I've seen a few other flat lap diy videos -- yours' is the BEST BY FAR!!! Other videos I've seen either had a crappy end product or cost nearly as much as a used flat lap. Aside from using fresh water instead of recycling -- it really looks perfect! That motor looks new -- what model / specs is it (rpm, hp, etc.), or what is the motor designed for? It looks like a washing machine motor. This looks like something I'd like to try. I was thinking of starting with an old osterizer or vegetable juicer (especially the juicer - which already spins a large disc). That should also give me a speed control too.
Thanks George! I really appreciate your comment. I looked into using a washing machine motor at first but the wiring seemed too complicated so I eventually landed on using "evaporative cooler" motors from home depot. They typically cost $75 but I have been able to find some on sale for $40. I use either the 1/2 hp or the 3/4 hp. 2 speed motor 1140 / 1725 rpm. Like this one: www.homedepot.com/p/2-Speed-1-2-HP-Evaporative-Cooler-Motor-2204/100013540
Thanks for the quick, informative reply! I'm really surprised you found new motors so cheap! Harbor Freight wants twice the price for something that probably won't last. Cooler motors are designed to run 24-7, and should last a long time on a lap machine. This will probably be my next DIY project. Thanks for the super video & information!!! I've been using diamond stone counter 5" polishing pads on a drill -- but it won't be long until I wear the drill out. Also, a small diamond wheel & burrs on my dremel. A flat lap would be a huge step in the right direction.
Definitely. If you do attempt it, let me know if you have any trouble. I'd be glad to help. You can comment on here and ill see it. I use diamond wheels, not grit which allows me to recycle the water without any risk - just like any cab machine. If you are ever in southern California be sure to look up the glendora lapidary club. Lots of great resources available and open to all.
I built this and it worked great. I used a mixing bowl with higher rigid walls instead of the oil pan, and use 6" plates with it. Looked around, best video and best machine for the price.
@@carpediem5008 I would guess that the torque of the smaller motor will be much less. It might mean that pressing a stone against the wheel will slow the motor? I can only tell you that the torque on this 1/2 hp motor is very strong, you have to hold on tight to whatever you're grinding!
@@sonojoy222 - Thank you for responding. I'm having trouble with the wiring, can't find a clear explanation or pic of how the switch should be connected.
Nice job !, Just need to drain the water into another bucket You will contaminate the fresh water for the final polish and clean rocks as you go to higher grit If not you will get bad scratches that will not come out unless you start over Thanks for sharing
Fantastic idea, I love it.would like to have the specifications and instructions step by step so I may try to make a laboratory sander as well. Sincerely yours Joe Chavez, AKA flip, flop, Joe.
I agree with the others - looks like you have created a pretty good thing there. Two suggestions. 1.) Add a way to control the speed of the motor...you could add a potentiometer...but you would need to make sure the motor would not be damaged by doing so. 2.) You mention that the motors you get are $75 but often times you can find similar (used) motors from $5 to $15 so there may be a way to save cost there.
a few suggestions. i would tie the line side of that water pump into the line side of that motor underneath your pot, so that way you only have one cord coming out of your device. will be nicer cable management. would also recommended caulking you 1inch pvc seal you have in the middle to prevent water getting into the motor. also what Torpedox ttocsyor said i would recommend providing air venting for that motor. would last a lot longer. just few though love the idea and product!
The shallower (first version) pan is way better than the second much deeper pot. To use that second one I see you having less control over the rock if holding in hand because of the placement and angle of the elbows. Still a really affordable product and a simple enough lap to make on a strict budget.
Thanks for the note. Although you have a little more control with the shallow bowl, it's a lot messier. I prefer the deep bowl to prevent water splash, but that's just preference.
Quite impressive! Would be very happy to pay for step by step instructions! Please consider! I'll check back for your response. If not I'd still like to thank you for sharing your idea. It's wonderful!
I love this I'm a heating and cooling specialist. I specialize in restaurant equipment. If you add a potentiometer instead of a switch you should be able to very the voltage/RPMs.
