The Batt Lap are they worth buying?

[cliffsearch]

Hi, Just wondering has anyone had any polishing time on a Batt Lap? I have a tin lap and use 50,000 grit and polishes quite well. From what I have read that the BATT TIN LAP is a harder tin alloy and polishes sharper facet edges. What I find interesting is that you can use both sides. Use a 3000 as a pre polish on one side and a final 50,000 polish on the other side. I'm contemplating buying one as a back up disc as they sell for $110. Not sure about avoiding contamination on the BATT LAP if using both sides. I assume that the disc must be thoroughly cleaned with a tissue and WD 40. Thanks Cliff

[Aussie Sapphire]

.. What I find interesting is that you can use both sides. Use a 3000 as a pre polish on one side and a final 50,000 polish on the other side. I'm contemplating buying one as a back up disc as they sell for $110. Not sure about avoiding contamination on the BATT LAP if using both sides. ... Thanks Cliff

This is the challenge when using both sides.  Would only recommend it if you are seriously strapped for cash and cannot afford to buy two AND are scrupulous about avoiding contamination.

cheers
Leah

[steveo]

Lot of people use coffee filter under lap so as not to get diamond on platten. Change each time using Batt. Cut round to match platten, 4" on 8" machines I think.

[Aussie Sapphire]

Lot of people use coffee filter under lap so as not to get diamond on platten. Change each time using Batt. Cut round to match platten, 4" on 8" machines I think.

Yes - that is the trick that Jon (gearloose) suggested.

cheers
Leah

[FlashGP]

I have one.  Charged it with 100k diamond.  When cutting a low angle on an apex cut design allowed the stone to pass under the centre of the swing of the head and press too hard on the lap.  Ended up taling 6 or 7 strips of 0.1mm off the lap in a circle as the stone chattered on the lap. I may also have been spinning my lap too fast.

Am more careful now and no problems.  I use the undamaged part to give hard stones a final polish after 60k on my Darkside.

[cliffsearch]

I have one.  Charged it with 100k diamond.  When cutting a low angle on an apex cut design allowed the stone to pass under the centre of the swing of the head and press too hard on the lap.  Ended up taling 6 or 7 strips of 0.1mm off the lap in a circle as the stone chattered on the lap. I may also have been spinning my lap too fast.

Am more careful now and no problems.  I use the undamaged part to give hard stones a final polish after 60k on my Darkside.

WOW! I though this tin alloy lap would be to hard to peel metal from. I have to be careful with my softer tin lap. I'm worried I may do what you did to your batt lap...

[Aussie Sapphire]

You need to be careful with ANY metal lap - a leading edge can gouge even on these slightly harder alloys.  If you drop them and ding the edge, this damage often cannot be removed by resurfacing.  When treated well, they should last a really long time but as one of the more expensive items in your lap kit, should be treated with the appropriate care.


cheers
Leah

[FlashGP]

You don't need to drop them to ding them.  I bumped a typemetal lap against the edge of the deck of my faceting machine.  Luckily the ding wasn't too bad and I was able to reflatern the famaged part using an arbour press and flat anvil.

[Buch Metter]

I use a Batt lap for prepolish ( 3k and, 8k and 14k split on one lap side, 14k outer, 8k inner ) and a BA5T for finish polish ( 50k and 100k ).
I use plastic glad wrap between the lap and the master for double-sided use.
I use no other laps, I don't need any other laps, I just need to polish as perfectly as possible and the finer I prepolish the better the final polish.

[Blash]

Correct me if i am wrong but Buch Metter shouldn't you have the 8k and 14k switched as diamond will migrate from the centre to the edge therefore contaminating your 14k with 8k?

[FlashGP]

Buch, I agree with your comments regarding getting the prepolish as good as you can get.  If you prepolish to a shine with I ut scratches, it makes polishing much faster.  1 minute per facet compared  to 15 minutes when the prepolish is off.

[Buch Metter]

Yes, Blash, you are correct.  Always the finer compound to the centre.