Simple, cheap, and effective lapping

[Bob Korves]

 

[FOMOGO]

I, assuming this is done to achieve a finer surface finish when cutting? Thanks, Mike

 

[Bob Korves]

Pierre says in the comments it is a test for better using carbide for fine woodworking, which currently uses mostly sharp steel tools and tooling.

 

[Wreck™Wreck]

Years ago I made a good deal of replacement parts for Chicago Pneumatic air over oil jacks, one main part simply would not work if it was more the .0005" off diameter. I resorted to a lap and a .5005 go gauge and a .5000 no go, in the end it was pointless as CP stopped producing the product. Diamond compound lapping works well if you have a compelling reason to do so.

 

[Bob Korves]

Diamond compound lapping works well if you have a compelling reason to do so.

It is still a lot of fussy work, but it is a lot cheaper with supplies that are affordable and seem to be of adequate quality. I will be getting some.

 

[patmat2350]

Apparently, clock makers like to polish the ends of things like pinions and flat head screws. Clickspring discusses the importance of the lap itself (the item holding the compound), and shows the use of a pure tin lap... starting around 7:30:

http://www.clickspringprojects.com/videos/how-to-make-a-clock-part-5-cutting-the-pinions

All sorts of commercial laps are available, such as:
http://www.gravescompany.com/Polishing-Laps-Supplies.html

 

[Bob Korves]

When lapping, the grit needs to embed into the working surface, while polishing the work surface. If the grit does not embed to a decent extent, then both surfaces are being abraded. Cast iron, copper, lead, mild steel, and other metals are used to make laps. The different abrasives work best with specific lap materials.