Re: Cutting Pitch Laps

Bill Marriott (btk@ix.netcom.com)
Tue, 25 Jul 1995 22:52:58 -0700

You wrote: >
>Well, we have been doing the soldering gun for quite some time. We
just cut a piece of #8 copper wire bend it neatly around a dowel to form a 180 deg u-turn and stick them into a Weller soldering gun, clamp up the nuts,>and click on. Keep the mirror vertical and carefully heat the pitch to channel it. Hot press and cold pressing removes the ridges, also careful use if a single edge razor blade at the channel edges helps too. >
>We got so frustated with saws, knives, pre-making squares, and what
have you we've decided the soldering gun works best (for us). I have often wondered if a very warm lap will channel easier using a knife. >
>Friendly Bob
>
>):-{])) <---- madden@netcom.com
> madden@svpal.org
> Remember amateur astronomers:
>"keep looking for the next Universe"
>
>
Well, I guess it time for my 2cents:

It seems devices are prevalent, but I was taught the classic razor blade method, and have used it with great success, not mess, no fuss, no smell etc....

Using a NEW single edge razor blade, channels are cut under a flowing stream of water (a kitchen sink will do ....)with the tool at maybe a 45 deg angle or steeper facing towards the cutting hand. It takes a little practice, but with time, it's easy to make straight, sharp edged channels. I cut in at 45 degrees, maybe a 1/4" deep, repeating several times till the channel is close to the correct depth, rotate 180 degrees, and cut the other edge of the same channel. When one direction is done rotate 90 deg. and continue. I usually rotate the razor blade after a couple of channels, and maybe use 2-3 blades over the course of channeling a tool. NEW and SHARP is the key to success, as is a steady stream of cold water. Same technique is used for reopening channels.

We have a couple of channeling mats on the polishing room wall at work, but they havn't been used much..

Bill Marriott btk@ix.netcom.com