Editing Pivot System (section)

====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.