Editing Pivot System (section)

===Bushing Tuning===

One of the main advantages of a traditional bushing system is that, when set up correctly, allows for a perfect tune: no tap, no play and completely free-swinging handles with no bind.

Tuning a traditional bushing system involves adjusting the length of the bushings, typically by sanding, untill it is only slightly longer than the thickness of the blade. If the bushing is too long, the blade will have too much side-to-side movement between the handles and in extreme cases, the blade will hit the handles and it will [[tap]]. If the bushing is too short, you will have [[Bind|bind]] because at that point, the bushing becomes useless and the balisong will behave as if it was running on a [[#Washer|washer-only]] system.

The optimal length for the bushing varies between balisong to balisong, blade to blade and even pivot hole to pivot hole (so never mix your bushings and always keep track of which bushing you have tuned for what pivot of what blade), but the optimal length is somewhere about 0.025mm (0.001in) longer than the blade. A good starting point is 0.030mm and then go from there. You must also be careful to not sand your bushing at an angle because this will make your balisong bind, but only in specific handle positions. Some community members tend to call uneven bushings "lopsided". There are measures and tools to counteract an uneven bushing. These measures and tools will get discussed in the [[#Lapping_Methods]] chapter.

====Lapping Surface====

You will need some surface on which you can lap your bushings.

=====Sand Paper=====

Most people use sandpaper. While sandpaper usually works just fine, it usually comes warped/curled, so you run the risk of making your bushing uneven because the side of the bushing which is closer tho the warped part of the sandpaper, will automatically have more pressure applied to it, making your bushing uneven. So if you want to use sandpaper, make sure to properly straighten it out before you start lapping your bushings. This can be done by bending the sandpaper in the other direction and/or by taping it down to a straight and sturdy surface. You will also need a hard, flat surface underneath the sandpaper, like a slab of marble. A wooden desk or countertop is not hard enough.

=====Sharpening Stone=====

Resin bonded diamond sharpening stones can be used as a premium and longer lasting lapping surface compared to [[#Sand_Paper|#Sand Paper]]. They allow for more security against uneven bushings and more consistent lapping since they get worn out a lot slower. 

 Stay away from cheap sharpening stones like those shown in this video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5shv-7m5Ic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5shv-7m5Ic], as they tend to develop a recess in the center over time which will make your bushings uneven. They also come with a range of other problems covered in the video. 

Here is a decent sharpening stone:

Amazon DE: [https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07GRWN1PV?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1 https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07GRWN1PV?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1]

Amazon US: [https://www.amazon.com/SHARPAL-Diamond-Whetstone-Storage-Sharpening/dp/B07GRWN1PV https://www.amazon.com/SHARPAL-Diamond-Whetstone-Storage-Sharpening/dp/B07GRWN1PV]

=====Grit=====

While you can successfully lap a bushing with only one grit size, at least two grit sizes are recommended: a coarse and a fine grit. Something like 325 and 1200 grit work just fine. You should use the low grit when you are far off your target bushing length, and the high grit when you are close, so that you do not accidentally overshoot your target and end up with an undersized bushing.

=====Strop=====

Regardless of whether you are using sandpaper or sharpening stones, you should also invest in a strop. Stropping helps reduce any [[bur]] that may form on the edges of the bushing during lapping and removes residue stuck to the surface. This results in a smoother, more consistent bushing surface.

Amazon DE: [https://www.amazon.de/-/en/SHARPAL-204N-Leather-Polishing-Sharpening/dp/B09KV5D79X https://www.amazon.de/-/en/SHARPAL-204N-Leather-Polishing-Sharpening/dp/B09KV5D79X]

Amazon US: [https://www.amazon.com/SHARPAL-204N-Polishing-Sharpening-Woodcarving/dp/B07WC1M411?th=1 https://www.amazon.com/SHARPAL-204N-Polishing-Sharpening-Woodcarving/dp/B07WC1M411?th=1]

You will probably also want to apply some stropping compound on your strop before using it.

Stroppystuff is a well-regarded brand for stropping compound, though the price reflects that. [https://stroppystuff.com/products/6-micron-mono-diamond-suspension-high-concentration-30ml https://stroppystuff.com/products/6-micron-mono-diamond-suspension-high-concentration-30ml]

Avoid chromium oxide oxide compounds, as they are not suitable for high-hardness stainless steels.