Thanks for your video I also made a machine after seeing your video it's really working fine but I have a doubt is there any chance of getting electric shock in future because we connected lap to direct motor shaft so 🤔
One suggestion is I wouldn't drain the slurry back into your clean supply, it would eventually plug the pump. Otherwise very good! Im going to be building my own in near future and I have been looking at different ideas and I like yours the best so far. Thank you
I don't think I'm going to find a video telling me how to wire a swamp cooler motor into a flat lap. I wish you had described the hard parts too. Kind of need to know that if I'm going to do it.
I use a local shop called johnson brothers lapidary supplies. They have a website and do online orders. I have also found these discs on ebay - but they get shipped from China and take a month to arrive.
I'm just now finding your site 10/22 and will try making one soon. May I asked you, does a person need someway to ajust the motor rpm's or does it matter? Thanks a bunch, very neat idea!
Thanks for share !Quick and easy machine to build,but not so sure that the downward pressure exerted wont burn out the motor really quickly? Really think you should consider using a belt off the motor to rotate the wheel,then the downward pressure isnt directly on the motor fella , and might save you some bucks in not having to replace it.But it works and its really quite an easy build!
Yea, I was a little concerned with that as well. I'm using 1/2 hp and 1/4 hp motors, so the stones don't require a whole lot of pressure. I've been teaching classes with these machines and some of the students tend to exert a little too much force but its been about two years with regular use, and i haven't had one die on me yet. Knock on wood.
Very excited about this video. Cant wait to make one for my wife and I. Thanks soooo much. BTW what is a swamp cooler? I wonder if I ask for one here in Indiana if I am going to get stupid looks. LOL. I'll let you know what I find and thanks again foe a great video.
Hey Steve, a swamp cooler is also known as an evaporative cooler. They aren't as popular any more but they used to be fairly available. I have been able to find the motors at lowes and home depot here in southern california. If you go to either of their websites you can search for the product and see if they have it available at any stores near you.
Hey Andrew, I'm not sure if you even reply to comments or not but I followed all your instructions but I'm getting vibrations that I believe are causing my rock faces to grind unevenly. Did you have any issues like this?
Also wondering if there was a way to stabilize a variable speed angle grinder could I just use that? Because that already has a working plug and switch...
How much for one with a potentiometer ? Or differant style of speed regulator?..i like the old knob style light switch...i also like a model train transformer...i dont have a spot to safely build anything . What is the maximum rpm on your lap?
I haven't. That would be a cool project! I have been working on a velcro system for the disks. Not perfect yet, but it makes switching grits a lot faster.
Where did you get your lapping discs? I assume the felt pads are for using with the polishing compound right? Lastly, I have seen lapidary discs that don't have a center hole to "bolt onto" a motor shaft. I would assume this would allow you to work with larger rocks having more surface area to work with. Can you design be modified to do such a thing?
I buy lapping disks from Ebay, and a local lapidary shop. I have been playing around with ideas to utilize disks that dont have center holes but haven't been able to develop a good system. I'll post an update once I do.
Very slight, but definitely there. Hasn't prevented me from doing anything, but it a little inconvenient. Any tips for how I can alleviate the "wobble?"
@@whoisandrewfahmy Possibly something set-screwed under the disk, on the arbor. If you could find a round roller bearing collar with a set screw, that fits the arbor, that might work. You would not really need the rollers, but something on that idea, clamped/set screw to the arbor, and wide enough to hold the disk.
If the spindle/arbor is perfectly vertical, and the lapidary disc is horizontal, with no wobble upon installation, in THEORY there should be no wobble.
Doesn't the motor get too hot being sealed in there with no air vents? It seems like it might become a fire hazard. Otherwise great video. I see you have several models made, do you sell them?
Hey Jeremy, thanks for watching. I drill a hole on two sides, plus the top hole where the arbor extender fits through. That is usually enough to keep it ventilated. The case does tend to get a little hot when working long hours I take occasional breaks, its cools down. Normal 1 - 2 hour use, has never been a problem. I haven't sold any just yet. Built these things to teach a lapidary class, but eventually might sell if anyone's interested.
