Gunsmithing Diamond Paste grit?

[aussie mick]

Good evening gents,

I use diamond lapping paste for several tasks in making my own swage dies. Usually used after heat treating to lap the ID of the die for a mirror finish. I have also used it for machining equipment such as lapping gibs and dovetails.

Anyway, I am considering its use in lapping 1911 slides and areas on rifles and shotguns that may have a less than perfect casting of the part.

Anyone here using diamond lapping paste for the above purposes? If so, would you be kind enough to share the grit/ micron size you are using.

Mike

 

[seanh]

Re: Diamond Paste grit?

I've used DP before but don't remember all the grits used. I believe some stuff was 5 micron though I don't really recall.

I used it in chambers, some action stuff but ended up abandoning it in much of the areas. Chambers were too polished and the cases would stick a bit.

Slide to frame fit,if you're to the point where you're using DP then it's likely when the gun starts heating up and getting dirty you'll get a slide that sticks...at least that was my experience.

I used it on some bolt races and lugs which made it very smooth.

I'm not saying it doesn't work, it does and can cut fast. Maybe I didn't use proper techniques and didn't give it time to work for me.

Maybe someone else can give you some better information.