.
You should be able to raise the black ring spray guard up and lower the amount of water you're using and you should be able to contain almost all of the spray.
The motor is really not weak at all and some of the sounds you hear in the video are things in the shop vibrating coupled with the fact I'm in a shipping container. The motor doesn't get warm at all.
Hi-Tech say the pads last for 100+ stones but it was seem that the higher grits are lasting longer then my 80 grit which makes sense since you're going to be spending more time on the lower grits.
@@CurrentlyRockhounding I just need to see how to set up the water supply for grinder bits. The owner's manual doesn't address that and there are no videos on it.
@@constantindanieltira So this video here was the first one I made on this flat lap, after about 6 months of use I did a full review of it which I think would answer all your questions.
So the company says 100+ stones but that's really dependant on a number of factors. I currently have done like 80 and they still seem to be in great shape.
its great for flatting stones. but i dont like cabbing on it. i like a round wheeled machine for that. like a cab king or something like that. great video
@@CurrentlyRockhounding i feel that. cab kings are expensive, i was just sayin its a better for cabbing and that i didnt like to cab on it. but you can. they even sell soft discs for it. when you buy the machine you get hard ones.
Great Vid Bro. Check out Liz Create's RUclips Channel. She and her hubby Walt are my favorite aussies and what a treasure trove of gem and min processing videos they have on their channel... AWESOME~~~
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Dude congrats on getting a sponsor for your channel! That's really awesome. I've been thinking about getting my hands on a flat lap for some time, but just haven't quite pulled the trigger. Very cool.
Thanks man, its really nice to just have a simple way to polish my cuts.
After spending the day screwing around with my freshly cut thunder eggs and not getting very far with sanding/polishing I ordered one of these! Thanks for showing it in action, I will put it to work as soon as it gets here!
You will be very happy with it. The only real thing you can improve on this is the water system which I will be building an upgrade for it.
Currently Rockhounding , ya it looks a little primitive but for now I’ll use it. Thanks again, I’m usually on the cheaper side but watching you polish the granite, I couldn’t resist.
Ok I just got my first 6 inch flat lap used waiting for disc's have been watching you and everyone else one trip I have learned in between disc's dry the stone and cover the cut side with magic marker or pencil so when you go to the next disc you can see the scratches and make sure you have them all out love you and your wife thanks for all the lessons learned alot from you. You rock Dude!
Oh yeah the pencil trick is a good one!
I'm glad you like the content! :)
Using marker on the stone's surface also allows you to be sure you get any low points out, same concept as scratches (which are just low points you made yourself).
Congrats on the new piece of equipment. Can’t wait to see all the cool minerals you polish in the future. Thanks for sharing
Yeah man I have quite the backlog of stuff to work on.
Currently Rockhounding I bet. I would to if I were you
I'll add a recommendation for that. I have two pieces of Hi Tech. Both the saw and the flat lap are well constructed, fairly quiet, reliable and do a great job.
You need to turn up the water to help with the process.
And if you do several stones you can work through each rock at each level before changing plates.
Congratulations, and you can check a local lapidary shop to see how long each process should take.
Ps congratulations on your sponsorship
Thank you for the advice!
@@CurrentlyRockhounding your welcome, I responded earlier to someone who said that 100 grit takes down the cut marks faster, and I want to add that at all grits below 400 more water is needed especially with the quality of stone that you have. The heat from the grind can crack the stone and especially if is near the opal grade.
I've used a rough stone grinder with water, and a 7 wheel lapidary grinder some are steel with diamonds some are composite. Definitely water for agates, flints, sulfur, common or precious opal.. the stone heating up is the issue and the more water on the rough grit the sound in less. If you do lots with silicate wear a mask besides the water to keep particles out of your lungs.
hi, the best way to see if you spent enough time on a grit before going to another is to dry out the surface you're polishing, that way you'll be able to see the scratches better ;)
I do that with my sharpening stones coz I got no flat lap
Congratulations on the sponsor! Fantastic looking machine! Proof your channel is amazing!
