Lapidary | Polishing an Agate with Hi-Tech Diamond All-U-Need Flat Lap

[@AgateDad]

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[@AndrewMurphy8383]

slow down ur drip feed tad will keep splashing like that if you dont turn it down little bit

[@jonathanenck3814]

From my time faceting, the scratches you saw after the 14000 almost certainly from the 128 grit. Particularly with quartz based stones (though I was faceting crystalline quartzes) the structure allows for subsurface fracturing. Essentially, the tips of the diamonds are so hard that the pressure you use to keep the stone in contact with the lap causes them to break the structure deeper than just the surface layer, like pressing a nail into your skin. As you use the machine more, focus more time in the 325 and 600 grit steps, you should be able to trim off the layer that got affected like that.Those grits are going to do the same thing, but it won't sink so far into the stone, and so when you hit the polish stage that subsurface damage will not nearly as noticeable. For a first go, this is a wonderful result. Keep at it and keep learning!

[@AgateDad]

Exactly my thoughts but much better put! Thanks!

[@MichiganRocks]

You're going to have some fun with that. Make sure you move the rock around on the lap so that it wears evenly. It also probably helps it stay cooler by not creating friction at the same spot.

[@AgateDad]

Great advice, I had that in the back of my mind too! Thanks!

[@wmarian5027]

Fun to watch. Be careful: that water dries than the dust is dangerous. Potential build a plexiglass frame around it to enclose. Rinse rocks off in bucket before drying, sponge down the machine at end. Keep up the interestingprojects! Also, dish rack or perhaps funky vintage record rack to hold the disks separate to dry.

[@chrisohde6325]

Set up a five gallon bucket of water near your work station. Thoroughly rinse your fingers and your stone when your finished with each stage of wheels. This will prevent courser diamond grit transferring to finer diamond wheels.

[@AgateDad]

Great tip!

[@BreakOutOfTheAlgorithm]

You totally deserve the Hi-Tech sponsor. You are one of my favorite RockHounds. A tie between you and Rookie Rockhound #finders have the enthusiasm and excitement I find so appealing in your videos. Thanks for doing such a great job and inspiring all of us. 😁💪☮️🧡✨🤳

[@AgateDad]

Thank you so much!!

[@MrMagungabus]

When you don’t even care what the video is and you just click it because it says Agate Dad and you know it’s always gonna be good

[@AgateDad]

Such a compliment!!

[@myrthagunter4141]

I need one of those. All the professional lapidary machine I've seen use water with their final polish. I'm sure that you went by the instructions . No insult intended . You could take the stone that has the scratch marks on it back to the first steps on your machine , and work at out. Truly enjoyed , thank you .

[@juliebauknecht2071]

so exited! mine came yesterday!

[@AgateDad]

Nice!

[@betojdesigns]

That’s great that HiTech Diamond sent it to you. I have a tip I can share for you: I use a portable dish drain with plate dividers to dry my laps in between use. That way they are drying in a more vertical position. I also cut the bottom out of the box it came in to use the upper portion as a cover to keep dust off the plates when not in use.

[@AgateDad]

Great Great Great ideas!!

[@stellabelikiewicz1523]

We absolutely need more videos like this! I will literally watch you polish every one of those rocks you pointed out in the opening 😀

[@AgateDad]

Youre awesome!

[@randyshypkowski9805]

Nice gift from Diamond Tech. Makes for nice jewelery once polished.

[@AgateDad]

You bet!

[@CC-xk6cp]

Hi again TAYLOR So happy for you you were sent a wonderful addition to your rock hobby. Such a time saver with beautiful results. Look forward to all what's to come as you've got plenty to keep you busy for a while! Hoping the family is doing good and little Beau is letting you both get some sleep. Thx as always for sharing!

[@AgateDad]

Things are going great with the little guy!

[@aliencat11]

I'm jealous. Now I want to start working on things and making jewelry again! Have fun and I'm looking forward to seeing what you do next!

[@AgateDad]

Do it!!

[@jennybetzful]

So exciting!!!!!! Great video! And congrats on getting love from Hi-Tech!!! Can't wait for the magic box!!

[@AgateDad]

Can't wait to share that vid!

