what is a good facet polishing lap

[Crystaliz]

I am a new faceter cut 100 odd stones in the last eighteen months, l was taught to use diamond paste on a copper lap which is fine but if a large surface needs polishing the curve on the lap causes trouble.
So...is there a polishing lap that srays flat and is better.
Your advise would be appreciated.

[agemcutr]

After 34 years I still like my home made tin/lead solder lap.Its harder than plan tin,doesnt have buildup problems like type metal its not too hard or soft.Its an all rounder.
Getting those flat faces are difficult. I cut 5 stones a day commercially and no matter how carefully i treat a lap the centre will dish slightly making it a poor lap for emerald cuts of larger size.The solution is simple. you need two laps, one dedicated to only the large flat faces on your stone,dont use this lap to do the smaller faces on that stone but rather go back to your normal lap. I achieve this by lathing the lap the same thickness or using the other side of the lapif its double sided.Andrew can lathe the laps flat,but Ive always said if your willing to spend thousands on a faceting machine then spend a $1000 or so on a small lathe to make your dops and machine your laps.Im currently developing self lubricating laps in bronze and copper to give the ultimate flat face and fine finish.

Regards Anthony PS self lubricating bronze burrs for mick B ?

[Andrew]

Crystaliz,
 Its not a easy thing to answer in one short post but some Basics.
 Keep your Copper for Prepolish using #3K Diamond
 Hard to Beat a Batt Lap for Flat Facets,use #60K Diamond powder our a #60K Diastick for easier
results.
  There are other options of course, after you have mastered the Batt the Matrix would be of interest to you.
 BTW: Saw the best Polished piece of Quartz I have seen that came of a Matriz Lap a week ago.
Cheers Andrew   

[Crystaliz]

thankyou so much

l will give those suggestions a go,  l did wonder about the diastick  and a dedicated lap is so simple

l am open to all suggestions, got lots more to learn, for me it is still such a buzz when l see the finished stone off the dop

[wilsonintexas]

I am also a newbe..... I like the banded batt products. It is very noce to go fropm pre-polish to polish on the same lap.  Guarenteed to keep things alinged.... I am having very good luck with the DOMANTRIX.  It took a while to break in, but has been a pleasure.  I have used it on Cz and quarts..... the new 100000 poly diamon on the CZ made it simple, I use the zircon and ce stick onthe quartz...

My opinion and a dollar will get you half a cup of coffee..... 

[Klingon]

I agree with Andrew..try the Matrix with 100k spray...I was having trouble polishing a piece of quartz and decided to try the Matrix. What a difference it made !!

[moonshadow_dancer]

Personally I like the Darkside & Bat Lap

[JudyC]

I bought a Crystallite lap and use 60000 diamond and like my results. I am also a newbie.

[steveo]

I have used the Batt lap for a year and a half, 8000 on one side and 50000 on the other, works well if I get it charged right. Still trying to get just the right amount. Have a blank master lap for ultra laps with cerium, tin and aluminum for quartz and others that use those. Bought cerium powder to mix with water and drip some on used cerium ultralaps after wearing them out.

[Aussie Sapphire]

BATT and Diastick,  or Darkside and Diastick,

This gets you away from overuse and application mistakes with Diamond. Copper Laps are not the best Polish Lap these days - an old school Prepolish Lap that still works but not a good choice for final polish although some still use them.

There are other options when at a stage of Competition or more experienced or your want more gem-specific laps (ie. the pre-charged options) but BATT or Darkside covers almost all bases.

cheers
Andrew