@@whoisandrewfahmy If you did sell, what would you want for one? I am thinking about building one, but my time is tight with work, so a purchase might just work.
hi do you sell these? someone stole mine and all my tools when i went away for a week rock hunting so trying to build one but would happily buy and import one of yours to the uk :(
Great video... where are you sourcing the 8 inch plastic backing plates for $8 and are they pre-drilled for the motor shaft or are you doing the hole drilling?
Hi Kevin, there is a lapidary shop nearby my home called johnson brothers lapidary supplies. They have a website and sell the 8 inch plastic backs. They have a website and do online orders. Hope that helps.
Not so far. I will normally have the machine on for 2-3 hours without any issues. I've been running the machines regularly for the past year or so and they are still running.
I've seen a few other flat lap diy videos -- yours' is the BEST BY FAR!!! Other videos I've seen either had a crappy end product or cost nearly as much as a used flat lap. Aside from using fresh water instead of recycling -- it really looks perfect! That motor looks new -- what model / specs is it (rpm, hp, etc.), or what is the motor designed for? It looks like a washing machine motor. This looks like something I'd like to try. I was thinking of starting with an old osterizer or vegetable juicer (especially the juicer - which already spins a large disc). That should also give me a speed control too.
Thanks George! I really appreciate your comment. I looked into using a washing machine motor at first but the wiring seemed too complicated so I eventually landed on using "evaporative cooler" motors from home depot. They typically cost $75 but I have been able to find some on sale for $40. I use either the 1/2 hp or the 3/4 hp. 2 speed motor 1140 / 1725 rpm. Like this one: www.homedepot.com/p/2-Speed-1-2-HP-Evaporative-Cooler-Motor-2204/100013540
Thanks for the quick, informative reply! I'm really surprised you found new motors so cheap! Harbor Freight wants twice the price for something that probably won't last. Cooler motors are designed to run 24-7, and should last a long time on a lap machine. This will probably be my next DIY project. Thanks for the super video & information!!! I've been using diamond stone counter 5" polishing pads on a drill -- but it won't be long until I wear the drill out. Also, a small diamond wheel & burrs on my dremel. A flat lap would be a huge step in the right direction.
Definitely. If you do attempt it, let me know if you have any trouble. I'd be glad to help. You can comment on here and ill see it. I use diamond wheels, not grit which allows me to recycle the water without any risk - just like any cab machine.
If you are ever in southern California be sure to look up the glendora lapidary club. Lots of great resources available and open to all.
@@whoisandrewfahmy That motor now is $83, I found one here for $70.98: www.lowes.com/pd/Dial-Steel-Copper-Zinc-Evaportative-Cooler-Motor/1016109
i mean using a motor rated rheostat would give you speed control as well
I built this and it worked great. I used a mixing bowl with higher rigid walls instead of the oil pan, and use 6" plates with it. Looked around, best video and best machine for the price.
Congrats! wondering if a sewing machine motor could work?
@@carpediem5008 I would guess that the torque of the smaller motor will be much less. It might mean that pressing a stone against the wheel will slow the motor? I can only tell you that the torque on this 1/2 hp motor is very strong, you have to hold on tight to whatever you're grinding!
Hi Robert, did you use a two speed motor and if so, did you wire the motor to a toggle switch like in the video?
@@bonesstones6584 Hello yes a simple 3 way switch. I only ever use the lower speed. One piece that I needed to add was a lock washer for the spindle.
@@sonojoy222 - Thank you for responding. I'm having trouble with the wiring, can't find a clear explanation or pic of how the switch should be connected.
Your flat lap is the best I’ve seen. When you decide to sell these put me on you list. Thanks for the video.
Great idea. It's insane hi-tech charges $600 for $100 worth of parts. I'll buy one too!
Please upload more videos. I love lapidary stuff.
Had this been presented in real time it would have been, hands down.. the best how to lapidary vid on here... bar none...
