Dressing Wheels

[Sphinxsmith]

We have an old ALE-5000 and a newer Weco E.3 and I know the Topcon needs it's wheels dressed, if not replaced (but is it worth it?).
I've got to order some new dressing sticks but not sure which ones, this is not an area I have much experience with. So, I'm here to ask for help and suck the knowledge out of the brain from whoever is willing to help!
The E.3 is OK for now but I'll want to know if I can use the same sticks when it's time. The Top'py is at 31K cuts but a work horse for us.
Will someone help me with a Wheel Dressing 101? Do's and Dont's

cs

[optical24/7]

NEVER use a dressing stick on a plated wheel (most modern roughing wheels are plated, unless designed for glass). On plated wheels, the diamonds are only on the outer surface. Dressing it will take the diamonds off the wheel rendering it useless.

The only wheels you dress are bonded wheels (diamonds are cast a certain thickness into the wheel's surface. Dressing it will expose new, unused diamonds.)

Soak your dressing stick in water for a few minutes. Start your wheel up to full speed, then turn it off at the same time apply the dressing stick onto the wheel's surface, press firmly until the wheel is stopped by your pressure. Repeat once. You should be good to go. NOTE: If dressing a finish wheel you will need to re-calibrate your sizing.

[Sphinxsmith]

Thanks optical24/7! My next question is what sticks do I order?

[optical24/7]

White roughing wheel, grey finish wheel. ( but I've seen grit color reversed. ) Finer grit finishing wheel, courser roughing. If you have both you can tell which is courser.

[Sphinxsmith]

Great, sounds like no critical science to it. Rougher grit for the roughing and finer for the finishing/polishing. Dont mess with the rough grinder except maybe a wire brush.
Any common screw-ups besides what's above?

cs