All-U-Need Flat Lap Longevity // How Long Does a Disc Last?

I have had this Hi-Tech Diamond All-U-Need Flat Lap for about a year now and in that time period I have polished countless rocks on this machine.
Let's look at the lapping disc and see how they have held up.
Thanks for watching.
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#CurrentlyRockhounding #Lapidary

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Did you enjoy this video and find it to be informative? You can help ensure that more videos just like this get made by supporting the project on Patreon. www.patreon.com/currentlyrockhounding

[@isaiahbreckbill1741]

Damn! Consistently the best rockhounding/lapidary content on KZbin. Keep it up, buddy!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thanks man I appreciate it.

[@OzoneFineArtVentures]

I love that you took your discs to the microscope, killer mission. You're illuminating what these are actually made of and do which is a service. It's useful for folks to see this so they take good care of their discs (I've seen some abysmal practices with cross contamination and the like). Dust, because it typically contains quartz, is ranked a 7 on the mohs scale. Even leaving your higher mesh discs out in the open can lead to scratching contamination. It was awesome to see the blue under the microscope with the little inclusion. I'm going to have to check mine out, I agree the value is definitely there, they last a long time. Thanks for an awesome video, really enjoyed this one.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I have been thinking of my storage of these as well which like you brought up can be an issue in a shop with the dust. I'm going to try and find some kind of Tupperware I think to store them in.

[@OzoneFineArtVentures]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding I have ziplock freezer bags with their corresponding grit/color (again to not contaminate) to keep them clean and then I always wash them before I mount them on the machine just in case. All you need is to drag a scratch through a great polish to get really uptight about your storage solutions! I also have a separate, large, bristle brush that is labeled for each disc. That helps with the cleaning.

[@brushbros]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding That is a good idea for polishing grits, but not necessary probably for coarser grits. I have used the same idea, it works very well.

[@Mike-br8vb]

I enjoyed nerding out here! Lol! Very good information!

[@mtonjum]

Thanks for this! I bought the hi-tech slant lap about 5 months ago and it’s hard to tell when the discs are getting worn out. This video is helpful :)

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I think they are worn out when the black plastic disc can be seen.

[@janetrychel5823]

Thanks Jared. Loved this info. You never disappoint

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@paigelee6321]

Very informative, interesting,thank you for sharing 😊💙

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you liked it, I thought it was kinda neat to see the discs like this.

[@crystalday9995]

Thanks again for being an amazing teacher.enjoyed this.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you liked it.

[@michaelspeckert6451]

I'm alittle late to the party here, but this video is awesome. I just bought an 8" a couple weeks ago and am loving it. I have a good saw and a cab machine also, so its been nonstop lapidary even more so lately. Love the channel! High Fives from southwest Utah

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you! I'm glad you like the channel. I think the hi-tech lap is a good machine but the water cups are pretty meh but that's an easy upgrade, have you changed yours out?

[@Ontario_Rockhound]

Awesome video, great breakdown of the flat lap.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you liked it.

[@trevorallen2274]

Thank you for your work!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you! :)

[@juliemckenna514]

Another great video! Thanks for the tips Jared😊

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you.

[@kslinaz5668]

Thank you, that was very informative.

[@sandmaker]

I agree, the more water the better. Too much pressure will snap the diamonds out of resin, let the lap do the work. I have laps that are 10 years old and some new. Loved the photomicrographs. Keep the goodness coming. Be happy, safe and stay healthy😷⚒

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Oh I agree, its like cutting wood on a table saw, you let the machine do the work and don't force it.

[@sandmaker]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding love all the work you do to keep the rest of us informed and entertained.😎👍

[@brianholcomb940]

Very informative! Thanks for sharing!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you liked it.

[@rockswatersky3442]

Excellent. Feels like a college class. Real information..

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you.

[@RockandRoadRockhounding]

This was a really neat perspective! I would have never thought to look at them under a microscope. Very cool.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

The microscope is really a view into an unseen world.

[@derasnan]

Great video dude - thanks very much!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you liked it.

[@jimlancaster6120]

Very interesting loved seeing the disc under the microscope that was really neat.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you liked it.

[@brushbros]

Wonderful and informative video. The microscope tells the story (thanks to you.) To clean both metal and resin disks (and wheels) I use sink cleanser and a stiff brush under warm water. Use a lota lota water to avoid "mud" collecting in your drain. Both types are "dressed" because the softer "substrate" is abraded while the proud diamond is unfazed.

[@ambkbero2]

I bought my 8" slant lap because of the first review you did and I was not disappointed (yes, I used your code). Although I must say that I prefer the diamond disks over the resin pads. I've reserved the pads for basic pre-polishing and a separate felt disk with cerium oxide for the final polish. thank you for the great adventures and product reviews, You ROCK!! (I know that was cheesy but I couldn't resist)

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

What grit of diamond discs do you have? I have been thinking about buying some higher grits to test out.

