DIY FLAT LAP for polishing slabs with a DIAMOND PADS and a pottery wheel

Kate heads to the studio to try out her DIY flat lap using a small electric pottery wheel and 7" diamond pads to polish rock slabs and end pieces. The setup costs less than a regular flat lapidary machines, and works pretty well. Be sure to stay tuned to the end, where Kate does battle with one of her cats as she tries to take pictures of the finished pieces! :D
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[@kerinholmstrom250]

Got a short cut for you Kate! Cut a circle of leather from an old coat to fit the wheel. With the rough side up coat lightly with mineral oil. Next take a bar of white polishing compound ( borrowed from lathe using wood workers) Hold the bar on the running wheel and let friction load the compound, then your good to go, to get that high gloss finish & so much more. You'll find many applications with this, like I did. Have fun exploring! PS I liked adding lots of compound & oil to the wheel, over time I only had to do upkeep!

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely look into it.

[@aliencat11]

This is genius! It really works, and yoyr cat was imoressed as well! Way to go

[@KatyDidRocks]

Ha, that cat made it almost impossible to film. :)

[@aliencat11]

@@KatyDidRocks that was my favorite part.

[@betojdesigns]

Yay, you got to set up the flat lap you told me about 👏 Look forward to watching video tonight. Just watched 👀. So happy to see you getting to take those slabs to the next step. A bit of cerium oxide on final pad will also get that shiny finish we all love.

[@KatyDidRocks]

I just ordered some cerium oxide a few days ago - looking forward to the shine!

[@joemion666]

Great idea, I may try this. One suggestion, if you want to center the pad say a 6 in. mark the very center of your wheel and from there measure out 3 in. this is the radius and hold a Sharpe marker at the 3 in. mark and turn on the wheel this will give you a perfectly centered 6 in. mark to line up to for your pads.

[@todddaugherty110]

Whoopee doopee Kate, you'um genius. Best part is there is no arbor "bolt" sticking up out of the middle to bang the stones against. I always figure out a way to make a drip system because I can always daydream and forget to spray and risk "burning" the stone.... especially softer ones.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Yep, it's on my list - along with about a million other things.

[@todddaugherty110]

@@KatyDidRocks You been readin' my mail.

[@rachaelb9164]

Omg that’s so much easier than anything I’ve been looking at. I believe the lower speed is better for rocks too to prevent cracks. You just need a little hole on the bottom that drains underneath and a drip system up top.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Yep! The drip system up top is crucial - I haven't yet conquered that part of the design.

[@doloresmanning9619]

Katy, that is pure genius! Love that idea of using the pottery wheel

[@KatyDidRocks]

:) It worked well!

[@reallyhorribleenterprises]

Gratifying to see that someone else had the same idea as me. I'm using some pottery bats and self-adhesive silicon carbide sanding disks. It was great to see how yours worked. Using the bats certainly makes changing the grits faster. I'm using mine for sanding cut glass bottles right now, but it's pretty much the same process.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Nice! :)

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

One thing you can do is setup a small bucket on that shelf above so it just drips water on the pad.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Yes, I need to set up some kind of drip system - although I don't really mind pausing and squirting periodically.

[@rebeccaofsunnybrookefarm8469]

That tip was a game changer wasn't it? Those little tubs were not big enough for one rock...

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

@@rebeccaofsunnybrookefarm8469 Yeah the tube will get you going but leave a lot to be desired, then I did a little drip system, and then I just got a pump.

[@rebeccaofsunnybrookefarm8469]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding our shelf is much higher up and the gravity flow is well. Hopeful the pump works well for you.

[@malinda8668]

What a clever 'make do' idea that seems to have worked very well. How fun to have another tool to make rocks even more beautiful.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thank you, Malinda!

[@japhyryder66]

This was great! Loved your furry helper!

[@KatyDidRocks]

LOL, Dana, she THINKS she was helping...

[@JanVafa]

Love your photobomb kitty!

