My slow speed diamond disc lapping machine, the beginning

[rabler]

The production environment is a hunt and peck method, based on my limited free time.

I'm retired, and still suffer from the same limitation.

 

[Janderso]

Made a little more progress today
Before I go any furthe, I wanted to make sure it does what I want it to do.
I’m pretty happy with it. After using it to sharpen some HSS and carbide tools, I have changed the drip pan design.
There will be a lip in the back of the tray to keep the coolant contained for easy clean up.
Also, I plan on making the motor easily adjustable and easy to remove for cleaning.
Next step, make the pan and start on the adjustable side plate mounts.
Pressed the carriage bolts into the side wings. This way I don’t need to worry about the bolt spinning while I tighten the table thumb/wing nuts.

 

[Tim9]

Had to take a break. I got in that mood where I tried to get too much done.
A hobby machinist needs to be precise and take his/her time.
I made some mistakes this afternoon. I was surface grinding the platen and moved the wheel in the wrong direction. Ugh, I’ll fix it tomorrow.
The project will recover and the parts will be ok but it’s a good reminder.
I’m learning.

Trying to do too much is my problem too. Plus I’m pretty damned sure that I have a case of attention deficit disorder . It explains a lot about my past behavior. Plus explains all of these 1/2 “ butt” projects that I started but haven’t finished.

 

[rabler]

Before I go any furthe, I wanted to make sure it does what I want it to do.
I’m pretty happy with it. After using it to sharpen some HSS and carbide tools, I have changed the drip pan design.

How does the HP and RPM combination feel?

 

[Janderso]

How does the HP and RPM combination feel?

Good questions.
Plenty of power for what I’ve done so far.
I’ve only used a friends diy Glendo and an Accufinish on scraper carbide blades.
I think it will be just fine.
I plan on adding another table pivot hole on each side so I can use the full diameter of the wheel.
I think a lot of the time I’ll use this free hand to touch up edges of lathe/mill tools.
I have a Baldor tool room grinder but don’t use it much for some reason.
I have a diamond wheel and a green aluminum oxide Wheel mounted right now.

 

[rabler]

Good questions.
Plenty of power for what I’ve done so far.
I’ve only used a friends diy Glendo and an Accufinish on scraper carbide blades.
I think it will be just fine.
I plan on adding another table pivot hole on each side so I can use the full diameter of the wheel.
I think a lot of the time I’ll use this free hand to touch up edges of lathe/mill tools.
I have a Baldor tool room grinder but don’t use it much for some reason.
I have a diamond wheel and a green aluminum oxide Wheel mounted right now.

I ebay'd a gearbox motor yesterday. Will be starting a build shortly! Let me know if you have any thoughts on design improvements as you use it. Where are you getting the diamond wheels from?

 

[Janderso]

Rabler,
On design and function, I haven’t used it enough yet to have much input there.
A friend of mine had a slot where the center pivot is. He made changes as he went along and still is.
I chose to put the table pivot above center line as I have seen some do.
When lapping with a 1,500 grit diamond disc, I can’t imagine it would make a difference if the abrasion marks were perpendicular to the part. We’ll see.
I put the stainless sheet on top. Imagine if it was aluminum how it would absorb all the grit.
I may add preset holes for table tilt, 5, 10, 15 degrees.
I will keep posting, a few members are interested.
Did you see Richard King’s post? He asked to see all the DIY carbide lapping machines since Accufinish has discontinued the Glendo design. $1,300-$2,300.
I’ll be in this less than $300

 

[Janderso]

Made some progress today. So many steps!
The table is now mounted to the aluminum base. I added for .250” forward and backward adjustment.
The stainless side plates facilitate this.
Next step, cut the base to size, mount the motor to the base and clean up edges here and there.
Then, use it for a while to see what I need to add or alter.

 

[WobblyHand]

This is a very nice build. Someday I'd like to be able to make a low speed grinder. Hope to use some of the ideas you have shown here. In the past I had difficulty understanding how to make the table. Your pictures make it clearer for me to make some progress.

 

[Janderso]

Hey made some progress today.
It works great!
I need to make the motor housing that will allow access for the power button and reverse switch.
I Originally started this build to polish/lap scraper blades. The 5 degree angle allows for two cutting edges.
The Sandvik carbide came out great. I still need to grind in the shape with the 600 grit.
WD 40 works great for a lubricant medium.