Aluminum platens for lapping???
- This topic has 6 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 09/08/2018 at 2:38 am by
.
-
James, Some WE users have used the blank aluminum platens as a lapping plate. It is probably better to lap the aluminum (i.e., sand the surface smooth and level) with sand paper before using it as a lapping plate. Aluminum’s soft nature makes it easy to dent or ding. Lapping the aluminum assures it is smooth and level.
The glass lapping plates are already very smooth and level. The glass lapping plates do sometimes have sharp edges, from being cut to size. I sand the glass edges smooth with emery cloth before using them with lapping film to prevent the sharp glass edge from scratching the knife steel.
In my experience the pressure sensitive adhesive, (PSA), diamond lapping films stick better and more securely to the glass platens than to the aluminum platens. If the film becomes gouged with use, (which does sometimes happen) the harder glass won’t cut or gouge while the softer aluminum scratches or becomes gouged.
So it isn’t bad to use the aluminum plates with lapping film…I just think it’s better to use the glass plates.
Marc
(MarcH's Rack-Its)Marc, you seem to be the man with all the answers I’ve been looking for. I plan to clean the aluminum and lap it at work (welder in a machine shop). When I saw WE didnt recommend using the aluminum my first thought was acidic nature of the adhesive. If that’s the case, I’d peel off the aluminum and replace with 300 series stainless.
I think the metal should be fine with the adhesive. Like Marc said, its not that aluminum is bad, its just that glass is preferable for most people. In case you weren’t aware, WE also sells blank handles. Since you have access to all of the tools and materials you may be better off just ordering the blanks and then fitting them with the steel plates that you mentioned.
Marc is the guy with nearly all of the answers. He has a lot of personal experience and has also read extensively on this forum as well as more broadly online. The WE forum already contains the answers to just about any Wicked Edge related question you can conjure. I highly recommend diving deeply and reading old threads if you have the time.
James, I don’t have any more knowledge or experience than a lot of others that were here before me. I have the time to stay tuned into the forum and to promptly provide my insight along with the knack for writing and teaching well. I learned everything I know from those here before me and from gaining hands-on experience and knowledge from putting my time in, sharpening knives with the Wicked Edge System. There are very few new questions or new answers to those questions posed to the forum. I’m happy to be able to share with you what I’ve learned from my personal experiences and those experienced sharpeners here before me.
Marc
(MarcH's Rack-Its)1 user thanked author for this post.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.