Thank you very much! We're super excited!
Way to go ! We've enjoyed every minute of video that You share.
Thanks you.
Great video and thank you! I'm no expert but i have learned that rinsing and cleaning your stone between grits is important. That way no residual scratching will occur. As well as wiping clean your wheel.
I spent a lot of the time watching the way the vibration was moving the water in the clean cup- wow
I want one of those!!!😍💕
Wow, swag! I am really impressed they sent you that with relatively few subs. That gives me hope and some inspiration. Well done!
I don't think the number of subs matter as much as the level of engagement and what I'm doing here on this channel hasn't been done yet by anyone else. I think they recognize where I'm taking this.
I been cutting more rocks laitly and was looking into one of these so keep up the vids I'll need all the visual help so thanks🍻
It really is a nice way to put a polish on you cut rocks, I have also done a number of cabs with it.
My flat lap is on its way ... you had me at made in the USA.
It's a very important thing to me.
That is great Congratulations on a sponsor! I was surprised how quiet the machine was, just the grinding of the stones was making the noise. I'll have to take a look at them. Your stones were beautiful with a nice polish too. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Thank you!
Some smart cookie needs to invent a quick change center bolt for the lap plate. I have one of these flat laps, very nice.
I have done just that, but it was never as good as the screw.
Thanks great info I have the machine
Through inheritance, I married into a rockhounding family, thought I better joy them are else I'd never see them
Lol, have great fun now planning weekends and holidays around rockhounding. Two weeks from today it's southern Oregon ,succor creek canyon 1st time in the area
Thanks again
Keep up the good work
Dan federal way wa
I'm sure you will really dig Succor Creek, bring a ton of water!
Very cool i recently got a slant lap. Now i cut and cab everything. Just got exclusive rights to a sapphire claim here in helena montana if ya want to take a field trip this way let me know i can take guests with me. I also dremel out circles in stones to set opal and not so great sapphires with epoxy and polish them up. They are sweet. Have fun with the new toy.
We would love that. Could you shoot me an email and we can chat about the details?
I need one of these grinders so bad. I have the wet tile saw but these flat lap grinders would cut the time way down than my current hand held masonry files, sandpaper and trying to make do with my belt grinder. It takes me forever to hand polish. A cabbing machine would be a life saver too.
Yeah this really does cut the time down.
Congrats on your sponsor "Hi Tech". Nice polishing machine. Do they make faceting attachments?
Thank you!
This is on my wish list for equipment thank you for sharing, how will this work doing shaping and polishing , always learning 😊💙✌🏻
It's pretty nice to have.
Love the channel! 2 questions for ya.. how long do these pads last? And do you have a video showing you polishing cabs? Would love to see if this machine works for shaping and polishing a piece after you cut it on the saw. Thanks!
Thank you. So far I have polished about 30ish rocks with these pads and they are still just as good as they were when new, the company says that last for 100+ rocks but I guess it really depends on factors like how often you clean them, how hard the stones are, and what size. I have done a number of cabs on the flat lap but I do not have a video up showing my exact process at this time.
Wow I can't even imagine how you must be feeling right now! That is a nice little piece of equipment. Those stones are really beautiful and I can't wait to see what else you do with that thing 😉
I have such a crazy backlog of things that need to be cut and polished! We feel really good about this.
Nice man! That's super awesome that they sent you that!
It looks like it works well too!
I myself never used diamond past before but I briefly had a flat lap but sold it because i would rather wait to be able to afford a new one.
Still waiting lol
Thanks! It seems a lot less useful since you have a cabbing machine.
@@CurrentlyRockhounding not necessarily! It's nice to be able to have flatlaps when you're trying to keep a super flat edge for more precise projects.
For example, i may have 2 of the same size saw but each one has its own purpose. One is for quick cuts and one is for careful cuts.
