Advice on the use of "lapping film". Or whatever I should be calling it!

K

Khromo

Joined
May 25, 2018
Messages
203
I was recently wandering around in my pigsty of a shop when I stumbled across some 9x12 or so sheets of what I called lapping film. I don't remember where I purchased it, but it looked identical to the film Wicked Edge sells in pre-cut sheets. I had used one or two stages of the WE film with spectacular results on the WE jig, so I was excited about doing some freehand stropping with this material on a bench-size panel. I had some aluminum oxide (12, 9, and 1 micron), silicon carbide (12 and 5), and diamond (3) abrasive on what I assume are vinyl PSA sheets.

I had a few 8"x3" aluminum plates that I had flattened one side, so I covered one with SC 12 and another with SC 5. I had always used the WE filn dry, so I took a clean Nitro-V blade at about 4K and tried it on the 12 micron plate. It had a pretty firm feel to it, and a very consistent growl as I passed the edge trailing with light pressure. It felt stiff enough to resist wrapping around the apex if the operator was awake. After about four strokes per side the edge was gleaming like a piece of jewelry and shaving hair very smoothly and consistently. I tried about four passes on the 5 micron SC panel, and didn't notice too much difference in the appearance or cutting ability of the blade, although it may have cut hair more easily.

I would be interested in any tips on the use of this material. I'm pretty pleased with its performance used dry on an aluminum panel with edge trailing strokes, but what do I know?!?!

Appreciate any help ir comments!
 
My only experience is using KME's diamond lapping films on glass slides. I always used it with a drop of oil for lubrication. I had a progression of 9, 6, 3, and 1 micron which left a nearly perfect mirror finish. Final step was .5 micron CBN on a kangaroo strop and that took it to another level.
 
A while back I bought some 1 micron (14,000 grit) and 0.3 micron (50,000 grit) lapping film to experiment with. I mounted a small piece (maybe a quarter sheet) of each on a piece of glass to experiment with. It worked (even at 0.3 micron I was able to raise a burr) but I never did much with it after my initial tests.
 
My initial reaction is that the 15 micron AO film cut S35VN, and left a brilliant shine. The shine was very quick, the cutting action was a lot slower but I was taking it easy while I got used to the new medium.

I liked the firmness of the film on aluminum. I think I can keep the film on the bevel better with the more firm substrate, and it won't wrap around the apex. Nice feel.

I am kind of off oil, but I will try it with some water. It doesn't feel like it needs it, but it looks pretty waterproof so I will see how it works.
 
i've been using lapping films for 10+ years with great results. I use them to sharpen my woodworking tools (chisels, knives, plane blades). Mounting them on a flat piece of glass using krylon spray adhesive works much better than relying on the stiction of water. I find that when used carefully, they will provide a relatively long lasting surface.

recently I looked for more sheets to buy and at the current prices, I don't think they are a good option for blade sharpening when you consider their total lifetime compared to stones.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top