[@ambkbero2]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding I getting all of them from 60# to 3,000# the resin disks w/pads seem to be more for polishing and the pad helps on softer material. But when it comes moving material quickly the diamond laps are my choice. I do most of my work in the winter so I'm planning to buy the whole diamond range of diamond plates soon.

[@CarlDi3trich]

Might be the manufacturer took into account some people not using enough water or cleaning them. Well done.

[@drewwhitaker315]

Nice vid dude!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you.

[@dustinfindsrocks]

I don’t have a flat lap yet but I definitely see it’s a good piece of equipment. Good to know with care the pads will last a long time. Cool video Jared. Love your channel man. Thanks for putting all the good information out there 👍🏼

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thanks man, I try to put good things out there. I feel like anyone can show rocks on video, but I want to do more and produce helpful content.

[@brushbros]

I used a cabbing unit for years and years. Then I discovered flat laps. There is no comparison.

[@marcosofsky2605]

Nerding out is waaaaay cool! Attention to detail is important, and you do that. I had wanted a microscope for my horticulture studies, still do not have one, but your video showed me what I mihght want to know about the discs! Thank you, you are doing a mitzvah-a good deed!I am still in the process of setting up a proper system, and it is a challenge. I picked up a dial gauge on a magnetic base-for determining the true of my machines and discs, I guess-I bought an inexpensive faceting machine and wanted to be sure the grinding wheel sat just so on the hub before I tried to facet any gemstones. Also I bought some low quality rough TO PRACTICE ON111 Very economical!!!! Just thought I would pass on an idea or two-the only thing holding us back is our imaginations-YOU GOTTA USE IT! ha ha!! Thanks again, until next time -Marc in Medford, Oregon

[@Parry635]

Flat out, another great video

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you.

[@theruggedrockhound]

I plan to get one of those down the road, but it will probably be a while since it is not very high on my list. Thanks for the tech demo video!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I do think its a pretty good little machine for the price range.

[@nancycampbell6800]

Thanks for this video. As a raw beginner this has helped me identify one of the pieces of equipment that was left to me. Sure, I could have looked in a book or catalog, but I hadn't gotten around to it yet. Now I know what I have AND I know more about the disks. Microscopes are super handy. I've put off buying one and have one in one of my amazon wishlists that I've been thinking about for my saltwater aquariums and my koi pond. I'll go compare the one you have to the one I've been thinking about, the more versatile one is for me, the better. I have way too many "hobbies" that need to have one. I hate having to wait until I get to work to sneak look at something under the 'scope. LOL

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Oh my gosh the Microscope is amazing, and if I'm not careful with my time I could get lost looking at things under it.

[@nancycampbell6800]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Lab work is my favorite part of my job. I'm such a nerd. LOL

[@charlesfosterrocks]

On the 1200 I noticed what looks like a blue medium that possibly has diamond dust included.

[@jimv.661]

Great idea for a video and very useful since I bought one a few months ago at your recommendation.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

How are you like it?

[@jimv.661]

It's great fun and quite easy to use.

[@treasuresunderfoot7876]

Great idea for a video. The microscope is a huge asset for this. Thanks bro👍

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I continue be in amazement by the microscope.

[@treasuresunderfoot7876]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding I agree. Agates are so interesting. But the closer you can view them, the COOL factor goes up. Such amazing formations in the microcosm. 👍

[@kylaabegglen1275]

As always a very informative and awesome video. Thank you! You have a amazing way of teaching and explaining things so we can understand clearly. Just curious, do you use a scrub brush, toothbrush, or denture brush with the water and dish soap when you wash your discs? I hope to be able to get a flat lap in the next couple of years. Thanks for another very interesting video Jared!✌😎

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you! I do clean my discs with dish soap and brush.

[@jmsdvs5]

I feel honored that you find a reason to use the microscope and share with use. It is a donation worth doing. Now if only I can get mine working.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Oh man, what's the hang up with yours? Is it the software?

[@patriciamckean4186]

Thanks, those discs were in much better shape. Increased water and washing the discs when your done. If you take good care of your equipment, it will take good care of you.

[@robertbuckingham4927]

You have sometimes a scientific approach to examining wear on saw blades,grinding wheels,or diamond flat lap discs I like it!

[@ocklawahaboyrocks]

Great video. Didn't expect to get the up close and personal. I need to find someone who uses a flat and get an in person demo. I'm pretty invested in wheels.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I do think a flat lap is a nice tool to have but its not for everyone that's for sure.

[@camplapidary]

Great video! Now show us what it looks like when a pad is loaded up? Just a suggestion..

