Buffing soap as honing

[deverett]

Looking on eBay for some lapping compound, one advertiser is suggesting that buffing soap is suitable for lapping.

I've never heard of using buffing soap for lapping. Have I been missing something, or what? But when you think about it, there probably is no reason why it could not be used, after all it is a fine abrasive.

Dave
The Emerald Isle

 

[Swifty]

I have used auto cutting compound (used for restoring faded paint). Works well for lapping tight items.

Paul.

 

[deverett]

I have heard of Brasso and even toothpaste being used to finish off bores. Auto paint cutting compound would fit into the same category, so as I thought originally, buffing soap would probably work.

So thanks for your confirmation, Swfty.

Dave
The Emerald Isle

 

[GWRdriver]

I have heard of Brasso and even toothpaste being used to finish off bores. Auto paint cutting compound would fit into the same category

I have heard this also, and have used both, but my results were disappointing . . . in that they both took quite a bit of time and ultimately had very little effect. IIRC (from long ago) automotive compounds come in two kinds, RUBBING compound which is colored (tannish to red) and POLISHING compound which is usually white. The polishing compound is what I currently use and it has worked well for me, but one must be careful to flush and remove all residue from the bores to prevent scratching. In the US we have something called "Time-Saver" compounds which are self-flushing (for lack of a better term) in that the abrasive in the compound will decompose (also for lack of a better term) during honing and eliminate the worry of abrasive residue. I haven't tried any of this.

 

[jixxerbill]

depending where you are at i have aluminum oxide compounds in 320,600,1000 grit from american lap company. its petroleum based carrier. when i purchased it i got the half-quart containers, i didnt know that it takes very little to do the job. i have been using it for about 3 years making small dies and you cant tell i even opened them lol... i live in southern west virginia, i could mail it to you too. just have to find something small and tight seal on it to mail it in.. bill

 

[jgedde]

What about hardware store available rottenstone mixed with oil?

John