Tools Sanding

Lapping Tool Sander

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Meta Description: Carl Ford's Woodturning Blog: Carl recently purchased a Lapping Tool. It works great for sanding fine details. He sands with 80, 120, and 240 grit Emory Boards.

https://carlford.us/blog/2026/09/lapping-tool-sander/
Photo: Lapping Tool Sander (lapping_sander_00)

I recently purchased a Lapping Tool. It works great for sanding fine details.

I sand things with Emory Boards (Nail Files) driven by my lapping tool. You can purchase 80, 150, 240, 400, etc grit Emory Boards on line at low prices. For example: 25 of 150 grit Double Sided Emory Boards for $9 on 7/19/26.

Note: Lapping tools are used in the metal working world to flatten, smooth, or polish hard surfaces like metal and glass.

Photo: Emory Board in Lapping Tool (lapping_sander_01)
Emory Board in Lapping Tool

I cut off a chunk of emory board and mount it in the lapping tool using the little adapter that ships with the tool. See photo on right.

Photo: Flat Sander (lapping_sander_03)
Flat Sander

I sand the flat parts of things with the emory board held horizontally.

I often use my finger to push the emory board down. To make it sand more aggressively. Not shown in photo.

Photo: Edge Sander (lapping_sander_04)
Edge Sander

I sand the edges of things with the emory board held vertically.

I often use my finger to push the emory board in. To make it sand more aggressively. Not shown in photo.

Photo: Tapered Emory Board (lapping_sander_06)
Tapered Emory Board

I taper the end of the emory board with a belt sander to make it fit in tight places. See photos on right.

Photo: Tapered Emory Board (2)

Purchase

Photo: Lapping Grinder (amazon_lapping_tool_120.png)
Lapping Grinder

I purchased a UTR-120 (model number) Lapping Grinder from Amazon. $56 on 7/2026. It is air powered.

Google Jrealmer UTR-120 Lapping Grinder

Photo: Emory Boards (amazon_150_emery_boards.png)
Emory Boards

I punchased 80, 150, and 240 grit Double sided Emory Boards from Amazon. $8 for 25 boards on 7/2026.

There are lots of "look a likes" on Amazon. Lots of different grit options.

The Emory Boards work great! They are tough and last a long time.

Google Amazon BTYMS Double Sided Emory Boards

Photo: Air Filter & Regulator (amazon_air_filter_regular.png)
Air Filter & Regulator

I drive my lapping tool with my big 5hp air compressor. I regulate the air pressure with a little regulator like this one.

I DO NOT own this unit. I have a similar one that I have been using for years. There are lots of "look a likes" on Amazon. Pick one that floats your boat.

I DO NOT think you need to constantly oil the little air turbine inside of the Lapping Tool. Thus, I use just a regulator. Not a regulator and lubricator (oiler). I think you should use a filter that removes any dirt or water! Thus, I use a regulator and filter.

You probably should add a FEE DROPS of "light machine oil", like "3 In 1 Oil" once in a while.

Google Amazon 1/4" NPT Air Filter Regulator Combo

Finished Project

Photo: Finished Project (2) Yellow and Red Pin Wheel Wide Rim Bowl , 5/2026, Turned Maple Wood, 10" Diameter, 1-1/4" Tall, 14 oz. Handmade Wood Art.

This is my take on the "Layered, Indexed Spin-Rim Bowl" that appears on page 144 of the "Contemporary Woodturning, Techniques & Projects" book by Nick Arnull.

I decided to make my points stick out more and jazzed it up with yellow, orange and red wood dye.

Here are some photos of the finished project.

Click here for more photos on Pinterest. Or click here for more photos on Instagram.