DIY SURFACE PLATE LAPPING PART 1 (audio fixed)

Part 1 of a series of lapping my 3' x 4' master pink surface plate.
You will be following along as I learn as I go on this project. This covers using a precision level to determine flatness and lapping techniques. This version has the audio at normal speed.
Paypal donation www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr...
Support through Patreon / robrenz
I am "robinrenzetti" Instagram lots more content there!

[@StefanGotteswinter]

Absolutely enjoyed! So much to learn, so little time... Stefan

[@dbturbonub2536]

So I worked at a shop here in TX and when we started movin on up in bigger things(ISO9001,ASI, etc..) we had to go through this monster process of calibrating everything and logging and traceability etc... well we had a few granite surface plates that needed checking, verification and certifications. The main QC table was a 6' x 6' black granite plate. So, we had Trescal come out and give em the go. The QC guys over the years had used one corner of the large plate as a "desk" and a parking station and the area next to it was the main area used to check parts using squares, height gauges etc. Well, the guy from Trescal upon his primary examination of the table with an [antique] surface gauge that measures .00001 then using a laser, we had a few severely worn low spots. Anyways, as a machinist of 11 years at that time(2014), and always looking to learn something new for future reference, I stuck to the old timer doing the work on the table. Inquiring about technique, cause and effect, why this instead of that.. so..... the only difference between your technique and his, was that when he was lapping, 1. He had a partner to slide the cast iron lap plate to across the table, 2. He always used a roll of unrolled paper towels (by always I mean for any cleaning at all on every table). Only peeling off the sheets after a wipe. He said his reason for that was because when using rags or reg towels, you always get build up and one wipe and the towel has always got residue, which he didn't want when re-wiping(maybe his personal technique only, not sure). 3. He slid the lap plate back and forth along but also in a cris-cross diagonal direction as well, like a cross hatch. And 4. He sprinkled the lapping powder directly on the granite surface plate. Didn't ask why as he'd been doing it for 20 years that way and that table was like brand new when he was done. Good videos brother. God bless ya.

[@benm5913]

Was the, "desk'" area more or less worn than the rest?

[@dannynimmo3052]

great comment, Thanks... the one wipe, I do also, seems a little bit of a waste but I get paper towel fragments if I use one too much or just fine lent fragments. thanks again for your comment, it was informative

[@iPleinAir]

Robin, thank you for your contributions to the KZbin machining community. It is fascinating to see creators like you and Tom Lipton, Stefan Gotteswinter, Steve Barton, and so many others share knowledge and experience for the benefit of all. Seeing into your metrology thought process shows how the hobbyist machinist can significantly raise the level of work quality with even modest machine tool resources in the home shop. This is fascinating stuff!

[@pedrocavaleiro3688]

iPleinAir could you please point me to Steve Barton's channel? You got me curious....

[@iPleinAir]

Pedro, Steve Barton’s channel is Solid Rock Machine Shop.

[@pedrocavaleiro3688]

iPleinAir Thanks! Thought I had them all but it seems I'll be back to batch consuming shop videos :)

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@jasonh3109]

Thank you Robin!! And thank you for reloading at regular speed!!! You’re contribution to the machining community is absolutely incredible!!!! Thank you!!!!!

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@paulmace7910]

Excellent! Thank you for sharing your journey. The details of your thinking process are invaluable. Who would think that just changing where you stand on a concrete slab would change the level of the plate. Looking forward to the next video.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Redmech80]

Old carpenter saying. 3 points is a plane, 4 is a pain. Enjoyed the video.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@glennstasse5698]

Serious patience required for this! Takes a special set of personal traits to make it happen. No nitwits need apply!

[@MsFactnotfiction]

Part 2 Part2!! Can't wait!! Thank you for the video.

[@jhueth3969]

Great video, I never get bored listening to your thought process. I’m going to be starting on my plate this week.