[@patriciawilliams4314]

So glad you got that. Good things come to good people.

[@AgateDad]

❤ you're too kind!

[@RobWenzel84]

Hi-Tech Diamond is where I get most of my stuff from to, Very Good Company

[@AgateDad]

They've been amazing to work with 👍

[@pattywpschoonbeck49]

How cool! Well deserved you! I remember you finding, then cutting that agate. It is a memorable beauty for sure! Have fun! Can’t wait to see the magical box gems! I am so happy for you! Yay!

[@AgateDad]

I can't wait to add so many polished pieces to my collection!

[@danielhatch3740]

Very cool! Just what you needed to keep you busy at home. Peace & love to you and your family.

[@AgateDad]

Exactly, especially with winter here!

[@glennaw1547]

Good morning, I really enjoy your laid back, and enjoyable rock hounding. For drying and perhaps for storing your wheels just try for a few seconds running on high speed. Then set them a drying rack like for dishes. Perhaps go to the dollar store and look for the smaller size for an RV or apartment. You will even have the plastic tray for your drips and the bin for the utensils can hold your washed gems to dry. In a recent episode you had two black small rocks that were very heavy. Could those be tiny meteorites?

[@AgateDad]

Great ideas, thank you!

[@virginiarocks]

Very cool. Congrats on the sponsorship and the new tool! Agate did look gorgeous...

[@AgateDad]

Next ones going to be fun!

[@rickhill9084]

Congratulations on Baby Beau.

[@AgateDad]

Thanks!

[@CityRockhounding]

Looks like a really nice polisher. I like the adjustment for the splash guard. Thanks for sharing. Big difference in time when doing it by hand vs this.

[@ronemslie447]

Good day , I use a dish drying rack to dry out the discs

[@jozeecarr1239]

Those are so beautiful, can’t wait to see more polished beauties!!!!

[@AgateDad]

Can't wait to share more lapidary adventures!

[@lisacooper8240]

This is so exciting Taylor I am totally stoked to see all the gorgeous rocks.

[@rockinwitht9948]

I’m so excited for you!!! A whole new level to this rock obsession lol!! Have a blast!!

[@AgateDad]

Thanks 😊

[@John-gx4ml]

You asked about drying your disks. I didn't see a response, but I'm an old guy with old eyes. Anyway, runnng the disk on high for a few minutes before you change to another one will dry it out.

[@maiguapa8]

Oh wow. How cool! I love rockhounding toys! 💕👍🏼

[@GravelBarHopper]

I need one!

[@AgateDad]

Get one my brother!

[@patriciawilliams4314]

They turned out just beautiful. Shaped like the state of Kentucky. 😍

[@AgateDad]

Yess!!

[@jessh2948]

I had been saving up for nearly a year to buy one of these guys, then COVID came and had to use that money. Needless to say I’m jealous!

[@AgateDad]

Oh thats a bummer! So sorry 😞

[@mikeeley4243]

After hand polishing one lake Superior agate with sand paper I ready to buy a flat lap sander thanks for the video I'm surprised how quite the machine is.

[@v7i5k2t5o7r]

Dear friend, congratulations on purchasing the equipment. You're doing a great job, like you've always worked on this machine.👍👍👍👍👍🤝

[@dennisyoung4496]

I was just looking at that on Amazon. I'm heading out to Arizona next month and wanted to polish agates while out there. Nice to see how it works before I buy it. Also thanks for the discount.

[@AgateDad]

I've heard theres a scam going on with these on amazon. Be careful with that

[@silverback5033]

Hi Taylor, nice looking piece of equipment and really good result for your first effort. Great to see you progressing with the hobby and the channel. Hope the family are all well. Keep Safe & Keep Rockin

[@AgateDad]

Thanks!

[@ralphwatson7036]

Gorgeous video quality. Been considering this unit. Had a few questions but you answered them. Thanks.

[@AgateDad]

Hope you can enjoy it, let me know if you have any other questions!

[@ralphwatson7036]

@@AgateDad I do have 1 more question. If you were buying a Hi-Tech lap now, would you prefer the one you have or the slanted one? It seems the slant might be more comfortable to use. Thanks.

