KME Strop vs Lapping Films

[Night Rider]

I think I'm getting the hang of it!

You definitely got the hang of it Jason and nice work. What grit did you finish up with?

 

[Jason Puckett]

Thanks Night Rider ! Went through the 1500 Diamond, then 9 and 6 micron lapping films. I used the Jende films, I got 9 and 6 for the price that I'd get just 9 for of the KME branded ones. I'm obviously no expert, but they seem to do the trick.

 

[misterparker]

Jason Mr.Wizard nailed it on that short statement^. I've been using the KME for a couple months now and I just picked up the full lapping to try mirror finishing and I have had great success. You will be amazed at how precise your edges will be and it's very easy to achieve perfect mirror edges. Quick tip #1: Always start out lapping with downward strokes and only run the film a quarter of the way past the tip of the blade. Later when you feel comfortable using them you Can use a back and forth motion with little to no pressure applied but again start of with downward strokes first then back and forth motions. tip #2 to avoid contaminating your films with the corser grits I rinse the films in warm water and dish soap before I use them and I wipe the blade clean between each gritt. Honestly it's very simple to achieve a good reflective edge with very little practice.

I just started using a KME. Do you think I can achieve a mirror by progressing from 1500 diamond, to 6 micron lapping, to 4 micron CBN roo strop to 1.5 micron CBN roo strop? Or do I need the 9 micron lapping film as well?

 

[Mr.Wizard]

I don't have an exact particle size for the KME Gold 1500 plate but given the difference in performance between plated diamond and lapping film it's likely you'll not want to skip the 9µ lapping film.

 

[Night Rider]

misterparker you should most definitely go to a 9 micron lapping film when you come off the 1500 to remove all of the scratch pattern from the plate the repeat the process with the CBM or finer grit tapes. I picked up the KME lapping film kit and all I can say is WoW! just WoW!. If you already have a KME clamping jig than it really is a must have for an Easy mirror finnish. It steps down from 9M. to .10M. or 1.800 gritt to 160.000 grit.