Nib Grinding Using Jewelers Diamond Grinding/polishing Wheels

[Guest Ray Cornett]

When I attempt to start nib grinding I will probably start out using whet stones but have access to machines just like the one in the image show below. The ones I use for lapidary work are are diamond coated in different grits from a course to very fine on one side then the other set of wheels are polishers.

Would something like this be ok for nib grinding or would the small metal points perhaps be bad for the wheels?

Edited March 19, 2014 by Ray Cornett

[Chrissy]

I'm no expert but from what I can see it looks like the whole nib might be ground away in less than a second.

 

The phrase using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut springs to mind.

 

I wouldn't risk it on any of my nibs, but as a first go you could always practice on something you didn't care about.

[newlife]

Fine machine, congratulations! If I'd own one of those I'd certainly use it for my nibs. Looks to me as if it was adjustable!? Simply start off at lowest speed and take some spare nib or a defect one using the finest wheel. You might even try a nail or anything else for testing abrasion. In case your wheels are too coarse just get the appropriate ones! Good luck!

[Guest Ray Cornett]

The speeds on these can be adjustable. This is not the exact brand and such but the system is the same. As for the wheels on this one, they are obviously a course grit. The ones at the lapidary clubs and the one in my fiances fathers workshop are much finer. I believe one goes up to 12000 grit. When working with stones and such for jewelry the diamond coated wheels you see in this pic are way too course. The ones I am used to, you could touch with your finger while running and it doesn't even hurt.

[RudyR]

Hi Ray,

 

I did some lapidary when I used to do a lot of silversmithing and I can tell you that this machine is way too much for your nib grinding no matter how slow you go. And slowing the speed can be even more detrimental as you start losing control of delicate maneuvering. It will sort of jerk you around and you could gouge your nib severely.

 

The radius of the wheels are also too big for nib work. Thats why, when you watch other nibmeister at work, you see them using grinding/smoothing equipment the size of dremel tools.

 

I have seen videos of commercial pen manufacturers using large wheels but these are probably specialized and better balanced machinery. Plus a lot of it is done by mechanical means. They probably also use very specific grinding/lapping grits and buffs.

 

Using your lapping equipment to grind nibs can be done, but there is easier and less dangerous equipment available.