[@AgateDad]

Being that I have never used the slant I can't say, but the flat isn't uncomfortable at all 👍👍

[@newyorkrockheads8995]

AD that is so cool that you got that buddy..Christmas came early. I know why all these sponsors send you their products, It’s Cuz they can see how true you are to this great hobby... You deserve it! Have fun🤙

[@AgateDad]

Oh thanks bud!

[@glenanderson1509]

Congratulations on your new equipment. I recommend you pick up a 80 grit diamond lap for removing the deep saw marks, for situations when you need more aggressive grinding and they sell a 3000 grit polishing lap. You don't really need to use anything more after the 3000 grit. Except for the very best stones.

[@AgateDad]

Good tips!

[@GermanGemcutter]

Fantastic😁 a good Machine, Congratulations. Well done Taylor, beautiful result, wonderful Agate👍

[@AgateDad]

Thanks!!

[@KatyDidRocks]

This is so exciting! Congratulations!

[@AgateDad]

Thanks!

[@lakesuperiorrocks3954]

Awesome machine, well deserved sponsor ! Looking forward to seeing more polished !

[@AgateDad]

Thanks!

[@landonhoward416]

Wow those were stunning, nice job!

[@AgateDad]

Thanks!

[@MontanaRockMom]

They turned out amazing

[@kalyankharde7774]

Congratulations, and nice polish work👍.

[@AgateDad]

Thanks!

[@QuartzCowboy]

Wow amazing piece of machinery, I'm jealous still using my Dewalt sander with diamond pads and drip system I came up with.

[@AgateDad]

I was planning on using my dremel set up this winter, wasn't looking forward to it haha yours sounds much nicer!

[@QuartzCowboy]

@@AgateDad it is a outdoor setup and the weather is changing fast, super cold on the fingers and toes. Water spray makes snow every once in awhile.

[@AgateDad]

Can you set up some sort of indoor lapidary well?

[@RockHoundingAdventures]

Hey bro great video and congrats on the sponsorship. Can’t wait to see what all your going to create with it. Looks like a lot of fun. Can’t wait till I can buy one

[@AgateDad]

Thanks bud! It was a blast lol

[@mikepancake743]

Just from my machinist past I would say you might need more water on the lap when your grinding. It sounded a bit dry to me. And with the final polish step I would use less paste for smaller things. I believe the recommendation they made on the amount of paste to use is for when you have a larger work piece. From my experiences, less is always better. Might take more time to stop and reapply paste but you would be saving some money with buying paste. We used less as it was prone to trapping larger particles and getting contaminated. Rather toss a small amount of polish out rather then alot.

[@AgateDad]

Good tips!

[@donnalantz7981]

Awesome. Cant wait to see more.

[@WorldofRockhounds]

The more you work stones, the quicker you will get. A tip...keep a couple dry hand towels around so you can dry the surface as you are working to check the work in progress for any scratches or missed areas.

[@AgateDad]

Good idea, I don't know why but I've always just dried the faces off on my wrist lol so weird

[@WorldofRockhounds]

@@AgateDad I've done the same thing or even used the side of my hand. I still do every now and then but the longer I work, the less dry my skin stays haha

[@AgateDad]

Haha true!

[@allysonhean4204]

Rockfather, I'm SOOOOO jealous! You lucky bugga! But good on you, cant wait to see your best rock cuts polished up eh! 🤩💓😁🤣

[@AgateDad]

It's going to be super fun polishing all these treasures!

[@406findings]

Definitely gonna get one now!! thanks for showing a detailed polish step by step🍻

[@AgateDad]

Its a blast man!!

[@406findings]

@@AgateDad I ordered one so it's a go👍 I got so many cut rocks to polish for the winter, so keep up the vids about it I'll love to see the rocks you polish 🍻

[@AgateDad]

Dude thats great for you! And I agree, having one for winter with us northerners, is almost a must haha gotta stay busy!

[@406findings]

@@AgateDad yeah that snow likes to hide all the good stuff and I have been cutting a lot of rocks laitly so it will keep me busy, i just did a short vid of a few cuts if you got minute you might like what you see🍻

[@AgateDad]

I'll check it out!

[@WorldofRockhounds]

Congrats on the equipment acquirement!!! 🤠👍

[@AgateDad]

Thanks bud!

