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Years ago when the needles did not have rubber tips and both parts were solid brass it was replaced as a machined set.

I believe you are referring to the float needle with a rubber tip(?) I'm talking about the seat for the needle jet; the needle inside the throttle piston (or throttle valve or whatever is the proper term). I just noticed when you buy a new needle from Honda or a rebuild kit for the carburetor it comes with one.

Have patience with me-- I have always been fortunate enough to just swap jets or shim a needle here and there. I've never completely rebuilt one of these carburetors before; I figured it would be a good project this summer

Then my mistake. Sorry for the confusion. Sounds like you have a handle on it.