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Does anyone have any experience in using a lapping compound called "Timesaver" ? Would it be appropriate for pistons and tuning slides?

I've used it in the past to lap in babbitt bearings on crankshafts, and I was able to get them to within .0015. It worked great for that application, anyway.

I've got some fine and extra fine here (yellow) that I could use, or should I get some compound specifically sold for brass instrument applications?

I'd be very cautious about that. Babbitt bearings are a very different thing than instrument valves. They're a soft alloy, and lapping them is very different from lapping piston valves. It might work just fine, but it might also ruin your pistons or casings.

If you can lay your hands on a junk horn, you could see what happens with the compound, but I wouldn't jump in with it on a horn you want to use without testing.

From the lack of responses, I'll have to assume that nobody here is familiar with this product.

I thought it might be useful because it is billed as being "non imbedding", and that it dissolves into an inert material that doesn't continue to cut after it's broken down.

I'll just get myself a can of Clover lapping compound and be done with it......

Any recommendations on grit?

Stay away from any lapping compound unless you know exactly what the grit consists of. Clover is fine for steel but I've found it a bit harsh for precision lapping.

I use garnet lapping powder in three different grits... 600, 900, and 1200. I think the last I bought came from Smith. It won't imbed like the pumice compounds can.

Good tip - thanks, Dan.