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I thought about that and I kinda don't want to load up my pads for that since its as easy as washing them to prevent there's really no reason to ever load them up.

[@stephenappleby5465]

I just made my own flat lap. I have pads that go to 3000 grit. How long should I grind on each grit to get a good polish off of the 3000. Thanks

[@julietgamarci8742]

Great video and great channel, I've been learning so much! I was curious if you have ever stuck these PSA resin discs to BOTH sides of the black acrylic disc to economize and conserve space. I know there's a higher chance of grit cross contamination but if they are rinsed and kept clean I'm not sure that would happen

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I have not tried that but I have been thinking about that. Contamination would be the only issue I could see really.

[@julietgamarci8742]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Thanks for your reply! I should be receiving a new 8" All U Need in the next couple of days bought on the strength of your recommendation. Thank you for the informative videos, I will experiment with using both sides and let you know how if goes

[@mikemarcus214]

I really appreciate the content - I was wondering how long the lap disks would last! I love the Hi-Tech Slant Lap… it really helps in shaping rocks prior to tumbling. I own the 80-grit lap - it really chews through the rock. If a lap gets clogged - what is the best way to remove the clogged material? By the way, thanks for the video on sharpening notched blades… works perfectly! You saved me a bundle! Thanks!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm happy you liked the video on the saw blades. As for cleaning the laps I just use warm water and dish soap and it seems to clean them really well.

[@christopherort2889]

I agree. I use lots of water and my pads last forever.

[@RockHoundQuest]

Very interesting to see the sanding disks under the microscope. 👍

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you liked it, it really is opening a new world to me.

[@KT-rl1dy]

I just watched this. Thank you. It was very informative. Do you think a flat lap is easier then a slanted one? What is your opinion?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you! That's a good question. I prefer this one but I can see the value in the slanted one if you plan on sitting as you work.

[@hockeyrace]

I love that you used the microscope to check these out. I was just googling to find out why I feel like I blow through these discs. I found this video and I’m super surprised I missed watching this one 😳 I bought another set thinking they were done. I’m now thinking they probably are not. I still feel like I’m dong something wrong because I can’t seem to get a really good end result. I clean each of them with soap and water and brush them with a soft toothbrush. I spend ALOT of time making sure I get all the scratches out and look all the time with a jewelers loupe. I can’t afford to keep buying so I do everything I can possibly do to extend the life. As for contamination, I absolutely do have a disc that I believe is ripped. I don’t have a microscope, so I’m not 100% sure. But results are certainly telling. It happened with a rhyolite/agate. . Anywho, I’m happy to have found your video while googling. 👍. Thanks for sharing. Stay Crystal 💫 Maribeth

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

What are the grit stages that you have been using? You should be able to get a really nice finish on your rocks.

[@hockeyrace]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding diamonds discs- 80, 150, 180. HI-Tech resin discs- 220, 325, 600, 1200, 3000. I’ve worked through all kinds of troubleshooting too. Speed, Water, Time, Drying to Look for scratches, Loupe. I get good results on about 20-25 cabs. After that, everything is garbage. I use a lot of grits to get a good finish. They just don’t seem to last for me. I’m not a brute! I’m an intelligent person who can usually troubleshoot anything. I’m stumped with the hi-tech flat lap discs. 🤷‍♀️

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

@@hockeyrace From the sounds of it you're doing everything correct. Maybe we could continue this conversation over email and then we could also share some photos on the subject. Something has to be going wrong if you're only getting 20 or 25 cabs out of your discs. Shoot me an email please. [e-mail]

[@markattardo]

👍cool!!

[@biscuitEMT]

This is my next purchase, great to learn about the discs. Do you have any ideas about the flat one as opposed to the angled one ?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I would go with the flat one. It just gives more options for using it the way I see it.

[@CacklingChick]

​@@CurrentlyRockhounding how does the flat vs. angled lap give more options for use? Thanks!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

@@CacklingChick I guess I should have been more clear about that, sorry. I think the flat one has more options cause you can stand at it, sit at on a stool and if need be you can tilt it some. How do you plan on using it and what do you plan on doing with it?

[@anitawilliams2187]

Can you wash/scrub the polishing resin discs like you can the Diamond get grinding discs?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Yup! I just use warm water and dish soap. I don't scrub it really with anything, other than rubbing the soap in with my fingers.

[@melisalynn5895]

I’m to the point of wondering how my disks are wearing. This is a great way to show how they work and wear, but I wish you would have mentioned what to do if we do have buildup or need to expose more diamonds on the 80/180 grits. I use the hell out of my 80 grit and have heard dressing it will help, but I have no idea what grit to use. Can’t really find 80 grit sticks. Can I use the 180 or the 220?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Things like dressing sticks really do nothing at all. You can clean discs out with dish soap and hot water but once the diamonds on the electroplated disc are gone there's not much you can do since its such a thin layer.