Every machine has its own place in the shop :)
@@WorldofRockhounds If you made a video talking about your machines, how you have them setup and why I would be super in to watching that.
@@CurrentlyRockhounding funny you mention that, I was actually considering doing a shop tour video for Thursday!
I got the slant cabber, sadly I’m missing the 180 grit lap. Hopefully hitechdiamond will send it over soon.
I'm sure they will make that right and send it out. Mistakes happen from time to time.
I use a sharpened Aluminium rod, like a pencil. Mark across your stone and when you can’t see your lines time for the next grit. I would do that twice per grit. The aluminium doesn’t scratch the stones.
Good advice! Thank you.
Oooh yeah! I'm excited about this one!
I'm really happy about it.
a little off topic, but if you were starting in to this, what would you buy first, the hi tek 10 inch slab saw, or the 6 inch trim saw? Could I get by with the slab saw alone, doing triming and slabbing on it?
When in doubt always buy the biggest saw you can afford or will fit in your space. If that means waiting longer and saving up some, I would suggest doing that. You can always cut something small on the big saw but not the other way around.
i agree with previous poster, a 100 grit really takes off the rough. there are also a 60 & a 80 grit pad
I think ill be picking up at least a 100 grit pad.
Currently Rockhounding i started out with same package as what you received with the flat lap, when I upgraded my pads(worn out) i added the foam insert to the smoothing discs and tech 10 polish pads. huge improvement with getting the flat areas out and with creating the dome.
@@susantipsyhealy7655 Thanks for the advice. It's super helpful to hear things like this.
Wow...I just found your channel and have to say congrats for getting that machine, and also congrats on having some great vids.
That machine looks awesome by the way! I actually was considering purchasing one of those...eventually...and now that I see it being used it is definitely higher on the list. It would fit perfectly in my small studio.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you! It is really nice to have.
I want one so bad! Oh to have money lol. Noce vlog Jared. Havagudun
It makes polishing so quick and easy.
Yes good video wanting to learn ftat lap I teach on 8in drums. I have 2 used flat laps
Good for you! I’ll check them out too.
Thanks!
That looks like a great machine! I went to their website, and checked them out. We will be saving up for this!
That's awesome, I'm sure you will be happy with it.
I would suggest a 100 grit and a 3000 for hard material SiO2
The 100 grinds away waste quickly
The 3000 super polishes before diamond paste
Inspect very carefully between stages to confirm all scratches are gone
This is the kinda of advice I need, I already got a 3000 grit coming!
And definitely turn up the water on the lower grits..
Congrats on the sponsor.... Me and my honey are New to rock hounding here so I've been watching your videos and learning alot!!! Keep you the great ideos👍👍👍👍
Question how long do the pads usually last of do they wear out quick from grinding ..the large surfaces you can grind with them?
It's really hard to say how long they last cause everyone does things differently with different stone.
@@CurrentlyRockhounding are you still on your original set of pads that you got when you got it? We dont have alot or what some would call pretty agate here but the ones we have found ..they just amaze me with some of the colors and patterns.Some I dont even know what they are ..but man o man!! .. We are saving for a polisher found out they dont come cheap..
Any way..keep up the awesome and informative videos..we really enjoy watching and learning from you👍
@@Crafty-n-Krazy I am still on my original set of pads.
They last a good amount of time.
Really cool for Hi Tech to give you a $600 machine,,,I thinl they did the same for Agate Dad.....could a certain Rockhound from NY be next...lol....Seriously that was really cool...
Vary nice pice of equipment
Yeah it's been really fun to use.
Awesome stuff mate ⛏️😎👌
Thank you!
Where do you get a slab saw ? Who makes them ? Do you have a video of your slab saw at work ?
My slab saw is very old, a number of companies make them and I do have videos up on it if you go to my channel page.
Thx for the information. Question, which would you recommend purchasing 1st if you can only buy one, the Flat Lap or the 10” slab saw? Do you have more of a propensity for one activity over the other? Thx for your thoughts. Happy New year!