[@KatyDidRocks]

She does complicate things. :)

[@tashacano3324]

Ingenious! Necessity is the mother of invention after all. Gorgeous results😁

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thank you! 😊

[@marilynbright7981]

Oh, Kate Those are gorgeous!!! Thank you. much love, many hugs

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thanks, Marilyn. :)

[@donnabeaudin9114]

This was fun! Loved your foot stompin music and kitty😊 I think those slabs came out nice! A lot of work!👍

[@KatyDidRocks]

It does take a long time. :) But if you just get in the groove, it's quite relaxing.

[@offyarocka]

Some very cool Macgyvering there with the potters wheel 🙂🙃🙂

[@KatyDidRocks]

Ha, thanks!

[@SamsonsamSim]

Really nice slabs! The Montana diamond came out really nice!

[@KatyDidRocks]

I was hoping it would be shinier, but I guess I'm lucky it polished at all! :)

[@brucevanderzanden9638]

Awesome idea Kate. I am going to look into this for myself

[@brucevanderzanden9638]

PS the cats think it’s time for a video of them.

[@KatyDidRocks]

The Shimpo Aspire costs around $250 new - sometimes you can find a used one. :)

[@virginiarocks]

Looks like the cat approved. 😎

[@KatyDidRocks]

Oh, yes, Cat Stamp of Approval! :D

[@kellydiver]

Interesting. I’m a potter who has recently gotten interested in rockhounding. I think you could probably easily set up some kind of drip irrigation system to keep your sanding pads lubricated. Very creative!

[@KatyDidRocks]

Absolutely! I just didn't have the heart to ask my husband to help set it up just yet. :D Happy to meet a fellow potter/rockhound!

[@naturalstones4529]

I really like how Euhedral the Feldspars are with that Montana "diamond" Great finds! Polishing pads are definitely the way to go

[@KatyDidRocks]

That material is so cool - and you taught me a new word! Thank you!

[@lauraleehawes5266]

great idea plus velcro idea as well thanks for sharing. Loved Loved your fur baby at the end!! I really needed laugh and smile today! they always are full of so much love. you have so many beautiful stones thanks for sharing..

[@KatyDidRocks]

I'm so glad Muji made you smile. :) She definitely wanted to help. Thanks for watching.

[@SherryAustinMcginley]

Really ingenious idea Katy! Beautiful!

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thank you! 😊

[@gingermackeen5741]

Love your creativity, Kate! And your rock slices. And, most of all, your smile! (Also got a kick out of the 🐈)☺️

[@KatyDidRocks]

Awww, thanks, Ginger. :) Yes, that cat was quite challenging.

[@tinaanderson7283]

Very clever idea.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thank you, Tina! :)

[@silverback5033]

Thanks Katy, that's a great idea for a flat lap. I might have a look around and see if there are any like that here. Keep Safe & Keep Rockin

[@KatyDidRocks]

Good luck!

[@marlamorey5914]

Your cat loves the camera 🎥 thanks for sharing your cool slabs

[@keithblack6926]

The cat is cool LOL

[@KatyDidRocks]

:) It was almost IMPOSSIBLE to get those shots! Thanks for watching.

[@patriciamckean4186]

Neat idea....wow! Shiny!!!

[@anneallen2690]

Thank you

[@KatyDidRocks]

You're welcome! :)

[@Romania_Rockhound]

i love this idea!

[@ianandrissaseabolt637]

Love this idea! I only have a little rock tumbler. Really want a saw and now this. Hopefully some day. I too have been a rockhound since 3 or so, my parent's nicknamed me "pebblepub" for my love of rocks. Thanks for sharing! Rock on! (Rissa)

[@KatyDidRocks]

That's awesome! I'm sure you'll find lots of ways to enjoy your treasures.

[@EDLaw-wo5it]

Wonderful idea. It should be variable speed too. Now I am on the hunt for one. BTW, we left Green River 3 days before the snow fell but it caught us in Kansas. If I don't die I will be there late in the summer next year. Havagudun Kate and you and your stay safe.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thanks, E.D... be well.