The video would be around 2 hours long!
@@whoisandrewfahmy i figured it would be lenghty lol.. but I've seen longer! Still much appreciated though and def a new subscriber here
Thanks for posting this, just built my own version based on your video and it is working great for me!
That is awesome! So happy to hear that you were able to make one.
Thank you so very much for showing us how to do this.
Nice job !, Just need to drain the water into another bucket You will contaminate the fresh water for the final polish and clean rocks as you go to higher grit If not you will get bad scratches that will not come out unless you start over Thanks for sharing
Can i buy one of these from you?
Fantastic idea, I love it.would like to have the specifications and instructions step by step so I may try to make a laboratory sander as well. Sincerely yours Joe Chavez, AKA flip, flop, Joe.
Wow-If I had only seen this video acouple of years ago,I would have gladly bought one of yours instead of my cabking.Great video!
Thanks Debbie, I really appreciate the kind words. Although i bet you have made some beautiful cabochons with the cabking!
You can still go LAPIDARY.
I agree with the others - looks like you have created a pretty good thing there. Two suggestions. 1.) Add a way to control the speed of the motor...you could add a potentiometer...but you would need to make sure the motor would not be damaged by doing so. 2.) You mention that the motors you get are $75 but often times you can find similar (used) motors from $5 to $15 so there may be a way to save cost there.
Thanks for the tips. I try and find used motors but it's always hit or miss. Definitely interested in the potentiometer. I'll look into it.
Great build. I would suggest using a boat thru-hull connector for your drain. Way easier to work with and only one drill hole.
a few suggestions. i would tie the line side of that water pump into the line side of that motor underneath your pot, so that way you only have one cord coming out of your device. will be nicer cable management. would also recommended caulking you 1inch pvc seal you have in the middle to prevent water getting into the motor. also what Torpedox ttocsyor said i would recommend providing air venting for that motor. would last a lot longer. just few though love the idea and product!
Thank you for sharing the idea. I’m going to make one myself.
That's awesome how well that system works
Very nice video .. Looks easy enough.. I wish you sold them..
The shallower (first version) pan is way better than the second much deeper pot. To use that second one I see you having less control over the rock if holding in hand because of the placement and angle of the elbows. Still a really affordable product and a simple enough lap to make on a strict budget.
Thanks for the note. Although you have a little more control with the shallow bowl, it's a lot messier. I prefer the deep bowl to prevent water splash, but that's just preference.
Very cool! It certainly does the job. Keep up the postings.
Thanks David!
Great demo vid...
Quite impressive! Would be very happy to pay for step by step instructions! Please consider! I'll check back for your response. If not I'd still like to thank you for sharing your idea. It's wonderful!
Hi D,
I would be happy to help for free. Let me know what you need.
Great skills, thank you for sharing it with us, very interesting..looking forward to seeing more of your videos.👍👌👌👏
Thanks Julia, I've been busy lately but hoping to produce more lapidary videos soon!
I love this I'm a heating and cooling specialist. I specialize in restaurant equipment. If you add a potentiometer instead of a switch you should be able to very the voltage/RPMs.
Great build dude, I'm going to make one!
Hey, thanks for the excellent video. This is the best!!
very interesting and informative, great instructions
Great video..thanks a lot for sharing you knowledge...
That is very impressive good job!
Thanks for your video I also made a machine after seeing your video it's really working fine but I have a doubt is there any chance of getting electric shock in future because we connected lap to direct motor shaft so 🤔
Woah! That is so rad!!!!!
Haha I'm expecting to see this in one of your videos one day 😆
Great design
Great video!!! Thank you. :)
One suggestion is I wouldn't drain the slurry back into your clean supply, it would eventually plug the pump. Otherwise very good! Im going to be building my own in near future and I have been looking at different ideas and I like yours the best so far. Thank you
I don't think I'm going to find a video telling me how to wire a swamp cooler motor into a flat lap. I wish you had described the hard parts too. Kind of need to know that if I'm going to do it.
Love this man.