I think its really a matter of what do you want to do with the rocks. Generally speaking I would say a saw should come first.
I would buy the flat lap first, Generally cheaper and you can buy pre-slab stones or join the club and use there saw.
Thanks, very informative :-)
Thank you.
Hi, after watching your video, I decided to purchase this same polisher. Are you supposed to clean the felt pad when you are finished? If so, how do you clean it?
I would not clean your felt pad with the diamond paste on it.
Thank you.
Nice video, thank you. How do you feel about the machine a year later, as far as dependability and durability? How about all the discs, how long do they last and about how much work did you do with them? Looking into rotating tumblers, vibratory tumblers and this style you have here. Really not happy on many levels when researching and viewing tumblers and so this style you have looks a bit better; at least for flat surfaces. Did you ever try to round any on this machine? Thanks for any advice and details, as all this rock equipment is not cheap at all.
I still really like it. I think it's hard to beat at the price point. I have also not had any issues with it.
At this point I have polished a pile of rocks and the pads are still in good condition. If I have a other video showing them under a microscope.
I have made cabs on this if that's what you mean by rounding rocks on it.
I think it really depends on what you want to do, and if you're willing to wait for a good deal on used machines.
@@CurrentlyRockhounding Thanks for the quick reply and details. Another question, I saw on their site that they sell a separate machine and discs for crystals. That confused me a bit, as most rocks have quartz/chalcedony in and on them. Is there really a need for a separate disc set or have you done any more quartzy pieces on the machine and pads you have? Last question if you dont mind, do you have any tumblers or could recommend ones that are quality? Came across so many and found this Covington company that seems more commercial grade then say Thumlers, Loritone and so on.
Im basically hounding out here in cali and oregon for the past four years and looking to buy my first saw and maybe a machine like you have and/or a tumbler and/or what this guy has in his video below. Looking to buy a few things needed of quality, but not break the bank, as this is new to me. So if I can get tumbled style rocks on what you have and/or the guy has below, then I may not need a tumbler for any size of my rocks. Trying to get all rocks sizes done on the least amount of equipment and I know thats tough to do, but money is an issue. I just want to be able to have 2-3 quality pieces of equipment that can do most of the work and as of now, that would be cutting and polishing flat pieces of all sizes. If I can get smaller rocks to have that "tumble effect/roundness" on a machine like you have or the guy below; then great and no need to spend for a tumbler. Sorry to be a bit long, just doing my best to explain my position. Thanks again and btw, you remind my of Maynard James Keenan . Thanks Chris
ruclips.net/video/4zt5GiNw-Ys/видео.html
@@ChristopherSchiffermiller The do sell discs that are all diamond and not the resin discs, go with the resin. Both work but if you want to do rocks mostly and not glass go with resin. The other ones handle sharp glass edges better.
It kinda sounds like you should just pick one to go with and start there.
In the world of lapidary size matters, you can always cut something small on a big saw but not the other way around and the same goes with polishing...etc.
Feel free to email me, comment threads are less than ideal.
@@CurrentlyRockhounding Thanks Jared for some info, appreciated.
Man, I would love to have one of those! One day...
I have been super happy with it so far.
i been told and be tought that you want to use light pressure when doing that
I think it really depends on what your doing and that the material that you're working on.
O I would have loved to have their trim and lap machines, but unfortunately the market here in Sweden is so small that you cannot find it, and ordering from the US is also costly. I have also checked German websites but didn’t get a result! But so thirsty to have those and enjoy cutting and polishing my stones!
@MKH8771 Hello, have you found a supplier in Europe? I'd be interested as well. Thanks.
@@lokanoda No dear. Unfortunately there are no suppliers. The only way until now is to order directly from them and stay for the shipping and eventual customs costs. It is sad.
Have you found that there is a break in period for the diamond laps? I’m struggling with a few deep scratches from the coarser grits so I’m assuming the laps may need breaking in to level the surface? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
It seems like many diamond products need some break in of a rock or two but beyond that you should be fine. What grits do you have?