[@mwilson14]

You know that I pan the synthetic diamonds out from my wet tile saw water right? LOL. I have a collection of them, but they are more of a byproduct from me panning my tile saw water to find anything at all that is heavy, like gold and zircons as well. I just can't pass up the diamond collecting and I also pick them out of my rinse cups for my masonry files. You should also hit those synthetic diamonds up with UV light. They typically glow bright blue, which is fun.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

So you're saving the slurry from your saw then or are you doing it after each use?

[@mwilson14]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding I sometimes pan it after one use depending on what I've cut, and this is usually a mix of different rocks I cut for a single cutting session.--typically rocks rich in sulfides and other minerals which are worth my time to process for element extractions. I have old milk jugs stored away with the drained slurry from many sessions that typically are more silica rich. It settles out over time and the water is decanted into another container so I can filter it and safely poor it down the drain or water the plants out front. I'll save the dried powder in containers for chemistry experiments or for use in homemade refractory ceramics.

[@mwilson14]

...so in other words, I don't pan every single batch of rock slurry to get the diamonds. It's fun to find them if I've got a day where I don't really feel like studying and need a break from searching for other things.

[@iainwhitford7602]

How does this compare to the Richardson dry polisher?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Two different worlds really. The Richardson High Speed Sander is really good for big rocks that can really take some heat but other than that it really starts to lose to the wet flat lap. You can make a cab on this as an example vs. the Richardsons.

[@faithrigolosi1028]

Thank you for this. I’m seriously thinking about getting a 8” and my question was how long do the discs last. Love your videos.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

The discs last a long time. I have a video up that you can find under my lapidary playlist on the topic.

[@faithrigolosi1028]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding yes

[@faithrigolosi1028]

Thank you for that. You helping me make up my mind.

[@faithrigolosi1028]

You helped me make up my mind.

[@lindamalcovsky]

When you buy new discs do you have to buy them from hi-tech or are there universal discs ghat will work on the machine?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

All of the ones I know of are from Hi-Tech but there might be some other companies making replacements.

[@CarlDi3trich]

Forgot to ask....do the pads with acrylic backing have some give? Do you really need the "spongy" backing Diamond sells?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

They really don't have much give to them at all. If you want to make cabs then sponge backed wheels or pads is important.

[@CarlDi3trich]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Ah...ok. I know that should be obvious but it's not. Thanks!

[@mattcorbitt252]

You said you started using a lot more water.. how did you do that?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

You can control the amount of water you use, just turn it up.

[@CacklingChick]

How long does it take to polish a cut slab? Thanks!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

That really depends on the material you're working with.

[@CacklingChick]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding ok, thanks!

[@J-racks]

Hey everybody, newbie to the lapidary arts here but avid rockhound. Just bought an 8-inch hi-tech flat lap like the one shown. Went ahead and bought the 260 and 3000 grit electroplated wheels from their site. Any recommendations moving forward as far as what else I might need? My wallet is hurting, but it’ll just have to get over it if I need some more wheels 😂

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I have a number of videos on this subject that you can check out. It's far too big of a topic to cover in a comment. Also, congratulations on the machine.

[@J-racks]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Sorry if the comment was off topic, just looking for help and I think I found it in your channel. Thank you for the service you provide to rock-loving individuals like myself

[@669wildcat]

Have you ever tried cleaning discs with a large eraser?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I have not.

[@DonohueLabs]

Maybe it was a typo and they meant 70 stone instead of stones i.e. 1000 pounds of rocks 😆

[@nhrockaholic6038]

Have you ever tested generic laps, like you have trim saw blades.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I have not, but that is something I would like to do.

[@geraldrhodes5948]

Do you ever find you wish you had a bigger disk or is this fine for pretty much every you want to polish?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I wish I had something bigger like the 12" grinder from Covington Engineering, but at $2300 that's very out of reach for me. I think lapidary equipment should always be looked at in the context of price. For the cost I think this is really good.

[@geraldrhodes5948]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Thank you for the reply, sir! Pretty much what I expected which is good; that way I won't go out and do something stupid like try plunk down $2300.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

@@geraldrhodes5948 I think the best option of course is to find the largest lapidary machine you can afford in great condition on the used market but that's not always going to be practical for a number of reasons.

[@cours458]

how noisy is it? can I use one in an appartment (not very often) without my neighboor murdering me?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

The flat lap is pretty quiet but I dont know if its apartment friendly.

[@robertbuckingham4927]

These machine are ultra quiet because they are directly connected to lap.Nowl belts.Very low h.p. does the job,especially when at the final polishing stage.

[@TarnishedViking.]

Awesome EDU video Bro! Answers for newbies & oldies and all in between. Rock on man! {>

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you I'm glad you liked it.