[@TheAlfieobanz]

Renzetti Content Level: Over 9000 Awesome Vid Robin

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@oxtoolco]

Pretty cool stuff. The guys that field lapped my granite plates were pretty liberal with the loose diamond when they recharged the laps. It was more like dusting a sand casting with parting powder. Got to love a level for quick assessments. That Shars box level seems to perform pretty well for $75. Talk to you soon. Tom

[@oxtoolco]

Hi Chris. Standridge used loose diamond which they also rolled into the cast iron lap. I'm also pretty sure there was some loose abrasive similar to what you see on Robins video. They had a big ball bearing roller with handles and a big dude to smoosh the diamond into the lapping plate. --Tom

[@ForestWoodworks]

Totally loved that vid! YT then brought me here in my travels. Thanks for the awesome tutorial!

[@scottlange3548]

I find the changing sounds fascinating, several different sounds throughout the lapping process! All of your senses are being use during the process. Thanks

[@stevefriedl3983]

I just watched a video of a big rock for 45 minutes. When's the next one? :-) This is wonderful, thank you.

[@steveh8724]

@zomgthisisawesomelol Actually you are quite wrong. According to my research: "Granite is not considered a mineral because granite is a ROCK. It is an intrusive, igneous rock, comprising a combination of SEVERAL minerals, chiefly sodic and/or potassic feldspars, quartz and biotite or hornblende."

[@DudleyToolwright]

Never be afraid to explain your thoughts. It is one of the greatest attractors to your channel, besides your obvious knowledge. You and Tom are some of the best at this detailed teaching method. Sincerely, thank you.

[@uberintj]

I was going to post a comment much to the same effect. I learn a ton by watching and thinking through along with these guys.

[@samrodian919]

A fantastic journey Robin, it is fascinating listening to your thought processes as you go about this work. Thank you for posting this and I look forward to the rest of the videos.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

It was so good the first time I watched it again. Thanks for sharing Robin.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks again Randy, and thanks for watching and commenting. ATB, Robin

[@Pappaoh]

Robin, I am really excited to see the follow up to this vid. I watch all of your vids asap when they post-saw this one before audio correction;). I really appreciate the detail you go into and can't wait for the next chapter.

[@jimliechty2983]

What can I say! I like the way you think,and what you do, and your detail in teaching.

[@Jeff-or6vd]

This is such a great video! Thank you for posting a quality breakdown of your thought process.

[@ROBRENZ]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Sharkie1717]

Can't wait for part 2!

[@wadeodesign2699]

Thanks so much for your video and knowledge. I just finished lapping my granite with great results. Started back with Tom Lipson's three plate lapping 6" round videos, created my own 10x14 lapping plates, designed and built my own repeater meter with LVDT, & got an Autocollimator. It's been a very rewardable journey and tons of fun. Could not have done this without your videos and oxtools. I likely post a summary video soon in my channel.

[@ROBRENZ]

Fantastic!

[@mcngunsmithing4168]

Thanks for all the time you are taking to help/show everyone.

[@ROBRENZ]

Your welcome, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@andrewlesuer3504]

Excellent video! Simply fascinating. The subtleties and nuances are the hardest to find info on and you explain and ponder (out loud) upon them beautifully and with humility. Subscribed to your channel 5 minutes into this. Seriously great video, keep em coming!

[@roverinosnarkman7240]

I watched it again with the fixed audio. Much better, thank you for sharing this info! Excellent!

[@pedrocavaleiro3688]

You are unable to bore me. I was paying close attention throughout and the video seemed to come to an end way sooner than what I was expecting when I first saw it's length. I've seen plenty of videos on the subject, so, everything seemed familiar. But you did excell on explaining the little details that one would usually miss out on. Thank you for another short clip, can't wait for the next one!

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@HanstheTraffer]

I am a new viewer. This is my third or fourth video of yours. I must say, that I am more impressed and more encouraged the more I watch. It is such an honor to see someone of your character explain your thought processes and your love of the work you do. Thank you. And by the way you used the term "false humility" ...you didn't learn that in engineering school.

[@ROBRENZ]

Wow, thank you!