[@edtherockhound9944]

This is what I’ve been looking for cheap dyi lap tops etc . I posted my first rock video no way as cool as this one but you can find me by searching newbie rockhound and it will come up. Thanks Katy be safe and enjoy . Ps cool video

[@KatyDidRocks]

I'll check it out! I hope you can find ways to use your treasures. :)

[@edtherockhound9944]

@@KatyDidRocks thank you enjoy

[@rebeccaofsunnybrookefarm8469]

If you hashtag #thefinders in your description it will link to all the relevant Rockhounding buffs looking for something else to watch.. I will go check your channel. Wishing you much prosperity.

[@carolhiler4690]

That's a great idea! I was just thinking about doing this with an electric car polisher/buffer.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Just make sure you have something to hold it down. :)

[@cherylwiddiss9032]

Thank you for being so innovative! Think I’ll give it a try, very pretty slabs👍

[@KatyDidRocks]

Sweet! Glad I could help. Good luck!

[@margiebrown7436]

Awesome idea, I have heard of using a food processor but I think I like the potters wheel better.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Food processor - really?! I'll have to look that up. :D

[@wayne1959]

very inovative katy..well done to you for DIYing what you need..A little leather pad with tin oxide will gloss them up like magic for you if you want to go the extra..i go to 8000gt and then the TO to finish and the results are well worth it..Thanks for the handy tip.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thank you for the tip too! 😊

[@cvx2dog549]

Clever idea!

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thanks. :)

[@hukeaz]

Kate! You're a modern day MacGyver 👏 lol now I want a pottery wheel

[@KatyDidRocks]

:D

[@d.b.sorensen5464]

Do you happen to remember the link to the pottery wheel looks like what I’ve been looking for!😊

[@sandmaker]

I have vertical wheels and a flat lap from inland. They both work well, but the flat is much slower because of the assembly and disassembly of the different wheels. I may have to try using the velcro strips. That would speed things up. Thanks for the info. Be safe and stay healthy!

[@KatyDidRocks]

They work as long as they're glued down! :D Thanks, Randall.

[@rockhoundingwithjasperblue]

Good on ya, KatyDid. Way to improvise!! Keep on doing!!!💎

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thanks, JB! :) Be well.

[@rebeccaofsunnybrookefarm8469]

You are so creative. You will want to use the 50&100 the most, don't go beyond that level until all the scratches are out or cut marks. I enjoy this one definitely

[@KatyDidRocks]

Yep, I definitely need to spend more time there. Thanks for the reminder!

[@rebeccaofsunnybrookefarm8469]

@@KatyDidRocks I learned the hard way.. I got through all the stages and the saw marks from free form slab cutting were still visible in a few spots.. a ot (old timer) lol she said that.. more skilled lady at the shop said 70% of the outcome is from the 70% of the effort in the 100 or less grits.. I find that to be true for my stuff. I think you will love this. A maybe a gravity feed water to keep the stone cool and wet.. there is a huge difference in the outcome.

[@wyomingadventures]

Was awesome! Thank you for sharing.

[@KatyDidRocks]

:) Glad you enjoyed it.

[@keithblack6926]

I wonder if y could use a old turntable the same way

[@KatyDidRocks]

You probably could - the only thing I would wonder about is the weight and pressure on the motor. Pottery wheels are designed to have some weight put on them. I heard someone say that a food processor can be used in the same way. O.O

[@renesysval]

It would not have enough power, too slow.

[@mcclarnon1974]

could u use any potters wheel to do this, or does the rpms make a difference? thanks

[@KatyDidRocks]

I would imagine you could use any pottery wheel - I thought about putting velcro on my kick wheel, but that would make it unusable for clay.

[@꽃이필때까지]

Good

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thanks! :)

[@꽃이필때까지]

@@KatyDidRocks i know this stone. My hobby is gathering this stone too. This stone is rare in the South korea.

[@clintnagel1668]

Amazing Idea wondering what model your pottery wheel is

[@KatyDidRocks]

It is a Shimpo Aspire. They sell new for about $250 - less if you can find a used one.

