Lapping machine/disc sander

[Stian]

Hello gurus, 

I'm considering getting a disc sander/lapping machine for my workshop. I've been inspired by a couple of videos from vintwatches.de, for instance the one below (https://youtu.be/zYL0kz3Rht0) . Does anyone here have experience with these types of machines and any recommendations/specifics to look for in getting one? 

-- 
Best regards,
Stian 

 

Edited August 29, 2021 by Stian

[Plato]

4 minutes ago, Stian said:

Hello gurus, 

I'm considering getting a disc sander/lapping machine for my workshop. I've been inspired by a couple of videos from vintwatches.de, for instance the one below. Does anyone here have experience with these types of machines and any recommendations/specifics to look for in getting one? 

-- 
Best regards,
Stian 

 

It looks like a quick way to ruin a vintage case. Old watches should retain their history. 

[Shane]

I have never used one for watch repair or jewelry making but in the right/patient hands they can preform amazingly accurate work or they can be the fastest way to turn something into a bloody piece of scrap.

If your asking for the advice of strangers, the best I can offer you is to be understanding of the danger involved.  Skill and ability will only come to those who pursue them thoughtfully.  If nothing else you may get to keep all the parts you were born with.

Shane

[Stian]

29 minutes ago, Plato said:

It looks like a quick way to ruin a vintage case. Old watches should retain their history. 

Don't worry Plato, I'm more conservative than most when it comes to polishing watch cases. But there are instances when cases have been misshapen and need restoration, as the video shows very well if you watch it. 

[Stian]

5 minutes ago, Shane said:

I have never used one for watch repair or jewelry making but in the right/patient hands they can preform amazingly accurate work or they can be the fastest way to turn something into a bloody piece of scrap.

If your asking for the advice of strangers, the best I can offer you is to be understanding of the danger involved.  Skill and ability will only come to those who pursue them thoughtfully.  If nothing else you may get to keep all the parts you were born with.

Shane

Thanks for the input Shane

[jdm]

19 hours ago, Stian said:

Does anyone here have experience with these types of machines and any recommendations/specifics to look for in getting one?

I suspect that most of these machines are shop made. If I remember correctly, there was an old post describing one by a Nordic country member. And I think another member showed how to use a lathe chuck to rotate and keep the work in position, and obtain very nice results.

BTW, I'm all in regarding pervasive case restoration, good luck.

[ArizonaJones]

Hello Stian, did you ever figure out the equipment needed to make this lapping machine?

[SwissSeiko]

On 3/4/2025 at 6:44 PM, ArizonaJones said:

Hello Stian, did you ever figure out the equipment needed to make this lapping machine?

I made one myself. Look here

 

https://www.watchrepairtalk.com/topic/31915-lathe-lapping-plate-table-and-vice-build/#comment-275338

[mbwatch]

I believe @thor447 also has converted a disc sander into a lapping machine, using a voltage regulator to slow its rotation speed. I remember this from a video on Weekend Watch Repair

Edited March 7 by mbwatch

[tomh207]

On 3/5/2025 at 12:44 AM, ArizonaJones said:

Hello Stian, did you ever figure out the equipment needed to make this lapping machine?

This is a pretty old thread and you are unlikely to get a response here. You might be better off trying to contact Stian via his YouTube channel “vintage watch services”

 

Tom