[@dannynimmo3052]

I agree, we are loosing our manufacturing awesomeness guys like this are so valuable fewer and farther between hopefully we start buying american more and supporting our manufacturing we could still save it

[@spamspammesen5970]

I heard you talk about reading the books written by Moore about accuracy, and said they are books you can read multiple times. And each time you read them you learned new things, matching on your increased level of knowledge gained between each time you read them. I consider your videos the same way. They contain so much useful knowledge and information you will pick up something new even the 3rd and 4th (and 5th and so on) time you watch them. One really important key is the idea that you want your viewers to know the thought process going on while doing what seems to be an easy job. That is incredibly valuable, and what brings your videos (and other contributions like instagram and participating on podcasts) to the level that makes them stand out. Your philosophy behind your knowledge sharing is truly amazing! Thank you so much for putting inn the effort it takes to make these videos! I look forward to the next ones, as I'm planning on lapping in my plate too. Now I have you to guide me through that, which makes it feel so much less daunting.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@peterprobst5082]

Robin - Fantastic Video, I have been thinking about this topic for a long time and so glad you are covering it. Love your work...........

[@MrJugsstein]

Enjoying every minute. More than happy to hear you thoughts. For me it the difference between good and excellent

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@thecogwheel]

You are one of the most intelligent and humble guys on KZbin. Thanks for posting this Robin! Looking forward to continued learning.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks for the kind words Justin, and thanks for watching and commenting. ATB, Robin

[@chieft3357]

hello again, you know but others may not that what ever you attempt to do is in the details and details come from knowledge and experience. I always like to learn new things.

[@ckvasnic1]

Great show Robin. Thank you for sharing your time and many talents!

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@mg-shop6996]

Excellent! A rare opportunity to grow with the teacher and experience the process in the making. Thank you!

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@johnpayne6196]

Great information yet again. Many thanks. John.

[@wallacesaan]

Really enjoying this. Thanks for the effort you put into making these videos. I really enjoy hearing your thiught process and learning from it.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@EdgePrecision]

Great video looking forward to the finished result. I don't know if this is something I would attempt to do myself. But than as you said you got the plate for free what could be the worst that could happen. If you don't try you don't know. Excellent learning experience.

[@Steve_Just_Steve]

Kinda like AvE says "It's already F@ckered you can't F@ck it up any more so what the hell" LOL I have a feeling this plate will be far from F#%ked at the end of this.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks Peter, and thanks for watching and commenting. ATB, Robin

[@wlogue]

Cool video Robin, enjoyed as always! Thank you. Looking forward for more.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

Superb! You have turned an otherwise boring procedure into a great teaching experience! Thank you, and I look forward to the follow-ups!

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@vettepicking]

somewhere in Germany someone just ordered diamond powder, a2, a bearing, and a cast iron plate...

[@ianjoubert7505]

vettepicking Stefan, placed your order yet? LOL

[@dannynimmo3052]

Awesome! thanks for that, at least we know they are obtainable now I'll do a little lookin

[@jeremydoblinger3609]

Iam curious what your old day job was and how you got started in the trade... no worries if you wanna keep it personal but iam curious. Love the surface plate stand.

[@lumpy2080]

Explaining your thought process only bores folks that aren't truly interested in understanding what's being done. I can hardly wait for the next session!

[@chuckyz2]

What would you prefer he talk about? Lol. You do know this video is for those that want to learn, right? Lmao.

[@arsanzic8592]

This channel is like rocket science for the layman. Thank you for what you do, always enjoy the vids and learn so much!

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@jamescad9978]

You have inspired me. I found a piece of stone 13x18x2.25in, I think mainly quartz; a cast iron kitchen griddle weight and a piece of brass, pretty flat and hollow. Now marking the stone with the brass and I'm working in the lap. That was after watching your video the first time.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, that's nice to hear and keep at it!

[@TAWPTool]

Fascinating Robin! Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to the follow-on episodes.