[@WorldofRockhounds]

@@AgateDad you're welcome!

[@rikspector]

Congratulations!👍👍 I am so looking forward to seeing the results. I read a lot of the comments, and there are some awesome replies by skilled viewers, lots of great suggestions. By next week you'll be a polishing pro.... perhaps😁 Cheers, Rik Spector

[@AgateDad]

I sure hope I can someday be considered a polishing pro! It would be very satisfying seeing polished treasures 😊

[@anitawilliams2187]

Re your disks. Be sure to wash each under the hard spray on your faucet after every use, pat dry and leave setting out until bone dry. I have same equipment (with ALL disk grades)…it’s great, huh?

[@AgateDad]

Good idea!

[@aberus1]

I’m so happy for you and extremely jealous! :). Keep up the great work.

[@AgateDad]

Thanks 😊

[@davidostrom2661]

I've got one of those. Do yourself a favor and pick up an 8" 60-80 grit diamond wheel. It makes rough shaping seriously flawed pieces go SO much quicker.

[@AgateDad]

Would you recommend getting that, or shaping with a tile saw?

[@davidostrom2661]

@@AgateDad It depends what you're going for. I typically use my tile saw more for shaping odd shapes like cutting letters or designs out of slabs and I use my flat lap more for rounding rough rocks to get them ready to polish or it would be great to round them up before throwing them in a rock tumbler to cut down on the amount of time required to tumble. I don't have a tumbler yet but I'll be getting one for christmas from the GF. Pretty pumped for that. Just started looking for rocks in SE Nebraska in the Omaha area cuz I was inspired by yours and others videos. Its unfortunate cuz there's not many rocks around but I've found a few so far and look forward to finding lots more.

[@davidostrom2661]

@@AgateDad and a nice example is I'm making laguna lace agate letters that I'm inlaying in to zebra wood and my slabs for the letters ended up being different thicknesses. I cut my letters out and now they're all different thicknesses so I'll use my flat lap and my 80 grit wheel to grind the letters down so they're the same thickness so I can inlay them easier.

[@AgateDad]

Soo many things to use i suppose, I have so many ideas going through my head right now 🤯

[@davidostrom2661]

@@AgateDad Yeah, lots and LOTS of tools to the lapidary trade. Its a good thing I've got deep pockets lol. Next thing on my list is some Nova polishing points for my dremel from Diamond Pacific. I've been looking for something like those for ages and finally stumbled across them. Now I can finally start making my chess pieces. Half of them anyway, still need another piece of contrasting rock to carve the other set out of. No luck finding the right one yet.

[@yoopermann7942]

try using a dinner plate drying rack to place your wet discs on next to the de - humidifier?

[@AgateDad]

Great idea!

[@eyeguyeyeguy1]

That is sweet. I assume once you get the hang of it you will do like 10-20 rocks in a row on the same grit so you can be super efficient.

[@AgateDad]

If I was polishing rocks for business, yeah, but for fun, ill probably just do one or two at a time 👍

[@AtomicShrimp]

Nice! New subscriber here. For drying the discs, does it work to just run them for a minute at full speed? The centrifugal force should drive the water off (as well as the airflow across the surface as it spins)

[@AgateDad]

It does help but not 100%, I did do that with each disc though! Welcome btw!!

[@AlexanderBeardman]

I might have to ask Santa for one of these this year 😉 Great video as always brother! Can't wait to see what you polish up

[@AgateDad]

Hopefully you can, it was really fun bud!

[@Sandra-jr9bs]

The one to the right looks like the state of North Carolina upside down!

[@puliendopiedrasdecostarica]

Beautiful agate not to press much with the first diamond disc

[@AgateDad]

Yeah thats a great tip!

[@RM-vw3ov]

Beautiful pieces! I’ll be curious to see if you turn down your drip rate in the future. I’m enjoying learning along side you!

[@AgateDad]

I've actually had a few people say to increase the drip rate. More water is better than not enough, especially with silica dust 👍🤘

[@RM-vw3ov]

@@AgateDad interesting! And good to know👍👍

[@carolkara987]

Wow!

