1. SETTING UP THE VI-BRO-LAP

The machine must be set up on a good solid floor. Set it in the exact place where you plan to operate it. Do not attempt grind stones until machine has been checked. If machine runs smoothly and remains in one spot and does not crawl it is satisfactory. It will not set in one place on a smooth polished floor as it must have a surface that the feet can grip. If machine crawls the feet are not adjusted to floor level, and the feet need adjusting.

When short is located loosen lock nut above rubber foot, make adjustment and tighten lock nut. Place a level on the plate pointing to opposite legs and adjust feet to level Then place level pointing to other opposite legs and adjust. Do not change counter balance position. Since the cables carry the weight of the stones plus a slight uplift on the spider do not change position of them unless machine makes quite a little noise. If this is apparent press cables one at a time until the limp cable is located and if pressure on the cable makes machine run smoother and quieter, loosen lock nut under top of leg and tighten nut; holding the eye bolt so it will not turn. ONE TURN IS A GREAT DEAL SO GO EASY. Tighten lock nut again.

2. PREPARING STONES FOR GRINDING

A. Lap only sawed slabs or stones.

B. Bevel edges of stones.

C. Use Surgical tubing bumpers to protect stones. Cut tubing to desired length or join several pieces with hardwood dowel pins. These rings should float free and loose around stones and rest on plate.

ALWAYS REPLACE TRAY IN SAME POSITION ON MACHINE.

Front of machine is indicated by decal. Always replace the tray with the weld or seam on the band to the back of machine. This weld will be indicated by a mark on the back of the machine with a corresponding mark on frame. These marks should correspond whether grinding or polishing.

3. FIRST GRIND

Use 80 grit . Do all grinding on the griddle side of plate and polishing on the smooth side. Sprinkle five to six heaping tablespoons of grit over the plate. Add about 1 cup of water for 27’’ and about ¾ cup for 20’’. It will be necessary to add water depending on amount of evaporation. Grinding material must be kept thin . DO NOT LET TRAY DRY WITH GRIT AND STONES ON IT. Try to keep about 2/3 of the tray covered when grinding. Most smooth cut stones will be finished in 6-7 hours. Rough cut stones or cupped stones may require more time and soft material less time.

It is desirable to have the stones move around. If stones want to accumulate on one side of the late and remain in that position the machine is not level and feet must be readjusted so that the machine is level.

4. SECOND GRINDING 400-600 (FFF Or FFFF) Grit

Before starting the second grind remove stones and rubber bumpers. Wash thoroughly. Remove lap tray by removing nuts in each corner of tray. Wash and replace tray griddle side up with the weld to back of machine. Sprinkle on about 5-6 tablespoons of fine grit, add about one cup of water for 27’’ and about ¾ cup for 20’’.Place stones on machine. Most will be finished within 6 hours as the fine grind does not require as much time as the coarse grind.

POLISHING: Repeat washing process. Replace tray smooth side up, remembering to have weld to back. Sprinkle 5-6 tablespoons full of polish powder, cerium tin oxide, and add about 2 ½ cups of water for 27’ and about 1 ½ cups for 20’’. Additional water will be required as soon as pad absorbs some or it evaporates. Polish about 7-8 hours depending on hardness of stone, and its weight. DO NOT RUN POLISH DRY. Polishing material must remain thin. To clean polish pad scrub with a good stiff bristle brush to remove any foreign particles which may imbed themselves in pad.

5. LAPPING THIN SLABS less than 1’ thick.

Cut 3/4 ‘’ exterior plywood in round discs,. These discs are used for backing for thin pieces. Select a slab slightly smaller than the disc so the disc protects the edges of the slab. Fasten slab to disc by using a mixture of ½ paraffin and ½ bees wax. This may be melted up ahead of time and stored. When ready to use, melt in a flat shallow pan large enough to dip face of disc into melted wax and apply slab immediately. Additional wax may be applied along edge with small brush. Stones may be removed from slabs by dipping in hot water.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Never remove stones from tray when machine is running nor replace them on tray when the machine is running. To remove stone, make a circular motion , clearing a place on the tray of any debris and replace in the same area.

For ease in cleaning grits from tray, add several tablespoons of baking soda and additional water about 15 minutes prior to taking stones off grit run. Do not permit soda solution to remain in machine is not running and do not let soda solution stay in tray longer than a ½ hour as chemical reaction may set up and pit the plate.

While the machine does not require constant attention it should be checked every 15 minutes or so to insure the stones are moving and or water.

LUBRICATION

Bearings should be lubricated about once every 150 hours of running time with a good ball or roller bearing grease such as LUBRIPLATE.

Motor Lubrication: After three years normal or one year heavy duty service add oil annually. No re-oiling normally required for light duty with total operating time under 25,000 hours. Use S.A.E. 10 oil. DO NOT OVER OIL.