Flat Laps are used to grind and polish slabs or other flat surfaces such as crystals, geodes, and can be used for some cabs. They can be either reciprocating or rotary flat laps. A reciprocating flat lap is commonly confused with the vibrating lap but they are not the same. It uses silicon carbide grit or polishing powders much the same way as tumblers. Materials that are too large for the bull wheel grinder get polished here.
With its large diameter, a lapidarist can easily polish multiple pieces simultaneously.
Although the fabrication is harder, here at Highland Park Lapidary we pushed for the machine to have three legs only so that it is easier to level and save more space in your studio.
On the other hand, a Rotary flat lap is a machine that rotates an abrasive disc, typically diamond impregnated. Used for crystals, cabs, or other work requiring a flat surface.
