"Mark Rand" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 17 May 2009 21:21:33 -0700, "Michael Koblic"


I am interested specifically in the recommendations to lap the ways of
lathes and mills.

It is most strongly recommended that you do not lap the ways of lathes and
mills.

If the flatness obtained from the surface grinder on a hardened way is
insufficient and if you have the use of an autocollimator and if you are
working in microns or less, then you might consider lapping. Otherwise,
use
scraping or surface grinding.

1) The instructions that come with the Taig lathe specifically recommend
lapping the ways before use. This is where I got the scouring powder/oil
paste mixture from. I did not do it. The ways seemed smooth and the carriage
moved like silk. I was concerned (justifiably it seems) that I was more
likely to screw things up than improve them.

2) Many owners of mini-mills have reported improvement in properties of
theirs X and Y axes' movements after lapping the ways. I was considering it
for various reasons but wanted to make sure that I understand the process
first. I seem to remember that there was a thread on this very group
discussing it some time ago.

I am beginning to wonder if these sources freely confused "lapping" with
"polishing". I certainly was.

--
Michael Koblic,
Campbell River, BC