Getting a split lap polisher

Good morning,

I’m thinking of getting a split lap polisher, although I don’t know
much about using one, I need something that polishes smaller flat
surfaces fairly quickly. Has anyone had any experience with the
Warrior system with Ninja accessories?

Would appreciate any advice on how to use and preferences.

Thanks in advance

Has anyone had any experience with the Warrior system with Ninja
accessories? Would appreciate any advice on how to use and
preferences. 

Yes I have one that I bought a few years ago. It is not worth the
investment in my opinion. The Ninja disks are a good idea but in
practice they don’t do so well. They do not run true enough on the
spindle to allow for a completely flat presentation of the sand
paper on the disk. This results in only partial use of the expensive
die cut sand paper as only the lowest areas are presented to the
work. Unlike a felt split lap which you can reshape or “dress” if
necessary when changing the wheel you cannot dress the plastic disks
every time you remount them to make them run true without removing
the sandpaper and in general messing around with them too much.
Second there are not any readily available felt split wheels for this
size machine and the split is what allows you to see what you are
doing when using a polishing machine in this orientation. If you need
a split lap buy a real one and forget about the Warrior Jool Tool
machine.

James Binnion
@James_Binnion
James Binnion Metal Arts

360-756-6550

Gerry, a split lap of any kind can take your polishing to another
level entirely. First off I’ll say the most important thing - a
polishing machine is “the most dangerous machine in the shop”, which
is true but it pales in comparison to the split lap. It’s easy
enough to use and equally easy to abuse. Just start slow…

I’ve never used the Warrior system but I’ve had mixed feedback from
some vendors about it. We use the standard old fashioned lap, and
I’d recommend that for two reasons: It takes 6" laps, and you can
put a whole ring on the surface at once - the Warrior wheels are
pretty tiny in comparison. The other reason is that the standard lap
takes standard wheels. With an MX wheel, a hard or rock hard lap
with greystar and a soft lap with rouge or Zam or something, you can
do most anything…The Warrior looks nice - not to talk it down -
it also looks “toyish” in comparison…Either way a lap will expand
your horizons…

http://www.donivanandmaggiora.com

I’m with James on this. A real split lap is a wonderful tool and just takes a little practice. A couple of tips if you get one. Make a cylindrical
“Shield” about 6” high to hold outside of the lap.
Turn on motor and spray your lap with flat black spray paint. Just enough to make it black. Be sure not to soak it. The felt will swell. Get a good light on a flexible “neck” so it can shine through the lap. IKEA has an LED light for under 10$ that is great! Spend some time practicing.
BTW - flint hard laps with Greystar work great!
I’ve never used the softer felt with Zam or rouge.

I visited a local, very good, fine jeweler last week who purchased a jooltool and has had a lot of success with it. I too have graved one, but haven’t bought one yet missing the chance to get my brother’s discount since he no longer works for one of their distributors. If I were looking at split laps, this is the way that I would go. If anyone out there already has one please post your experience…Rob