Lap Grinder

[Sobrien]

Getting ready to get a lap grinder and wanted to see what others are using and what the feel is best.

Thanks in advance

Shawn

[David Jenkins]

Get one larger than you think you'll need.

[JestersBaubles]

I have an 8" Glastar. Great machine, still needs to be bigger . I can coldwork the bottoms of bowls, the edges of smaller flat pieces, and the edges of bowls (no size limit on round bowls of course ), but I'd really like to be able to work the edges of larger pieces. The disks for the Glastar are mounted magnetically, so you have more actual working surface than one that has an arbor sticking up through the middle. I have the variable speed model, but I usually keep it on "high". Others more experienced than me may tell you variable is the way to go (or not ), but I don't know that I see the advantages at this point.

The larger ones are pricey -- even the 8" Glastar (w/4 disks & water pump) was over $1000.

Dana W.

[David Jenkins]

I built my 18" lap grinder with a variable speed control for the motor, but find that I always use it on the highest speed provided by the control, motor, and pulley arrangement. If I build another, I will forego the variable speed aspect.

[Judd]

The best lap grinder... her name was Cherie...

[Marty]

What grit was she? Center water feed? Variable speed?

[Judd]

She was pretty gritty...

[Sobrien]

OK so here is what I decided to go with CrystalMaster Pro 12 Lap Grinder, where is the best place to get sanding disks? Thanks for making me laugh at some of the responses.

Shawn

[Nikki ONeill]

Take a look at ASW's 18 and 24" flat laps. The 24" one I have has given me no problems for 8 years now, and disks are easy to change (unlike some brands). Water comes up the center. For quality, get disks from HIS, not ASW. A friend has the 18"; delightful.

[Havi]

Somehow I agree with Nikki.
I have a 12" flat grinder. I bought 4 metal panels by the maker of the grinder.

However, I realized later that I could have done a combination, buy only one metal disk and as many magnetic disks as I want - if I buy the disks from His glass...
You do not need more than one metal disk, to which you can 'glue' any magnetic disk you want , diamond or 3 M or silicon carbide disks.
Good luck,



Havi

[Tom Fuhrman]

using a couple of old Sommer & Maca 20"" lPS, WORK WELL AND YOU CAN STILL GET REPLACEMENT parts for them. got discs from HIS years ago, There is a new Chinese source for the discs thAT IS GOOD BUT REQUIRES A GROUP PURCHASE TO offset the high shipping costs and buying requirements but can be 1/2 the price of HIS discs.

[Babette (Shawn)]

I have the 12 inch and really (really) wish I had the larger size...I have my eyes on a 24 inch. No lewd remarks!

[S.TImmerman]

24 in lap grinder , trying to sell belt and smaller one

[Havi]

I have the 12 inch and really (really) wish I had the larger size...I have my eyes on a 24 inch. No lewd remarks!

Me too....


Havi

[Laurie Spray]

It is sort of like buying a kiln.....buy the largest one you can afford. You will never be sorry. I have a 24" and it is an essential part of my studio!