Lapping compound

I've been lapping the faces between the column and cylinder of my oscillating steam engine. I rigged up a sort of crank drive in the lathe to make the lapping machine driven. So far, I've used fine grade automotive valve grinding paste, and this got the faces matched, but the surface was rough. I then left it running for a while with the faces wetted with Brasso, and the surface is smoother, but still rather rough.

What can I use as an in-between lapping compound to get smoother faces? A mate suggested Solvol Autosol metal polish - would that be suitable?

-- Wally

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Reply to
Wally
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Diamond lapping paste is used by toolmakers. Not cheap. Tried toothpaste? - seriously!

Lionel

Reply to
Lionel

I have been playing at carving a rocking horse and honing the gouges as advised by the maker with a buffing wheel and white compound (no idea what it is, came as a big block with the buffing wheel) It sharpens the tool and gives it a mirror finish. Might be suitable for finishing your cylinder faces.

Reply to
Henry Springer

I tried toothpaste before I set up the lathe to do the lapping, but it seemed to become sticky or dry, as if things were getting gummed up. I guess I could give it another go...

-- Wally

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Reply to
Wally

Aye, but what is it? (Or is it one of those standard compounds that has a colour related to its application?)

-- Wally

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Reply to
Wally

Toolmakers do also use Autosol as well for polishing, although I've never seen a toolmaker with a tube of toothpaste in his toolbox -but that isn't to say it won't work, and it will smell better than most substances in the workshop!

Regards

Kevin

Reply to
Kevin Steele

Well I don't know - I tried to find out in an earlier post, I assume the colours are relevant and my local toolshop sells it as buffing compound bar by the kilo. I bought mine at the Harrogate show and it was sold as the one for ferrous metals, another (brown I think) was for brass etc, I realise this isn't a great help but if you have a decent local toolshop ask them. If you are stuck e-mail me and I'll send you a chunk, at my present rate of consumptionI I have several years supply.

Reply to
Henry Springer

Hyfin is good, I use this mainly on stainless steel, It's white to help with identification. Think its from Canning. Cuts well and gives a good finish. I use felt wheels they cut better. They can also be bought in different hardnesses.

Lionel

Reply to
Lionel

Have to keep wetting occasionally. It's been said that toothpaste and cotton will cut through prison bars, given time on your side.

Lionel

Reply to
Lionel

Posted earlier this week....

Red Rouge is recommended for producing the highest polish and the best color on gold, silver, brass, and copper Green Rouge is recommended for final polish on hard metals such as platinum, white gold, chrome, nickel, and stainless steel Zam is a compound for high polish on silver gold and chrome. Also polishes stones, epoxies and other soft metal materials. Fabulustre is a special formula that removes light scratches and produces a fast bright mirror finish White Rouge produces a chrome finish Black Rouge produces a rich dark luster

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Lionel

Reply to
Lionel

Hi,

Just found this.

Quote... I lapped the valves using my favourite lapping compound - toothpaste! Works really well and gives your engine fresh minty breath.

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Lionel

Reply to
Lionel

Personal experience Lionel??

Bob

Reply to
Bob Minchin

Alcatraz 1989

Lionel

Reply to
Lionel

In article , Lionel writes

:-))

Reply to
Frank Erskine

Diamond lapping paste is expensive! About 15 quid for 6 or 10 micron grade which would seem to be the most suitable for your job. If you decide that money is no object then I can recommend "Eternal Tools" as a friendly and efficient supplier.

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They advertise in ME, MEW & Clocks and carry an extensive range of diamond products, files (the expensive Swiss type) and other horological tools.

Cheers Brian

Reply to
brian

I'm afraid that isn't the case. :-)

I decided to forego the toothpaste and got a 100g tube of Autosol from the local car spares place for £2.50. It seems to be good stuff...

-- Wally

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Reply to
Wally

Don't confuse it with the, "Anusol" tube, else you will feel devastated!

Reply to
Superior Intellect

Deep in the forest in the dark of night on Monday 3 November 2003 9:53 am, with a cackle and an evil grin, Superior Intellect cast another eye of newt into the brew and chanted:

This group could do with some for use with your posts. I hear it cures anal irritations...

Reply to
MattD..

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