@@CurrentlyRockhounding I have all the Hi-Tech diamond discs from #80 to #3000. I’m getting a couple of deep scratches from the coarser grits that are hard to remove as I progress. I’ve also found that the #600 makes random scratches. I’ve read that running a piece of hard stone progressively through the grits can “level” any high spots on the discs?
@@mrpilly8662 Just to get rid of the possibly of cross contamination I was go wash all your disks with warm water and dish soap to start.
You shouldn't be getting scratches so big that the next stage isn't getting them out.
I would also try to see where on the disc you might have an issue and which one, like is there a high spot on the 80 grit?
@@CurrentlyRockhounding yes mate I believe the high spot is on the #80 grit disc. Thanks for your replies.
@@mrpilly8662 I would just reach out to the company, I'm sure they will take care of you.
If I could afford one!!!
Question: did you find that your polishing pads took some time to break in? I just received my Hi-Tech flat lap, and while the diamond disc works pretty much as expected, I experienced total failure today trying to take my stones any further. After a whole batch of rocks came out super scratchy and hideous, I decided to focus in, and take a single piece through all the grits, with sharpie marks as my guide to make sure I was getting the whole surface. I got good results after a few minutes on the 180 disc, which felt like the correct amount of time for a small 1.25 inch piece of stone, I added more sharpie and moved on to the first polishing pad. After more than 40 minutes, my lines had barely been removed, and I gave up in frustration! I definitely had good water flow, and I thoroughly rinsed my stones after every grit to avoid contamination, and I moved my rocks with a gentle sweeping motion and light pressure... not sure what else could be working against me! (Also, the initial batch of rocks were slices of found pebbles in a variety of mineral types and hardnesses, so the issue wasn’t one particular type of stone)
Well that sure does sound frustrating and like something isn't correct here. I know you said you were cleaning the rocks between grits to avoid contamination but it still sounds like that happened.
Here is my suggestion. Take your discs and wash them really well with dish soap, between stages take your stone and just dip it in a tub of warm soap water, and don't mark your stone with sharpie.
It sounds like you're doing everything correct. Also just to be clear here you're using clean water and not recycling the water right?
You can also email me and we can chat there and I'm sure I can get you going.
@@CurrentlyRockhounding thanks for getting back to me! I’ll definitely wash my discs with dish liquid really thoroughly before I try again! Definitely haven’t been reusing water, and I rinsed every stone under running water between grits, plus the splash guard as well. I’ve emailed the folks at Hi-Tech, and they’ll probably have trouble shooting ideas as well. But it’s always sad to acquire an anticipated new tool and have your first experience with it go so very badly! I was prepared for a learning curve, but this definitely feels like something is not right. I sure hope washing the discs can create some improvement!
@@stellabelikiewicz1523 I've had a few rocks towards the beginning that really didn't want to take a polish and I think it was contaminated like no mater what I did it seemed like I was stuck at 180 grit. Really give those pads a wash, and seriously shoot me an email if you need anything.
@@CurrentlyRockhounding will do! And say hi to gorgeous Washington State from me! No matter how long I’ve been living elsewhere, Washington will forever be a big part of my heart!
@@CurrentlyRockhounding by chance, when you were stuck at 180 did the washing really help? I was starting to think I just need to get the 220 and then saw this. I thought I was careful enough not to cross contaminate, but maybe not careful enough.
How long with this does it take from start to finish polishing an agate??
How long is a piece of string?
That's a really hard question to answer.
It depends on so many factors.
I'm definitely interested in buying one of these, but I have a question- if I invest about $100 more and get the cabochon lap can I still use that for flat lap?
I'm not sure I follow exactly what you're asking here. Are you asking about the differences between the flat lap that I show here and the slant lap?
Where do you live? You said the red marble is local to you so I just wondered. I found some in Llano county, Texas. I also found some Llanite which can only be found there in Llano county. I have a vibrating flat lap but haven't used it yet. Just doing some research before trying.
