[Jewelry making - Article 01266] - Re: [Orchid] Diamond Impregnated Tools

[Richard Davies]

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John Barton-

    A traditional way of making diamond laps for cutting colored stone is
    to charge diamond bort (say 260, 600, 0r 1200 grit) into a copper or
    bronze lap. This still works well- if one can obtain the metal for
    the lap. Another way of attaching diamond grit to a tool is through a
    layer of nickel plating on a steel lap, and these are available
    commercially (Crystalite laps are an example). Yet another way is by
    using a plastic binder contianing diamond grit throughout, either on
    a fairly thick aluminum backing plate (Raytech), or on so-called
    "circuit boards" which require a master lap to hold them in position.
    Plated steel laps are said to be the truest running. Zinc, tin and
    BATT laps have traditionally been used for pre-polish and polish on
    hard stones. Some cutters have also charged BATT laps wih coarser
    grits and used them as cutting laps. 

    Sintered tools are made with the cutting area made of loose
    particles of metal with the diamond particles mixed in. When the
    mixture is held in place and brought to a high temperature so that
    the metal particles fuse together, the result is a sintered diamond
    saw or drill. They cost more than plated tools, but last longer since
    the diamond grit is not just on the surface. Saw rims may be
    continuously sintered, or may be segmented. 

    There are variations on the steel lap idea: pebbly surfaces or
    circular raised diamond charged areas surrounded by channels or low
    areas intended to carry away cutting debris (swarf) and provide a
    flow of cooling fluid to the cutting area. 

    If you check out web sites for diamond tools you will find more
    information. 

I hope this helps.
Richard Davies
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