[@23kennyd]

Thanks for taking the time to film and share this. Seeing your thought process is very interesting.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@jimmer147]

Simply brilliant. Thank you for taking the time to make this. I knew there was no way you would not be able to resist touching up those glued carbide feet with something.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@ShadonHKW]

I think you can skip the gym this week Robin! Really enjoyed this.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks Stan, and thanks for watching and commenting. ATB, Robin

[@turningpoint6643]

Boring video? Not hardly, understanding a persons thought processes and that 'why and how' there doing something in the order they are is one of many things that's great about your channel Robin. I've always thought the videos I've seen about the way professionals resurface granite plates only looks simple and that there's was a whole lot more technique to it than it seems. My guess is it takes years of experience to get real good and fast at it. Your past track record shown on every video gives me zero doubt you'll get this plate back to at least as good as any pro would have if not far better and I'm very grateful your willing to show the process here.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@houseofbrokendobbsthings5537]

I had a great time. You anticipated my questions before I had them formed. You are right why the heck not try. Lots of great tips that carry to other things. _Dan_

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Ambrosius50]

From 29:00 and on ... pure facination. Thank you sir!

[@markjake6285]

your awsome! I'm just starting to watch this vid but thanks ahead of time. I got hooked when I saw the precision ground stones. made a set. love them Thank you so much

[@markjake6285]

well I watched it. Very in formative! thank you so much! I'm going to lap my plate and see how it goes. wow! thanks I love this stuff

[@ChrisFiggatt]

Excellent video! Can’t wait for the next one.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@manusholm3536]

I love the attitude. if you get it wrong just do it again. don't be afraid of failure or what people are going to say. if you never fail you never learn. ill do 3 plate(bit smaller than yours)

[@sethbracken]

Always share your thought process. Helps your viewers learn the problem solving methods.

[@777vikingfan]

Nice job, ur technique is bang on. Beautiful plate.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks!

[@johnbodmer5645]

Thanks Robin. Very educational. I've see video's of surface plates being lapped, but no dialogue about what they were doing. Your experimenting really helped understand how to do it right.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@karlsorensen3214]

Thanks once again for another very educational, interesting, and thoughtful video! I really appreciate your sharing your knowledge and thought process. I look forward to more lapping and the Renz-O-meter!

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@chenli9734]

Nice video! In Chinese home workshops, surface plate was manufactured by one person lapping a piece of grantie on a bigger piece of grantie. That's definitely a hard work. You must move hundreds kilos continuesly.

[@sammorgan31]

Always helps renew my faith in mankind when I see someone getting something done that most would claim can't be.

[@fpoastro]

Yeah. Stellar individual all the way around. Freak of nature. Being in my trade so long I can completely identify with the statement of mental decisions and evaluations being made on a nanosecond level. I envision almost a mental vision of the shape of the plates by feel and sound at the rough stages that is corroborated by measurements. The phrase "when you see someone doing something that looks so easy, its likely the hardest thing you will ever try to do" is something i live by. For me it goes from welding, to making candy, a cake, loaf of bread. There is massive amount of technique in running a shovel. Im not a machinist but watch every one of your videos with full attention. The entire philosophy on working cross applies to anything and everything in life. Phenomenal

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks for the kind words, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@danielwerger5641]

Rob.... Wow.... just wow.... Thank you. I'm hooked on this and look forward to seeing the subsequent vid's...!

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Simon28298]

this is an odyssey... the plate, the tools, the grinder I'm waiting for your tips before starting all mine! I love your work

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@cnc-ua]

This is THE contribution Thanks, Robin I'll be doing lapping soon, want to reuse your suggestions and skills

[@lookcreations]

Interesting stuff. Liked the use of the level square and base with carbide feet to map it out. I am looking at that for the next 6ft straight edge I have to restore. Thanks for all your thoughts as you progress All the best Mat

[@oakenarbor2046]

Exceptional. Working on orphan free granite surface plate as well. Really appreciate your sharing your thoughts and experience with those of us inclined to such ventures.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@FlakeSE]

I appreciate you summarizing your experience up at the end, seeing how you actually did it was helpful but keeping track of the lessons learned over a 48 minute video is not for most people.

[@donnacrawford1024]

You did a fine job. Thanks for sharing.