[@paddiman772]

I've been watching your vids for a long time. After seeing this one, I am wanting to tell you a few things; too much actually. I cannot do it on this platform however. And if we do get to know one another, you'll understand why. But let's start by saying, most all of your materials to be polished can be finished more easily even with your Hi-Tech flat lapper. If you can let me know how I might get in touch with you privately, there's much to discuss. Thanks for showing this machine, as I think I might like to get one for a present.

[@fantastic9346]

That's an awesome piece of equipment. Congrats on the sponsorship.

[@AgateDad]

Thanks!

[@harlanmorrisson6490]

Minnesota Lapidary Supply has a great final polish that might cut your cost quite a bit ! You might want to check with Val Carver up there.

[@edtherockhound9944]

I new they would hook you up haha free plug for them I get it . Yea I’m thinking of gettjng the 8” myself. Awesome bro I’m happy for you man hard work and persistence pays off

[@AgateDad]

Thanks and I would recommend it, I really enjoyed using it, so much nicer than my dremel setup

[@puliendopiedrasdecostarica]

Wow Very good I have one but homemade

[@AgateDad]

Thats awesome!

[@gjackson6569]

Do you run the machine at the same speed for all the discs or do you use some lower speeds for heavier grits? Just wondering as I am working on some auralite pieces and was wondering if I should be using the highest speed for all the discs. Any help appreciated. Great looking finished agate piece by the way!!

[@AgateDad]

I usually keep mine at a "3"

[@susanbrookman2133]

I would just love to have one of those, someday I will. Great video. Excited to see what you have in that box, you should of did a sneak peek. Lol ✌&❤

[@AgateDad]

Haha I didn't want to give away too much details!!

[@susanbrookman2133]

@@AgateDad can't blame a girl for trying.😂

[@AgateDad]

Haha no way!

[@seashoremudlark3916]

Nice work lookin gr8

[@cholistanfood9146]

Very nice Mashallah aapka block bahut Khubsurat hai

[@AgateDad]

Thanks

[@daydbaysinger4572]

your vides help me thourgh live

[@AgateDad]

❤

[@homeiswheremycatsare]

Well, this video is 3 years old, so I'm sure you figured it out by now but I would say, if it were me, I would run it on the machine turned on without any water on the highest level and maybe that would help dry it out.

[@KeishaBoatman]

How much pressure are you applying?

[@AgateDad]

Not a whole lot, but not just setting it there, a little more than three weight of my hand

[@KeishaBoatman]

@@AgateDad right on! Thank you. I got this for Christmas along with 2 bags of North Carolina River dirt thats just full of all kinds of goodies

[@AgateDad]

So great for you!!

[@wendymachardy2933]

Awesome video! I’m just getting stared in this exciting hobby. Do you have a link to the discs you use?

[@AgateDad]

Should be in my description but I’ll share it here hitechdiamond.com/?aff=22 - if you get discs from them, use code AgateDad to save 10%

[@michiganmurdermusic8108]

I can not seem to find felt discs anywhere.

[@jbsimpson8]

I loved this; looks like a great addition to a fantastic hobby. Was it hard to hold on to the small stone while polishing? Last night, I watched a video of the Arthur Anderson coming into port in Duluth. So awesome! I thought of the Edmund Fitzgerald when I saw the white bands. The bands do look like waves.

[@AgateDad]

It was surprisingly easy to maintain a good grasp on it! So smooth!

[@BirdWhisperer46]

I noticed you used no water with the red paste plate?

[@susanselko-millman4889]

☕ Dad life Dadbod Dadjokes 😂

[@AgateDad]

My favorite coffee mug ☕

[@MrDmeyer40]

Are those pudding stones on your shelf, next to Chewie? I have quite a few and am think about cutting them into cubes. This polisher would really make them pop.

[@wenzel7401]

The rock looks like a ship on water with reflection

[@MarlainaAtkins]

Congrats on the sponsor and the awesome lap they sent ya! Going to make things so much easier for you. I'm so JELLY!!! haha If I could afford one, I'd be polishing like crazy...my family may never see me again lol Cheers Taylor! And have a Happy Thanksgiving 🦃

[@AgateDad]

Haha its hard to stay away from it! Thanks btw 😊 hope all is well my friend 🤘

[@leahallysonlittle3517]

Yes once your in the groove your in the groove hours days down playing with stones 🤩😅🧐🤓🥳

[@johnny0253]

how do you stick the pads onto the black backing plates??? is it subposed to be sticky??