Can you send a better description on how to wire the Toggle switch with the motor? I saw the drawling for it, but I’m still confused. Thanks
I Loved It but, I need a supply list and some written instruction if I am to re build this. What size or type of moter was used?
Thanks for making a great video. Please, could you say where you purchase the discs?
I use a local shop called johnson brothers lapidary supplies. They have a website and do online orders. I have also found these discs on ebay - but they get shipped from China and take a month to arrive.
Very nice DIY have you tryed one on a slant? Hope you continue DIY videos!
I'm not very handy, and I noticed you had made several others. Do you sell them? I see I'm not the first to ask....
Not at this point. I plan to eventually. Just gotta find the time!
@@whoisandrewfahmy I'd buy one.
Very nice, new here and you earn it! Thanks
Do you sell them? I would love to buy one of these. Thanks.
Excellent video
Awesome video
Thanks Joe!
What are chances of water trickling down through the motor axle into the motor below?
Great video...
I was wondering if a ceiling fan motor has enough power to do what you’ve accomplished?
I'm just now finding your site 10/22 and will try making one soon. May I asked you, does a person need someway to ajust the motor rpm's or does it matter? Thanks a bunch, very neat idea!
Thanks for share !Quick and easy machine to build,but not so sure that the downward pressure exerted wont burn out the motor really quickly? Really think you should consider using a belt off the motor to rotate the wheel,then the downward pressure isnt directly on the motor fella , and might save you some bucks in not having to replace it.But it works and its really quite an easy build!
Yea, I was a little concerned with that as well. I'm using 1/2 hp and 1/4 hp motors, so the stones don't require a whole lot of pressure. I've been teaching classes with these machines and some of the students tend to exert a little too much force but its been about two years with regular use, and i haven't had one die on me yet. Knock on wood.
Very excited about this video. Cant wait to make one for my wife and I. Thanks soooo much. BTW what is a swamp cooler? I wonder if I ask for one here in Indiana if I am going to get stupid looks. LOL. I'll let you know what I find and thanks again foe a great video.
Hey Steve, a swamp cooler is also known as an evaporative cooler. They aren't as popular any more but they used to be fairly available. I have been able to find the motors at lowes and home depot here in southern california. If you go to either of their websites you can search for the product and see if they have it available at any stores near you.
That was sweet.
Where do you purchase your diamond flat lap discs from?
very good
Hey Andrew, I'm not sure if you even reply to comments or not but I followed all your instructions but I'm getting vibrations that I believe are causing my rock faces to grind unevenly. Did you have any issues like this?
Do you sell this? I would love to buy one. Please let me know. Thanks
gracias!!!
Also wondering if there was a way to stabilize a variable speed angle grinder could I just use that? Because that already has a working plug and switch...
Could you had links to the parts
Found the motor but dont know what amp toggle to go with and cant find arbor extender
Are you putting any of these on sale?
Great vid best and simple please consider 12 or 1.8Ñ
complimenti, thanks
How much for one with a potentiometer ? Or differant style of speed regulator?..i like the old knob style light switch...i also like a model train transformer...i dont have a spot to safely build anything . What is the maximum rpm on your lap?
Any idea what valt and watt the motor is please?
Any suggestions as the advice for the wiring? Recommended websites or videos?
Very nice
I want to purchase this
Incredible, how much is the price of this machine?😊
Sir what is the price and from where can I get it I'm from up India
Good job
gostei muito, eu estou precisando de um assim. meu problema é tempo para montar um assim . parabéns pelo seu trabalho.
Hello sir I am interested in the diamond polishing machine sir
Would love to buy one of these from you. Any chance of that?
By the way great job
What gauge wire are you using to connect to the motor? Could you link them here?
How fast does that spin? I wish I was handy with wiring because I would try this!
I'm really struggling to find an arbour extender here in the UK. The motor I bought has a 14mm keyway shaft. Any ideas anyone please?
Thanks so much for the video. You did a very good job!
Thank you David! I appreciate the positive comment.
Can you make a bigger one that will polish rock slabs?