[@dougbernick2129]

I. see a Kick Wheel In the back ground. I havent seed one of those since High school..I had a good time getting It started but, then It would go.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Yes, that is my old Lockerbie kick wheel. Eventually I want to combine lapidary with pottery - I have some prototypes, but am not content with the design yet. :)

[@douglasbernick5908]

That sounds really cool I hope that you find something Do you measure the shrinkage so that you can pet gems in the clay without any problems

[@KatyDidRocks]

@@douglasbernick5908 Yes, although I can always trim down the stone. The issue so far is that I'm not happy with how deeply the stone is set into the mug, and the back side of the inset sometimes warps, making an uneven seat for the rock.

[@carolynsuman3343]

Another idea instead of having to spray them as you polish.....a small fish tank pump and hose with a valve to control water flow, very cheap. Just put the pump in a bucket of water and use the valve on the hose to adjust water flow😊

[@KatyDidRocks]

That's a good idea! I need to figure out some kind of drip hose, for sure.

[@peterangel6463]

what is that black tape you are sticking to the wheel?

[@KatyDidRocks]

It is sticky back velcro!

[@ooglemonster]

What did you do, attach magnets to it?

[@KatyDidRocks]

Sometimes!

[@ooglemonster]

@@KatyDidRocks I’m sorry, what do you mean “sometimes”? In this video, did you attach magnets to the diamond pads to get it to stay on your pottery wheel, or no?

[@KatyDidRocks]

@@ooglemonster LOL, sorry, I didn't understand your question. I used double-sided velcro. Magnets would work on some wheels - not sure about this one, as I think it's aluminum.

[@stalkergeo]

Gotta love a cat. Lol.

[@KatyDidRocks]

So helpful!

[@newyorkrockheads8995]

Hey Katy, I was on google earth checking out the Billings area and I couldn’t help but notice there are gravel bars up and down the Yellowstone River. You mean you guys can just go to any one you want at any time and Rockhound??? No special permission needed? If so you guys have a gold mine of material for years to come.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Hi! Yes, you are right, there ARE gravel bars up and down. Unfortunately, we do need permission to access the river if the access is on private land - so unless you have a boat, most of those gravel bars are tough to access. There's still plenty to find, though.

[@Grandmasrockin]

Such a clever girl

[@leonacrowley164]

Found a new way to polish rocks

[@KatyDidRocks]

:) I have used an angle grinder, but the thing terrified me. This is much better.

[@bunk9991]

KatyDid, as a friendly critique with no ill will,please turn the music down a little. Personally I prefer to hear the sounds and YOU during those times you run the music. Make it more background like with less volume. Love your videos and love to you!

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thank you for the feedback. Getting the volume right is tricky. I did use louder volume on this one, because there was no actual talking going on, just grinding and grinding. :D However, I have had a couple folks tell me the sound was an issue - so I will definitely keep that in mind. Thank you again! :)

[@linabaliashvili2495]

In 10:00 jasper I see waterfall....

[@KatyDidRocks]

:)

[@songbirdscreations-MargaretS]

Hi Kate! Does the bowl of your flat lap have an outlet? I made a diy drip system for my carving station (a clear plastic bin). I used a 2 gallon bucket that I hung from the top of my carving station which is about 3 feet above my table. I bought a neat little kit on etsy- www.etsy.com/listing/575099898/water-drip-kit-for-grindingpolishing I used the 2nd piece in the kit to run an outlet from my carving box down to a bucket under the table. It really works great to keep down the rock dust!

[@KatyDidRocks]

Hi, Margaret - I'm still working on a drip system, which would make lapping easier! Thanks for the link. :)

[@danielcortes2370]

Haha.. For me it's a long process of polishing mechanics.. So many polishing pads extra expenses

[@KatyDidRocks]

Yes, true. To be honest, I am a literal newbie at this kind of polishing - so I have to rely on lots of grits. :D

[@judithwalker3600]

What dragging sound?! Your music is so loud it is the only thing I hear. I have to turn it way down and then when it stops and you talk I can't hear you. Too obnoxious and repetitive tune. Goodbye!

[@KatyDidRocks]

Sorry it bothered you - thanks for watching.

[@renesysval]

@@KatyDidRockslove your videos. As an audio engineer, it is true, we struggle to hear your narrative over the music level. You give great information, but unless I have your videos on my stereo system, I can’t hear your voice.