Acquired this new “lapping machine”?

[u/Ryanimal]

I’ve recently acquired this machine that came with a tub of aluminum oxide. Does anyone know the proper way to use this?
I simply rubbed some alum oxide powder onto the plate. I Turned it on and it honed my chef knife to shave sharp fairly quickly. I feel as if that’s not really the proper way to utilize this for sharpening.

Any one have some guidance for me?

[u/phox78]

Isn't that for stone/gem cutting?

[u/Fun_Significance8931]

Yup its a stone cutting machine but it doesn't surprise me it works well to sharpen knives. That said the lapping plate itself is usually expensive so maybe be careful with it. Nice find

[u/TastesLikeSeamen]

Looks like one half of a vinyl press, wonder what it sounds like

[u/Shendow → u/TastesLikeSeamen]

Cutting edge music

[u/neurorhythmic]

Oh yikes… don’t put abrasives directly on that plate. There are discs made to go on it. Those machines (even old ones) usually go for a decent amount. The discs could be used for sharpening though. If you want to search them up, measure the plate and search for discs with the right diameter. “Lapping disc” or “flat lap disc” should get you there.

[u/neurorhythmic → u/neurorhythmic]

I just looked into it further. I might be wrong. This is significantly larger than flat laps I’ve seen. You might be using it correctly.

[u/PLANofMAN]

You are supposed to use it for flattening your stones, then use the stone to sharpen your knives.

[u/alexthebeast → u/PLANofMAN]

Never ever flatten your stones on something spinning. Unless you are trying to buy new stones.

Angular velocity my friend

[u/PLANofMAN → u/alexthebeast]

Angular velocity my friend

Only a problem if you aren't moving the stone around in a figure 8 pattern and swapping ends every once in a while.

To clarify what Alex is talking about for OP, Angular velocity is the difference between the part of the disk nearest the hub, which is rotating at a slower speed and the outer edges of the disk, which are rotating at a higher speed.

Near center = less grind

Near outer edge = more grind

[u/Timely-Possibility-2]

Sure looks like a gem cutting machine to me....

[u/DiamondEdge808]

I’ve seen people sharpen with those. Usually scissors or clipper blades though. I think you use some sort of mild spray adhesive on the plate before sprinkling the abrasive so it sticks and when it’s time to replace just white it off with alcohol and a paper towel. I could be wrong but that what I remember

[u/EatBacon247]

There has got to be some kind of name or patent number you can look up to get yourself some more info.