Have you ever made one with multiple wheels to avoid changing grits??
I haven't. That would be a cool project! I have been working on a velcro system for the disks. Not perfect yet, but it makes switching grits a lot faster.
They make magnetic versions
What or how did you get the backing plate? Did you make it out of raw materials or buy it?
Sir are you selling the product you made and how it cost thank you
How much do you wanna sell one for ? I’m not that mechanically enclined but I’m looking for a flat lap kinda cheap
Cool. You should look at selling them
Could you post the link you mention in video about detailed wiring. Thank you
Here you go: imgur.com/a/bkTqbWz Hope that helps. Let me know if you need any additional assistance.
Sunt din România cât costă sau de unde să cumpăr materialele sa-mi fac unul?
Where did you get your lapping discs? I assume the felt pads are for using with the polishing compound right? Lastly, I have seen lapidary discs that don't have a center hole to "bolt onto" a motor shaft. I would assume this would allow you to work with larger rocks having more surface area to work with. Can you design be modified to do such a thing?
I buy lapping disks from Ebay, and a local lapidary shop. I have been playing around with ideas to utilize disks that dont have center holes but haven't been able to develop a good system. I'll post an update once I do.
How much "wobble" does the flap lap disk generate? I imagine quite a bit because of the "direct drive". Great build!
Very slight, but definitely there. Hasn't prevented me from doing anything, but it a little inconvenient. Any tips for how I can alleviate the "wobble?"
@@whoisandrewfahmy Possibly something set-screwed under the disk, on the arbor. If you could find a round roller bearing collar with a set screw, that fits the arbor, that might work. You would not really need the rollers, but something on that idea, clamped/set screw to the arbor, and wide enough to hold the disk.
If the spindle/arbor is perfectly vertical, and the lapidary disc is horizontal, with no wobble upon installation, in THEORY there should be no wobble.
how much are these i really wpold like to buy one ! how to from you?
Have you made a homemade vibrolap?
Doesn't the motor get too hot being sealed in there with no air vents? It seems like it might become a fire hazard. Otherwise great video. I see you have several models made, do you sell them?
Hey Jeremy, thanks for watching. I drill a hole on two sides, plus the top hole where the arbor extender fits through. That is usually enough to keep it ventilated. The case does tend to get a little hot when working long hours I take occasional breaks, its cools down. Normal 1 - 2 hour use, has never been a problem. I haven't sold any just yet. Built these things to teach a lapidary class, but eventually might sell if anyone's interested.
@@whoisandrewfahmy If you did sell, what would you want for one? I am thinking about building one, but my time is tight with work, so a purchase might just work.
Bro please can you please send me one Wich you have made How much cost can I pay you
Great video.. are you interested in selling one.. not sure I have the mechanical wherewithall
hi do you sell these? someone stole mine and all my tools when i went away for a week rock hunting so trying to build one but would happily buy and import one of yours to the uk :(
Great video... where are you sourcing the 8 inch plastic backing plates for $8 and are they pre-drilled for the motor shaft or are you doing the hole drilling?
Hi Kevin, there is a lapidary shop nearby my home called johnson brothers lapidary supplies. They have a website and sell the 8 inch plastic backs. They have a website and do online orders. Hope that helps.
Oh and they come pre-drilled for the motor shaft.
Do you sell these?
do you sale them? If you do I would like to buy one
How do you use a polishing compound with this? use a certain kind of disc?
I get a felt pad and velcro it on to a lap.
I love it
How much would you sell them for?
What is under the lap disk and 8" plastic disk ? It looks like 3/4" plywood ?
It is a "master lap" 8 inch plastic. Goes under the disks.
Hello me understand please, bottom of the layer is the 8" plastic disc, then the grinding disc sits on top of this or is there another layer?
did you run into any issues with using the motor mounted in a vertical position vs horizontal like it is designed?
Not so far. I will normally have the machine on for 2-3 hours without any issues. I've been running the machines regularly for the past year or so and they are still running.
Most motors do not have an up, down, or sideways direction.