Polishing and grinding system

Abstract

The invention relates to a polishing and grinding system useful with a variety of substrates, including, without limitation, precious stones and jewelry and for the sharpening of tools such as drill bits, knives and chisels. The system may be configured for use in a variety of positions, including handheld operation. A series of optional elements are also described, including a tool rest and a shelf, each to facilitate different grinding and/or polishing operations.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for grinding and/or polishing, comprising:
 a main body;   a shaft in rotatable communication with the main body, wherein a portion of the shaft resides outside the main body, and wherein the portion of the shaft that resides outside the main body is configured for removable attachment to a disc for grinding and/or polishing a substrate; and   a base, removably attached to the main body,   wherein the base is configured for removable attachment to the main body in a first position, in which the shaft is orientated in a substantially upright position, and a second position, in which the shaft is orientated in a substantially horizontal position.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first position comprises an ergonomic tilt, wherein the shaft is orientated in a substantially upright position and with a tilt in the general direction of a user of the apparatus during operation. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the base further comprises at least one latch mechanism to removably attach the base to the main body. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one electromechanical component housed within the main body and in mechanical communication with a portion of the shaft that resides within the main body, the at least one electromechanical component selected from the group consisting of a motor, a gear box, a power supply, and a control mechanism. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the motor is adapted for operation at a constant speed or at a variable speed, and wherein the motor is adapted for rotation in a single direction or in two directions. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , further comprising a switch configured on the main body and in communication with the at least one electromechanical component, wherein actuation of the switch causes the shaft to rotate. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a hood to reduce dispersion of particulate matter and/or to improve safety during operation, wherein the hood is attached to the main body adjacent to the portion of the shaft that resides outside the main body. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the hood is removably attached to the main body. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the hood comprises an opening therethrough to facilitate exhaust of the particulate matter during operation. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the main body comprises a handle. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the handle is collapsible so as to be substantially flush with and/or possessing a reduced profile relative to the main body when in a collapsed configuration. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the handle is in a fixed position with respect to the main body. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a drawer. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a shelf for placing items to be polished and/or ground during operation of the apparatus or for containing a volume of liquid into which items may be placed for cooling, rinsing and/or lubricating. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the shelf is configured for removable placement within the base. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a tool rest to impart stability and/or improve accuracy and/or improve safety during operation. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the tool rest is removably attached to the main body. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the tool rest comprises a central element comprising a side adapted for use with items that have at least one substantially flat element and/or a side adapted for use with drill bits, wherein the central element is rotatable around its axis and positionable at a multitude of angles with respect to the disc, and, optionally, wherein the central element is lockable at each of at least one angle with respect to the disc. 
     
     
         19 . A system for grinding and/or polishing, comprising:
 the apparatus of  claim 1 ; and   a disc for grinding and/or polishing a substrate, removably attached to the shaft of the apparatus.   
     
     
         20 . A method of polishing, grinding, sanding, burnishing and/or finishing a substrate, comprising:
 providing the system of  claim 19 ;   causing the disc to rotate; and   contacting the rotating disc with the substrate to polish, grind, sand, burnish and/or finish the substrate.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the substrate is selected from the group consisting of precious stones, semi-precious stones, non-precious stones, jewelry, tools, drill bits, router bits, CNC end-mills, knives, chisels, wood turning tools, and carving tools. 
     
     
         22 . A method for adjusting the orientation of an apparatus for grinding and/or polishing, comprising:
 providing the apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the base is removably attached to the main body in the first position;   removing the main body from the base; and   removably attaching the base to the main body in the second position.