Pro/Forums - View Single Post

Neomoses · 02-10-2003, 04:27 AM

In an effort to produce waterblocks that give consistent results from system to system, I'm going to build a lapping machine. I cannot afford a real surface grinder, but here's my thoughts:

First, make the WB bases flat on a mill with a facing cutter.

Make the surface out of a 9"x12"x3" granite surface plate, guaranteed flat to within 0.0001." Lay a piece of sandpaper face up on the granite block and secure it if necessary (not exactly sure how I'm going to secure it yet, ideas are welcome).

Use a 1/3 HP electric motor to create linear motion, giving roughly 6 inches of displacement. Motion of the Waterblocks should be no faster than 10 inches per second. (any input on WB speed would be appreciated) Attach WBs to the crank assembly on the electric motor and have them moving on top of the sandpaper/granite block. Sand with 400, 600, then 1000 grit sandpaper. Use a flood system to continually wash the sandpaper with soapy water to carry away the grit/copper particles.

I think I can build this machine for between $400-$500, which is much cheaper than a surface grinder. Do you think it will produce sufficiently flat and smooth surfaces for WB bases? Also, do you think the motion should be linear or elliptical? Linear would be easiest, but it has a potential to produce "grooves" or "waves" in the bases of the blocks if the sandpaper is uneven. This would be a great thread for people like BillA to jump in on, as an anal-retentive nature and attention to detail would be perfect for this (no harm intended).

02-10-2003, 04:27 AM	#1
Neomoses Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Rolla, MO Posts: 51	Building a Lapping Machine In an effort to produce waterblocks that give consistent results from system to system, I'm going to build a lapping machine. I cannot afford a real surface grinder, but here's my thoughts: First, make the WB bases flat on a mill with a facing cutter. Make the surface out of a 9"x12"x3" granite surface plate, guaranteed flat to within 0.0001." Lay a piece of sandpaper face up on the granite block and secure it if necessary (not exactly sure how I'm going to secure it yet, ideas are welcome). Use a 1/3 HP electric motor to create linear motion, giving roughly 6 inches of displacement. Motion of the Waterblocks should be no faster than 10 inches per second. (any input on WB speed would be appreciated) Attach WBs to the crank assembly on the electric motor and have them moving on top of the sandpaper/granite block. Sand with 400, 600, then 1000 grit sandpaper. Use a flood system to continually wash the sandpaper with soapy water to carry away the grit/copper particles. I think I can build this machine for between $400-$500, which is much cheaper than a surface grinder. Do you think it will produce sufficiently flat and smooth surfaces for WB bases? Also, do you think the motion should be linear or elliptical? Linear would be easiest, but it has a potential to produce "grooves" or "waves" in the bases of the blocks if the sandpaper is uneven. This would be a great thread for people like BillA to jump in on, as an anal-retentive nature and attention to detail would be perfect for this (no harm intended).