Need to Buy or Make (Preferred) Conditioning Rings for Flat Lapping Machine

[Educated Guess]

I recently lucked out in acquiring an ancient (but fully functioning) 12" Crane flat-lapping machine. Crane is the parent company of Lapmaster, and this thing is bulit like a brick sh -- well, you know.



A new one is about $5000 and this one only set me back $650.00.

It came without the three conditioning rings, which ain't cheap. Does anyone have an idea how I could make these myself, or a place to acquire some at a good price?

Thank You,
Educated Guess

[desbromilow]

it's my understanding that the discs for lapping machines are made of a soft sheet metal (aluminium or copper) and have the "diamond grit" pressed int them by means of a steel roller. I've read several lapidary sites describing how to make the discs they use.

[Educated Guess]

it's my understanding that the discs for lapping machines are made of a soft sheet metal (aluminium or copper) and have the "diamond grit" pressed int them by means of a steel roller. I've read several lapidary sites describing how to make the discs they use.

Thanks so much. Do you happen to remember the name of the sites on which you saw this info? Would one by Practical Machinist?

Thanks Again.

[desbromilow]

Thanks so much. Do you happen to remember the name of the sites on which you saw this info? Would one by Practical Machinist?

Thanks Again.

My advice is to google "charging lapping plates" as a starting point, and follow the sites/ leads which look suitable.
some examples include:

and the subsequent parts 2 and onwards
https://www.kemet.co.uk/blog/lapping...nce-procedures

and adding "lapidary" to the above search string gives you links such as:

I hope this helps get you into the wonderful rabbit hole of link spelunking,
Des