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Lapping a cone

I have an aluminium alloy cone and matching taper cup which is going to bear some considerable force - yet must release freely. The angle of the cone and cup are big enough to ensure they are non binding (at least in theory).

What is the best way to ensure that the cup and cone mate fully across their entire surface? I was thinking of using some form of lapping compound - and bed them together in much the way that car engine valves are ground in. What sort of lapping compound should I use - I expect that engine valve compound is a bit too aggressive for aluminium?

Stew

Reply to
Stewart Cross
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A couple of concerns here Stew. One being that the abrasive may well get embedded in the aluminium and if one of the intentions of the conical arrangement is to provide alignment guidance then wear could be and issue. The other is that mabye similar metals might fret in use and not release after significant use. Maybe dissimilar metals might be better if you have the option.

Neither of these comments are based on hard won experience,more musings arising from thinking about what you might be doing. There are almost certainly greater levels of expertise lurking on this NG who may well crawl out of the woodwork and respond.

Good Luck

Bob

Reply to
Bob Minchin

Timesaver Lapping Compound, ace stuff.

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Talk to them , they speak modelengineer

Regards Colin Docherty

Just an impressed customer

Stewart Cross wrote:

Reply to
Colin Docherty

Such bearings often appear in photographic equipment - tripods, ball heads, etc. A common tactic that avoids ally - to - ally contact in these devices is to use a hard plastic shim between the two components; this helps with avoiding surface wear, and improves the release properties. Result is much smoother operation and better fine control over the holding force.

Regards, Tony

Reply to
Tony Jeffree

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