Exact sand paper grades for good lapping ?

[Will Maltby]

I've never lapped before so I'm planning on going to my local hardware store and getting some sand paper pads things.

As far as I know you 'lappers' will be using that black 'wet and dry' sand paper stuff.

well anyway, what I want to know is, what exact grades do you use ?

I presume that there are specific numbers or something to the varying grades.

How many grades do you use in total ?

thanks in advance for the input.

[Slake]

Will Maltby (Apr 25, 2001 09:56 a.m.):
I've never lapped before so I'm planning on going to my local hardware store and getting some sand paper pads things.

As far as I know you 'lappers' will be using that black 'wet and dry' sand paper stuff.

well anyway, what I want to know is, what exact grades do you use ?

I presume that there are specific numbers or something to the varying grades.

How many grades do you use in total ?

thanks in advance for the input.
Cool pic Will. I used 600,800, 1000, 1500, and 2000.
Definately don't use the pads. A good source is an auto parts store. You will need to use a sheet of glass or other hard flat/smooth surface to tape the sanpaper to.
See the cooling forum for great advice from the more experienced guys/gals. Also if you click on the "Tips and Techniques" link at the main page there are some good articles with pics on lapping.

[Shadow ÒÓ]

I used several grades because each small step is easier than taking big steps and sanding harder. I also used Crest toothpaste to finish it off. =)

http://forums.overclockers.ws/forums/UltraBoard.cgi?action=Read&BID=8&TID=12620&SID=23442

[OpenFriday]

I usually go 240,400,600,800,1200. I'd go higher but the local shop only goes up to 1200. Im going to try the crest tonight.

[bdf24]

Just the post I was looking for! I need to go pick some sandpaper up tonight to lap my waterblock. (needs it bad!).

Thanks guys

[Will Maltby]

thanks for the VERY useful info guys, especially that tooth paste tip.

I got my Thermosonic thermoengine this morning. I spent an hour rubbing away at it with a tough rough sock and some tooth paste.

It's very shiny now. I wouldn't say mirror like, but it has a good reflection.

So that was just using tooth paste on a 'straight out of the box' thermoengine.

Someone should write this tip up as a proper article for the site.