[@DustySmalls]

The white looks like the state of ky

[@robo6590]

Spin disc a while without the drip?

[@AgateDad]

I did that 👍👍

[@AgateDad]

9 months later, my exclusive means to dry them off and it works great!

[@leroy7513]

Try putting the disc back on the machine with no water and just let them spin . Like the spin cycle in a washing machine.

[@عالمالأحجارالكريمةوالمعادن]

عمل جيد وجميل 😍

[@masterflickmusic8010]

This is nice how can I get one

[@AgateDad]

The agate or the flat lap?

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

48 seconds in and dayuuuum son! That’s the sexiest unboxing of a new toy I ever done seen! 🤤

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Dude!!!!! Sponsorship level increased! Mad recognition brother! And much muchly deserved!

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

In the words of the great Bobby Duke... I waaaaawnt thayyyet! 🤣

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Man, that was really cool. Really really cool. I’m so stoked you have a toy to play with in the winter, and a quiet toy too so you won’t wake the new little addition to the family 😉 That honestly looks like clouds over a lake. The epitome of a LSA Loved this dude!

[@AgateDad]

I wannnt thayutt! Haha just changed Beaus diaper at 2am and belly laughing at that! Yeah bud, soo quiet and so fun! I cannot wait to keep polishing these beauties!

[@KeishaBoatman]

@@AgateDad this makes my day seeing my fav two rockhounds chatting it up! You guys rock! (I know I know....smh.... im a big fan of puns too)

[@MrMagungabus]

You know, that first one looks kinda like a caramel cream lol😂😂😂

[@littledabwilldoya9717]

I think the one looks like the outline of the state of Kentucky!😄

[@AgateDad]

I agree!

[@MrMagungabus]

Well now I see Kentucky too lol

[@littledabwilldoya9717]

Haha! Funny, what different things we can see in something we don’t expect 😀. I always have enjoyed ‘seeing’ different objects in things. Maybe that’s from doing those ‘hidden pictures’ puzzles!💁🏻‍♀️😁

[@MrMagungabus]

Haha maybe

[@danielkarczewski2467]

So model # is this flat lap or what is it called ? thank u Dan.

[@AgateDad]

Flat lap rock and mineral model

[@danielkarczewski2467]

@@AgateDad Thank you ,when I save enough $$$ I will get one. Do you get any credit if i buy it through you ? Thank You Dan

[@jeneaneherzog4626]

Make nice rings for you two!?!😊

[@AgateDad]

That'd be fun!

[@Azazelcobb]

Congratulations on the sponsor! Definitely will check out their link you shared 👍 I have seen a couple of different machines used for grinding and polishing, anyone have knowledge about "3m's Jool Tool"?

[@AgateDad]

Never heard of it!

[@Azazelcobb]

@@AgateDad I only recently saw it myself. What grabbed my attention was that it sits vertically instead of horizontally. The cool part is the grinding or sanding disc is shaped like a propeller making it so you come up from under it and can look at the piece you're working on! And you if you accidentally touch the disc it didn't seem like anything. The woman who was demonstrating it touched it on purpose. But it didn't appear very big, the disc was probably 6" not sure on that though. Didn't say a price for it. I'll put the link to the video I watched incase you want to see it 👍

[@AgateDad]

Sounds wild!

[@altermoseschinemerem5924]

Hello sir I am interested in the diamond polishing machine sir

[@AgateDad]

Link in description

[@stressanxietyreductionthro3058]

Is that 14K paste tube usable just once and then you need to buy a new one each time?

[@AgateDad]

Repetitive use

[@audraacklin9826]

How long did it take from start to finish on that small agate?

[@AgateDad]

I can’t remember for this one, usually around an hour or two with the flat lap

[@EricGasner73]

Must one use the 14,000 paste from Hi-Tech? Or are there alternatives?

[@AgateDad]

You can use alternatives, do what works for you 🙌

[@EricGasner73]

@@AgateDad wasn't sure if a Rouge would work or if it needed to be a paste of some kind.