Thread: Why lapping film rules

Originally Posted by kemerd

The online sources that I found are very expensive for a disposable item. Where do you get yours?

try here:
Home


Or here:

Thorlabs.com - Fiber Polishing Supplies

And yes, the drawback to lapping film is the disposable aspect of things....other than that, it feels excellent to use, and the results are fantastic.

Do you use type A, B or P from PSI?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Seraphim

Thorlabs.com - Fiber Polishing Supplies

One pack (5 pieces) cost €37 here in Europe. And, three grids: 1, 3, and 6 microns adding up to approx. €120 + shipping. Not exactly cheap, I'll have to skip this time. Maybe I'll surely give a try after I get a better day job
kemal

Originally Posted by Visibility

I use lapping film as well. I have a SEVERE HAD disorder though.

I have a pretty good source for it I'll post it later, its saved on a different computer.

Did you have a chance to check your other computer?

I have been using the .3um to finish I bought from Japan Woodworker and must say it has been the best honing item I have ever bought. perfection. No longer am i worrying if there is enough paste or spray on my wooden strop or cotton or if it has worn off yet or not...I simply know its on the film in the right concentration, no worries...this is enough of a reason I think to try and eventually switch...

Not to mention I bought 3 sheets ( really only will need 1-2 which I think will last me all year if not longer - subject to change with even more experience/use) plus shipping for less than $20....I dont think I will get a new stone close enough to match this...definitely worth trying...


I simply placed in on my glass dining room table with the adhesive backing still on and it created its 'own seal' and did not move at all...so for me, no need to buy a piece of glass or granite...perhaps in the future to be more portable / look nicer...

anyways, best of luck...

To the above poster, you can find some lapping film thats not too expensive and it will last you a while. I just get the finer grades and use them for finishing.

It's a totally different feedback when honing and you might not even like it. To me it seems like it's more forgiving than a stone.

Maybe someone could organize a group buy since there is so much interest.

Originally Posted by mark7777

I have been using the .3um to finish I bought from Japan Woodworker and must say it has been the best honing item I have ever bought. perfection. No longer am i worrying if there is enough paste or spray on my wooden strop or cotton or if it has worn off yet or not...I simply know its on the film in the right concentration, no worries...this is enough of a reason I think to try and eventually switch...

Not to mention I bought 3 sheets ( really only will need 1-2 which I think will last me all year if not longer - subject to change with even more experience/use) plus shipping for less than $20....I dont think I will get a new stone close enough to match this...definitely worth trying...


I simply placed in on my glass dining room table with the adhesive backing still on and it created its 'own seal' and did not move at all...so for me, no need to buy a piece of glass or granite...perhaps in the future to be more portable / look nicer...

anyways, best of luck...

My experience has been that the finer the grit the shorter the lifespan.

I guess it depends on how often/how many you are honing if it will last all year.

Lapping film is great, great stuff, but the drawback is the limited lifetime.

Originally Posted by Seraphim

My experience has been that the finer the grit the shorter the lifespan.

I guess it depends on how often/how many you are honing if it will last all year.

Lapping film is great, great stuff, but the drawback is the limited lifetime.

How much do you think is the difference between diamond and AlOx or SiC films in terms of lifespan? The diamond ones are 10-15 times more expensive than the other material for the same surface area

Originally Posted by kemerd

How much do you think is the difference between diamond and AlOx or SiC films in terms of lifespan? The diamond ones are 10-15 times more expensive than the other material for the same surface area

probably last 4-5x longer, and give a cleaner edge.

If anyone is interested in taking the lapping sheets down to .1 micron (which I'm now addicted to), try this: 3M(TM) Diamond Lapping Film 661X, 0.1 Micron Sheet, 5.5 in x 5.5 in, 25 per inner 250 per case, distributed by R.S. Hughes - Industrial Distributor - Tapes, Adhesives, Abrasives, Safety, and Electronic Products