Thread: Diamond Lapping Film

I've been wanting to try the Diamond Lapping Film ever since I read Seraphim's post. I checked PSI Dragon and Thor Labs.
I figured I'd try 2 sheets of each, 6, 3 and 1, PSI Dragon wants,
$13.50 to ship 6 sheets of paper that are 3x6, I almost Sh** myself.

Now, that would actually fit in a regular envelope. I'm not cheap, but c'mon, 14 bucks. It could go in a Priority flat rate box for 4.95. That made me mad. They are most definitely taking advantage of people on their shipping and handling costs. You would think with the economy being what it is, they would be trying to boost sales instead of price gouging on shipping costs.

Basically, if anyone has a better source or any info that would be helpful. That would be great. Thor labs sells it in 5 sheet packs. I don't need 5 sheets. I want to try it. I thought about getting a group buy together, but then there would be extra shipping costs to reship it out if you know what I mean.

I have also been interested in getting some, but I'm with you on not paying that kind of shipping prices....

Have you tried Lee Valley or Woodcraft?

Originally Posted by bjanzen

Have you tried Lee Valley or Woodcraft?

I believe the lapping film they sell there is alum oxide, not diamond.

Although it is pretty good stuff too! Diamond is the best, but you really do pay an extra premium. I'm undecided as whether or not it's worth it or not.

When you think about it. 6 (3x6) sheets is basically 3 full sheets of paper. Where do they get off charging 14 bucks S&H. As I said, it would probably fit in a envelope, or one of those large flat envelopes...I told the guy at PSI. I'd rather you charge me more per sheet, at least that way I wouldn't know I was getting overcharged. He disagreed with me and felt his shipping charges were in line.

Originally Posted by zib

When you think about it. 6 (3x6) sheets is basically 3 full sheets of paper. Where do they get off charging 14 bucks S&H. As I said, it would probably fit in a envelope, or one of those large flat envelopes...I told the guy at PSI. I'd rather you charge me more per sheet, at least that way I wouldn't know I was getting overcharged. He disagreed with me and felt his shipping charges were in line.

Yeah, in line with his ability to gouge customers as hard as he likes...

Maybe he is charging extra for the "handling" aspect of the process.

Does he wear a tuxedo, monocle and top hat while packing them perhaps?

I might try and put something together, as I'm just about out....

Originally Posted by Seraphim

I might try and put something together, as I'm just about out....

If you do, count me in on a group buy. 3 sheets of plain back, type A .1u... nm. Lemme' know if you start to organize one!

Originally Posted by Sticky

If you do, count me in on a group buy. 3 sheets of plain back, type A .1u... nm. Lemme' know if you start to organize one!

I'd be doing my basic setup: 3x6 sheets, 6um, 3um, 1um (I don't care for the edges refined higher than this except for a bit of Cromox stropping).

Thanks for the idea Seraphim! I tried the plain-backing Type A 3x6 inch strips of 3M diamond lapping film in 15, 9, 6, 3, 1, 0.5 and 0.1 micron sizes from PSI Dragon. Placing wet film on top of a precision granite plate from Woodcraft, I set the bevel at 15 microns and did approximately 20 strokes per side for the 9 and 6 microns and 10 strokes per side for each of the last four micron sizes. The resulting shave was very smooth with no alum burn. My shaving hand can usually feel the hair being cut but this is as close as I have gotten to wiping hair away. I have one spot which always requires a ATG touch-up but WTG was enough for this shave.

DLF certainly works well. The DLF is portable (1,000-30,000 grits in your coat pocket), is consistent presumably and does not require lapping. On the other hand, it's expensive over the long run and gets me back to using disposable items. Natural waterstones last forever, have a history and a certain beauty. In contrast, DLFs are about as romantic as window washing fluid. Perhaps I'll collect natural waterstones but hone with DLFs.