Thread: Why lapping film rules

You do get some suction feedback from the films. As far as feel goes--the DMTs feel a bit "scratchy" and metallic (big surprise, right?), the films feel smooth and buttery. Especially with a sheet of paper underneath...

I don't think the 0.3um is really needed,as the edge off of the 1um (with paper backing) gives a quite close and comfortable shave. But, we all must push the limits anyhow....so you'll probably go and get it too!

No soap needed. Actually you don't even need any water on them if you don't want. They work fine dry, especially for finishing work. I generally use them wet, so I can monitor the "bow wave" coming off the edge to see where the blade is meeting the hone.

Give them a go, they are terrifically effective! That TI will round into shape toot sweet!

Just a little confused here.

What condition of razor are you starting on the 5um? How many strokes on each film before you move on to the next?

Thanks,

Lynn

Originally Posted by Lynn

Just a little confused here.

What condition of razor are you starting on the 5um? How many strokes on each film before you move on to the next?

Thanks,

Lynn

I set my bevels on a 1200 diamond plate before they see the progression above. I wouldn't reccomend anyone try to set a bevel with 5um anything!

I don't count laps, i just hone until it gets where I want it to be for each grit.

I was just looking too and found a place for $11.25 per sheet. So how many razors can you hone per sheet I am wondering?? Stuff ain't cheap.

Thanks again.

Lynn

Originally Posted by Seraphim

I set my bevels on a 1200 diamond plate before they see the progression above. I wouldn't reccomend anyone try to set a bevel with 5um anything!

I don't count laps, i just hone until it gets where I want it to be for each grit.

How do you determine where you want it on each grit?

Thanks,

Lynn

Originally Posted by Lynn

How do you determine where you want it on each grit?

Thanks,

Lynn

Well, when setting the bevel with 1200, I don't stop until it will cut hair, albiet perhaps a bit roughly.

Then I go to the next grit, and you can visually see (without a scope) the previous scratch finish on the bevels change to the new scratch finish, and the HHT should get smoother as well.

Great to hear!

Have you used PSIDragon? I'm thinking about getting their 5,3,1,0.5um progression. Not sure how long their A type films last (and they're only about $5, so I'll probably get 2 of each).

I'm definitely not buying from Thorlabs: their diamond film is now $42/sheet! And they raised their price on Al2O3 to $13/pack-- 30% higher than before. But their glass plate is nice... Although, probably any hardware store would carry plate glass & rubber feet cheaper so...

Wow, Seraphim, that's just goooooood stuff right there. Now you have me wanting to buy one of those darn USB cameras. As if my raging HAD wasn't bad enough, now you got me wanting for more geek gear. You are truly an evil influence on me, you realize that, right?

Seeing that edge of of the lapping film makes me want to shave.

I wish I could show you some pics coming off of the 30k Shapton. It looks fairly comparable to yours, but I gotta give you the win.

Which USB microscope/camera did you get?

I can find alum oxide film here in the UK but the only supply of diamond is £35 for a 1um sheet.
Do you think I would be able to use the 0.3 alu ox instead of a barber hone just to touch up a slightly off colour blade instead of a pasted chrox paddle?

Sorry if this is a stupid question but how long does a single sheet of film last for? Enough to strop four times a month? ten? only once?

Is there a reason to only use it once? will it damage the edge if used to much without replacing?