[JustJeff]

This is a noob question, but what are the circled rings on the irons called?

Those of course need to be removed for lapping and then I assume simply pressed back in after lapping. I talked to the machine shop about doing the lapping, but I don't think they really want to do the work. Owner said (what I already knew) that those would need to come out so the iron can lay flat for the lapping....but didn't offer or say "we can pull those for you" Do they come as easily as getting some Vice Grips and working them loose?

I didn't even ask the machine shop costs on having the iron lapped cause instinct tells me that if I can find a replacement that is in spec that is going to be the best moneys spent. I left the shop thinking, "It's an option, but not the best options...I'll find a used iron." Problem is that irons and housings are getting very hard to find. I suspect that with 20 yr old parts that rotary shops are buying up the parts and holding them. The flooding in Japan certainly doesn't help matters.

If I do have 0.001 lapped, should I also be re-nitrating? I wouldn't think I'd have to. That surface is 0.004 thick which still leaves me 0.003 of material.