I'm in NE Washington.
just subscribed perth australia thank you
Thank you! I know this is kinda off topic but I've always wanted to go Australia, and visit the mint in Perth.
Can ask something for using diamond paste? First, when need a Diamond paste use , after 3000 grid ? And there is a number or grid for diamond paste
I'm not exactly sure what you're asking here.
i have their 8” slant cabber and their 10” slab saw. decent prices for beginners and those of us that are broke...lol
The 10" saw seems like a nice addition.
Ok so. I just got mine yesterday. I turned it on after puting it together. How do I get it stabilized so I’m not geting water everywhere, and it’s not throwing everything everywhere.
You should be able to raise the black ring spray guard up and lower the amount of water you're using and you should be able to contain almost all of the spray.
I might add the delivery was super fast on mine
Awesome!
What is the best machine for making an obelisk?
I think you would want an oil saw with an autofeed to cut those.
So make a rectangle with saw then points with flat lap I was thinking
What is the biggest piece of geodes u can run on the 8 Inch
And does the nut in the middle get in the way
You have about 3 3/4" to work with.
Sounds like the motor is kinda weak you can really hear it when you were polishing..is the motor getting to warm.?
The motor is really not weak at all and some of the sounds you hear in the video are things in the shop vibrating coupled with the fact I'm in a shipping container. The motor doesn't get warm at all.
How often do you have to replace the disks?
Hi-Tech say the pads last for 100+ stones but it was seem that the higher grits are lasting longer then my 80 grit which makes sense since you're going to be spending more time on the lower grits.
Can you ask Hitech how to use glass grinder bits on the All U Need?
I can. Have you also tried emailing them or searching for a video online?
@@CurrentlyRockhounding I just need to see how to set up the water supply for grinder bits. The owner's manual doesn't address that and there are no videos on it.
Oh I see, I wish I had the grinder bits so I could help more. I would just email them or call
What rpm do you run each grit please?
Depends on the material more than anything.
What are the steps to get to finish product? Thanks
What do you mean I thought it was pretty clear in the video.
@@CurrentlyRockhounding yes it was sorry , the question was what tiles or grit/disc and diamond paste do you recommend? Thanks
@@constantindanieltira So this video here was the first one I made on this flat lap, after about 6 months of use I did a full review of it which I think would answer all your questions.
what does it say about a couple drops of soap in the water
I'm sorry, I don't quite follow you here.
@@CurrentlyRockhounding would a little Dawn in the water help with cleaning the stone as its ground down? Was just a thought.
@@larrymays5413 Oh! I will give that a shot next time I fire it up.
Hi there! How long do the pads generally last?
So the company says 100+ stones but that's really dependant on a number of factors. I currently have done like 80 and they still seem to be in great shape.
@@CurrentlyRockhounding Thanks for the helpful response. I'm happy for you and your sponsorship here, very nice!
its great for flatting stones. but i dont like cabbing on it. i like a round wheeled machine for that. like a cab king or something like that. great video
You can cab on though and I'm sure a lot of people would like a cab king but at $1400 - $2400 its out of reach for a lot of people.
@@CurrentlyRockhounding i feel that. cab kings are expensive, i was just sayin its a better for cabbing and that i didnt like to cab on it. but you can. they even sell soft discs for it. when you buy the machine you get hard ones.
Great Vid Bro. Check out Liz Create's RUclips Channel. She and her hubby Walt are my favorite aussies and what a treasure trove of gem and min processing videos they have on their channel... AWESOME~~~
Thanks for the tip, I just subscribed to them.
Do you need to wear a mask for protection ? How about ear protection
You do not.
I'm digging your channel bud! I love your shirt. Check my channel out when you can if you are into firearms and shooting.
Thanks man! I like my firearms (especially my carry) I'm just not a 'gun guy' really.
Should you be wearing a mask?
You can but when you're working with water it really contains all the dust.