Sorry about the number of questions here
I want to have a go at making a barrel lap as per this discussion **LINK**
and associated links.
What I'd like more info on, please, is
a) the degree of taper on the lap spindle..it looks from the pics around 4-5 degs
b) if I have a go at making my own taper reamer for the lap expander then is this best made as a tapered hex, as a midline fluted round taper or fluted off centre from the round? I'm guessing for say a 15mm lap it's tapering reamer would have 1-1.5mm grooves? If they're cut off centre then endmill size is academic.
c)Is the lap itself best made with it's own internal taper or as a sleeve on a separate lap expander which then adds the question of depth of the slits. Since the lap carrier (or one piece lap) has varying depth to internal taper I'm guessing the slot and slits need to follow that?
Can one just slit an expander and then slot and slit a lap sleeve?
d) If lapping with diamond powder then the best carrier..oil or water?
As ever I appreciate your wisdom
pgk