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 Post subject: "Canvas" polishing pads
PostPosted: Sat Sep 13, 2008 4:14 pm 
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In my lapidary meanderings I use a lot of different techniques, one if the things I have used is small diameter "Impregnated canvas" discs.

I would like to find these in 8 inch versions, does anyone know where to get them or as a last resort where to by canvas that could be cut and impregnated and what to "impregnate" them with?

They are to be used with diamond compound.

Thanks in advance for any and all help on this!

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PostPosted: Sat Sep 13, 2008 6:14 pm 
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Hello John,

Crystalite Crystalpads are available in sizes up to 12". I have been using them unhappily since the '70's.

In attempts to find something better I have experimented with various materials but the Crystalpads are definitely superior to any other commercial or homemade pad for the coarse grits.

For 3K and up there is room for discussion. I have had very good success with both egyptian cotton and upholstery grade microfibre(unbrushed).

I recently purchased a Lightning Lap for faceting that suggested mixing diamond with carnauba wax. This worked so well I tried it on my polishing pads with equal success. I now use it for all of my cutting pads too. The wax I have is Mothers California Gold custom car wax and a tiny drop is an excellent lube and diamond extender. HTH.

Tony.

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PostPosted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 10:20 am 
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Old school DIY canvas, hessian and other fabric labs used to often be impregnated with paraffin or beeswax. Should still work in a bind.


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     Post subject: Re: "Canvas" polishing pads
    PostPosted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 7:53 pm 
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    Joined: Wed Nov 15, 2006 9:44 pm
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    Location: Washington State
    I use the "Tec 10" polish pad on top of a sponge pad which is affixed to an 8" disk of high quality birch plywood, (which was varnished prior to applying the sponge). These are made by Hitech and can be found here:
    http://hitechdiamond.com/subdir2/discs_acc.htm

    I use them with diamond and mostly cut high dome cabs from opal on up and have even done well with sapphire, though it takes longer to get a really great polish. These pads are a coated fabric and I think that you could make a close approximation by coating your own fabric with a two part polyurethane. I wouldn't mess with it though I've had a set of these Tec 10 pads for about 10 years and they're still going strong.

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    PostPosted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 1:15 pm 
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    Thanks for the feedback guys!

    I am going to try the Crystalpads and see how they work for me.

    The tech 10 looks like and OK option too but that will have to wait.

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    Gems are purchased because they are pretty, so they should be as pretty as possible!

    https://www.johndyergems.com
    Artisitic and designer cut gems

    https://www.ultratecfacetingmachine.com
    Authorized Ultra Tec dealer.


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