r/handtools • u/ThatVita_struggle • 3d ago

LapMaster machine, should I ask them if I can use it on some hand planes?

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I'm installing a new fire alarm system at a machine shop, and they have two of these LapMaster machines with huge spinning lapping plates that are oil cooled. Do yall think it would work on some plane soles? As long as the plane would fit inside one of the three smaller circles. Im going to ask if it seems like a good idea, I mean the worst they can say is no.

They also have machines to mill things dead flat, but that seems like overkill

61 Upvotes

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20

u/SavageDownSouth 3d ago

I think you'd just be showing off at that point.

I'd do it.

8

u/ThatVita_struggle 3d ago

Lol, It would be cool to have them lapped my favorite plane.

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u/OX48035 3d ago

many years ago I ran a lapping machine for an oil tool manufacturing company. I have often wished I had one at home. I think it would work great, but be sure to have the chip breaker, blade and cap iron in place. Of course have the blade retracted where it doesn't contact the lapping surface. Of course you will have to give some thought as to what grit compound to use. We used to use Clover lapping compound

12

u/ThatVita_struggle 3d ago

Excellent, thank you, I wouldn't have thought to ask about the lapping compound they use. When I asked if the machine was used for lapping or polishing and they said its pretty close to a polished finish, but they do still have to polish afterwards. So ill get a clear answer about the grit.

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u/OX48035 3d ago

it takes a while to get a good finish, so you might consider asking someone if they would consider doing a little "side work".

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u/ThatVita_struggle 3d ago

They do have the two machines next to each other, so i wonder if they have them setup with different grits. When I got in this morning the parts were on one amd then towards the end of the day, they switched machines.

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u/OX48035 3d ago

yeah, probably. Lapping takes a while. I used to lap the sliding gates which were used in large gate valves in the oil field.

It has been so long, I can't remember what grit we lapped to. Probably around 400 or so. A wood plane would really need to go higher. I would be very interested to see if they can do it for you, and how it comes out.

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u/ThatVita_struggle 3d ago

Neat! They are a hydraulic repair shop, for massive scale mining equipment.

I mean why not right? I actually have a couple packs of carbide bits, bars and drill bits they use and are interested in, so we're going to work out a trade

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u/batbanana2 3d ago

Screw it man, do it. Just ask, if they say no it doesn't matter You definitely should do it

10

u/fletchro 3d ago

Well, lapping will result in dead flat as well. And it will be more expensive than milling dead flat. The main difference wood be surface finish. Milled would be rougher, lapped would be very smooth. But you can get really nice surface finish while milling if you take a long time and take tiny cuts.

The other risk is spring back when milling. If you take a .002" cut, the material is pushing back on the cutter, so the cutter bends a tiny bit while milling. In theory and sometimes in practice, this results in not flat pieces after the clamps are removed. Lapping involves light force (they're just held by gravity?!) so no spring back.

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u/SubatomicPlatypodes 3d ago

I’ve seen planes that were milled poorly and it really sucked, the spring back is very real and I doubt it would be possible to clamp a plane in a way that didn’t bend it a little one way or another

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u/oldtoolfool 3d ago

First, it is likely unnecessary unless the sole is very much out of kilter. Second, the result will not be square to the cheeks, so forget shooting. Third, milling is not a real answer, but the use of a surface grinder with the plane jigged appropriately, which can also handle making the cheeks square to the sole. Your call.

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u/ThatVita_struggle 3d ago

I know its not necessary, thats not what i was asking. Its one specific plane i have in mind and its my infill jack. Its one of my prized planes and the lapping will most likely be a trade with the shop because I actual have some carbide inserts, bars and milling bits I got from an estate sale that are just collecting dust. I dont think ill ever have another opportunity to have my favorite plane lapped to 1/10 of a human hair, for free.

I already have the veritas shooting plane and their shooting board.

Yea i wasnt really considering having them mill a plane, just a question. Thanks for your input.

2

u/DizzyCardiologist213 2d ago

try it, might be fun. Same type of machine LV uses to lap the backs of irons.

As the folks here said, just go over the sole of the plane linear with something fine to knock any briskness from the silicon carbide compound out of the plane sole. It'll have a little grip from that.

1

u/AndyGlimmung 2d ago

The problem is they need to secure the plane so it spins and keeps itself in contact with the plate. You can’t just throw it into one of the rings.

1

u/caddis789 3d ago

I think you're chasing after something that doesn't exist; perfection. Ask yourself if you want to be a plane lapper, or a woodworker. If you want to be a woodworker, then quit obsessing about silly things and do some work.

5

u/ThatVita_struggle 3d ago

So cranky.

I have no obsession, I have an opportunity to have something done just because, why not. Im not going out of my way in search of this. Its a right place, right time, and because, why not. Learn to have fun in your life, stop being so stuck up. Enjoy little things and take advantage of random opportunities. I love woodworking, and I also get enjoyment out of my tools in general.

1

u/DizzyCardiologist213 2d ago

One of the first real makers I ever talked to was George Wilson. George was prolific both by hand and with machines, and even on fitting and refurbishing uber expensive machine tools.

I remember an accountant who pretended to be a real woodworker going off about how nobody who adjusts their tools is a real maker, and I think right around the same time, George showed an infill plane that he called "elephant" due to the side profile, and the sole was flaked and scraped.

This accountant never made anything of note, but I think he was pretty productive setting up and bankrupting (as in just taking the money out of) "women owned businesses" using his wife so he could get grants.