For more information on strops, watch this video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMnS1jU4904 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMnS1jU4904]. Even though it focuses on knife sharpening, much of it also applies to bushings.

====Lapping Methods====

There are different lapping methods depending on the tools you have. 

 Always lap only one side of the bushing. This keeps the bushing as flat as possible and makes it easier to fix the bushing if it becomes uneven.

Uneven bushings are extremely common, as factories usually dont sell perfectly flat bushings and all lapping methods will introduce some degree of unevenness. For a guide on how to minimize the risk of and fix uneven bushings, read [[#Uneven_Bushing]].

=====By Hand=====

If you have no lapping tools, you will have to lap the bushing by hand. Start by placing your bushing flat-side-down on your lapping surface and lap the bushing in a circular or figure-eight motion while applying even and constant pressure across the whole bushing. After a few motions, usually between 3 and 10 (in this example we will use 5), '''but always keep the number of motions the same''', rotate the bushing 90 degrees. Repeat this process three more times. In total you should have performed 4 rotations (ending back at your original position) and 20 circles or figure-eights (5 per rotation). This completes one pass. 

After you have completed one pass, you should [[#Strop]] the bushing. Use the exact same technique as described above, but with stropping, you do not have to follow the steps as precisely because stropping removes little to no material. After that, you should check if your bushing is uneven and make it even again as described here: [[#Uneven_Bushing]].

Check the tolerances as described in this chapter: [[#Checking_Tolerances|Checking Tolerances]] and repeat as needed.

=====[[KnifeDogs Pivot Lap]]=====

The KnifeDogs pivot lap includes one puck, multiple adapters and multiple plungers. Every plunger fits exactly one adapter perfectly. 

To begin, you first need to figure out which adapter fits your bushing. Start by try placing your bushing insde one of the the adapters. If the adapter hole is too small, try one one with a larger hole. If the bushing is loose inisde the adapter, pick an adapter with a smaller hole. If your bushing fits perfectly inside the adapter with little to no wiggle, you have the correct adapter. Next, you need to find the correct plunger. Use the same process as before, but instead but instead of putting the bushing into the adapter, you need to try putting the plunger into the adapter.

After you have found the correct adapter and plunger, place the puck on worn out 600-800 grit sand paper with the logo/text "KNIFEDOGS PIVOT LAP" facing toward you. It is very important that your sandpaper is already very worn out, as wearing the sandpaper out will create a much more even surface which will make producing even bushings much easier. Insert the adapter into the puck and place your bushing inside the adapter with the side that you want to sand, facing downward. Next, insert the plunger into the adapter so it sits on top of the bushing.

After that, press down on the plunger very lightly and on the puck very firmly and move the entire assembly in circles or figure eights across your lapping surface. The lighter you press down on the plunger and the more pressure you put on the puck, the more even your bushing will be. When you have just purchased the pivot lap, the adapter will have a small lip that will hold the bushing inside the adapter. This lip will gradually wear down with use, so be careful not to drop or lose the bushing when lifting up the pivot lap. After you have done a couple of circles or figure-eights, [[#Strop]] the bushing.

 Do not strop your bushing with the pivot lap as this will damage the strop. Always strop the bushing by hand with the stropping technique described near the end in the [[#By Hand]] chapter.

After that, you should check if your bushing is uneven and make it even again as described here: [[#Uneven_Bushing]].

Check the tolerances as described in this chapter: [[#Checking_Tolerances|Checking Tolerances]] and repeat as needed.

=====[[Nabalis_Bushing_Buddy|Nabalis Bushing Buddy]]=====

Place a white (soft) or black (hard) rubber ball inside the groove in the middle of the Bushing Buddy body and slide the sandpaper through the hat of the Bushing Buddy, so that some sticks out on both sides. At this point you can lube the grooves which are on the side of the bushing buddy for a smoother experience, but this is not necessary. Next, put your Bushing on top of the rubber ball, with the side you want to sand facing up. After that, put the hat on top of the body, making sure that the notches on the sides are aligned with the grooves. Then rotate the hat 10 times while applying light downward pressure from the top. 

After that, take the hat off and [[#Strop]] the bushing.

After that, you should check if your bushing is uneven and make it even again as described here: [[#Uneven_Bushing]].

Check the tolerances as described in this chapter: [[#Checking_Tolerances|Checking Tolerances]] and repeat as needed.