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.
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.
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!
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
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!
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 🤔
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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!
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?
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
