Glass plates or aluminum?

[ken vanderhamm]

What is the best material for using with the diamond lapping film, glass or aluminum handles? Thanks in advance,

Ken

[Steven N. Bolin]

What is the best material for using with the Drummond lapping film, glass or aluminum handles? Thanks in advance,

Ken

I’ve settled on glass. And here’s why…

When talking about a surface structure meant to house some sort of static abrasive, flatness reigns supreme. I guess what really matter when in at all comes down to is that the surfaces always remain in perfect constant.

[tcmeyer]

Theoretically, it’s glass, but I think aluminum works just as well. Just flatten ’em with a good set of sandpaper. A tiny bit of sharp edge on the glass will do a number on the face of a freshly ground side of a knife. I just made a set of six blocks with brass platens.

[CliffCurry]

Not to be all trying to show off, but to make a simple point…I tape lapping films directly onto 1000 grit paddles and get consistent results like this:

I believe its 20% materials and maybe 80% good technique?
That being said I have glass & a cutter on the bench for a test set side project tomorrow. 😉

The fun for me is in learning and getting better as we go…scratches my mad scientist itch!

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[Steven N. Bolin]

A tiny bit of sharp edge on the glass will do a number on the face of a freshly ground side of a knife.

Yes, thank you Tom. Very important detail worth bringing up. Be sure to deburr those stark edges just like you would on metal or wood.

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