Best water alternative for diamond sheets

JoeBusic

JoeBusic

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Jan 21, 2020
Messages
543
Just got a couple of diamond sheets for finishing. Water is not removing dirt as I thought it should. Oil is too thick, can't see what going on until it's wiped of. What to use?
 
Windex or WD 40 maybe? What oil are you using? I sometimes use mineral oil, which is completely clear. It gets dirty quick!
 
Glas cleaner doesn't prevent clogging of diamonds. WD is next to try.
 
Are you using it on hardened blades or soft steel?

I ask because I experience clogging on steel pre HT, but not after with windex and diamond film.
 
navman said:
Are you using it on hardened blades or soft steel?

I ask because I experience clogging on steel pre HT, but not after with windex and diamond film.
Click to expand...
Hardened. N690@62HRC. Training for MagnaCut@65HRC.
 
Got nothing. I saw some places recommend using a thin oil, looks to be mineral oil. I see it sold on the same site I buy diamond film as a diamond emulsion thinner/carrier, but never used it myself.
 
I asked ChatGPT:
For fine sanding with diamond sheets, you need a lubricant that won't clog the diamonds or be too thick. Here are a few alternatives you can consider:

1. **Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)**: Isopropyl alcohol is a common choice because it evaporates quickly, leaving no residue. It's thin enough to not clog the diamond sheets and can effectively carry away debris.

2. **Mineral Spirits**: These are less viscous than oil and can provide good lubrication without clogging the diamond sheets. They also evaporate slower than alcohol, giving you more working time.

3. **Dish Soap and Water Solution**: A diluted dish soap solution can reduce the surface tension of the water, helping to prevent clogging. Mix a small amount of dish soap with water (e.g., a few drops of dish soap per cup of water).

4. **Kerosene**: This can be used as a lubricant for fine sanding. It's thinner than oil and won't clog the diamonds, but ensure proper ventilation as it has strong fumes.

5. **Windex with Ammonia**: Regular glass cleaner clogs the diamonds, but one with ammonia might be more effective at preventing buildup. However, always test it on a small area first to ensure compatibility with your materials.

6. **Coolant Fluids**: Some specialized coolant fluids designed for machining or grinding can be used. These are formulated to keep the workpiece cool and provide good lubrication without clogging abrasive tools.

When using any alternative, always ensure proper ventilation and safety precautions. Test the lubricant on a small area first to confirm it works well with your diamond sheets and the material you are sanding.

Dish soap sounds available...
 
WD is also clogging. Seems like it's a rule and cleaning regularly is a must. Lower grits are easy to clean, but 3000 is a bitch.
Thinking buffers...
 
I have seen some people use the powder diamonds in a suspension (mineral oil) at high grits to obtain a high polish on wear resistant steels.
 
Is pressure relevant? Am I going too hard?
 
maybe. I was always told diamond requires less pressure, or all you are doing is stripping the abrasive.
 
Tried with very low pressure and way more glass cleaner. Same thing. Clogs fast. Without directional light, steel looks great. Lighted, meh. Diamonds still cut good. Tiny scratches visible.
Was considering diamond belts. Now, rethinking. Cleaning them sounds tedious. Maybe polishing belts with different compounds?
 
JoeBusic said:
I asked ChatGPT:
For fine sanding with diamond sheets, you need a lubricant that won't clog the diamonds or be too thick. Here are a few alternatives you can consider:

1. **Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)**: Isopropyl alcohol is a common choice because it evaporates quickly, leaving no residue. It's thin enough to not clog the diamond sheets and can effectively carry away debris.

2. **Mineral Spirits**: These are less viscous than oil and can provide good lubrication without clogging the diamond sheets. They also evaporate slower than alcohol, giving you more working time.

3. **Dish Soap and Water Solution**: A diluted dish soap solution can reduce the surface tension of the water, helping to prevent clogging. Mix a small amount of dish soap with water (e.g., a few drops of dish soap per cup of water).

4. **Kerosene**: This can be used as a lubricant for fine sanding. It's thinner than oil and won't clog the diamonds, but ensure proper ventilation as it has strong fumes.

5. **Windex with Ammonia**: Regular glass cleaner clogs the diamonds, but one with ammonia might be more effective at preventing buildup. However, always test it on a small area first to ensure compatibility with your materials.

6. **Coolant Fluids**: Some specialized coolant fluids designed for machining or grinding can be used. These are formulated to keep the workpiece cool and provide good lubrication without clogging abrasive tools.

When using any alternative, always ensure proper ventilation and safety precautions. Test the lubricant on a small area first to confirm it works well with your diamond sheets and the material you are sanding.

Dish soap sounds available...
Click to expand...
I use kerosene for cleaning stones at work, for mounting vises, & machine assy.
idk how clean it works for pretty work?
 
are you using the 3M diamond film sheets? what grit?

Myself I just use them dry and haven't really found it to be a problem, although I have tried using honing oil, I didn't notice any performance difference

on the heavier grits like 120 µm you could use a brass wire brush to clean the paper

JoeBusic JoeBusic what is your final objective or polish requirement?

this is magnacut at 62rc.
DJkaq3h.jpeg
 
Last edited:
HSC /// said:
are you using the 3M diamond film sheets? what grit?
Click to expand...
Similar. Grits 320, 1100, 3000. I go with standard water paper until 600 and go to diamonds. 320 diamond is finer than 600 normal.
HSC /// said:
JoeBusic JoeBusic what is your final objective or polish requirement?
Click to expand...
Semi polished. Scratch marks should be gone. At least without direct strong light on it. For mirror I intend to use electropolishing. So 3000 should do just fine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top