[@unknownapprentice625]

Informative video and love the hidden teachings; keep track of what you have been doing so that as you evaluate and review results, you can determine if they pass the test of reasonableness. Thanks!

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@ceevenson]

Looks very satisfying

[@ROBRENZ]

It is! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@SolidRockMachineShopInc]

Hi Robin, Love the videos and the education. Keep them coming. Steve

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks Steve, and thanks for watching and commenting. ATB, Robin

[@ducatista1098s]

If only Caesar knew what Robin renzetti could do with one of his stairs.

[@moeszyslack4676]

This is not something I'll ever do, but it is fascinating to watch. Thanks for taking the time and effort to document this Robin.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@CapeCodCNC]

Great video! I was thinking of trying this myself and your video just convinced me. At least until I see the next one....

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@SteveSummers]

Love the counter balance level idea Robin. I have no doubt that plate is going to be spot on.. Thumbs up for sure

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks Steve, and thanks for watching and commenting. ATB , Robin

[@68sweetnovember]

Excellent & Inspiring. Thank you.

[@StefsEngineering]

Thanks for the audio fix!

[@kittadyne]

That bubble movement around 32:00 from the weight of the compensator was very interesting to see. Great videos.

[@djonez85]

Did not expect that.

[@joewhitney4097]

Very interesting, I've always wondered about how lapping was done. Thanks for sharing.

[@MinhasA]

awesome video and project! how cool to have a free surface plate... looking forward to the next episode, haha

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@phildcrow]

Tom Lipton recommended your channel. I realize this is an old video, but I'm going to pick up a 4x8x18" surface plate of unknown flatness on Thursday this week, and I have some clue as to what I should be looking for, and I can make a determination as to whether it's a good buy. Thanks.

[@TomChame]

Very interesting, especially how quickly material can be removed. Thanks Robin.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@emilgajewski1371]

Your doing great don't let the neigh sayers in your mind creep in, your have much to share...

[@steverobb5360]

Great video, fascinating!

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@user-cq5xw4un2k]

I'd never fast forward one of your videos, sensei!

[@docrw]

Well done!!!

[@R2_D3]

I learned more, by watching these videos, for a day, then I did in a few years at school!! 😁

[@ScrewDriverxxx]

Well I must admit, I was completely enthralled by the entire process and the commentary was fascinating. Your methodology and logical approach is definitely something to learn from. The chances of me ever attempting something like that is pretty much zero (about the same as being given a free surface plate) but the video was mesmerising nonetheless. Amazing that a dirty great slab that size would shift appreciably with such a relatively small weight being moved on it.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@mr.t.807]

Thanks for the explanation

[@levpetrov3156]

Thank you!

[@mavericksdesign7033]

Fascinating

[@DoRC]

And it's a great way to stay in shape.

[@ROBRENZ]

Yes Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@omaraldoury2776]

thank you for sharing all that info

[@6AL-4V]

Robin, your technics are sound, you’re at the level of the pros that service my shop. And I’m not sure they’re pros...........................

[@jurskas7965]

Awesome Video, Thank you.

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@tobyw9573]

I thought this has been very interesting. Even if we never rework our surface plates, who knows where else the lessons learned and creative thought processes exercised will be of use? THANKS, Robin!

[@longlivepunk]

Great video as always, Robin! I'm now thinking of a black granite Mitutoyo of a similar size I happen to know about that resides with a few small cast iron surface plates/laps. None of which get used... Hmmmmm... Looking forward to the rest of the series!

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@kristijantopolovec]

Excellent, thank you!

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@genkidama7385]

i received some of that 40 microns diamond powder today, this is so fine there is no way to distinguish the grains by eyes. i was afraid this would be too fine for lapping, had to double check the ultimate source.

[@1jtolvey]

JUST AS GOOD THE 2 ND TIME ! .75 SPEED ON BOTH . SOUND GREAT !!

[@superdansilverman]

you can put me down as eagerly awaiting part 2. cheers

[@lancebaltzley4770]

Thanks agains for the excellent video content!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ROBRENZ]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting.