Ed, I haven't been on the site for a couple of days, and did not see your request on "tricks for bearing edges and tuning lugs".
First off, let me state I don't have any "tricks" - if a bearing edge is bad, there is little you can do (other than re-cutting - which requires skills, tools and knowledge that most drummers don't have). If a bearing edge is damaged, it is best to take it to a qualified drum tech (there aren't many) - at a respected drum shop. Trying to re-cut a bearing edge, without proper training can ruin the drums. If it is not a quality set of drums, the cost of re-cutting the edge may not make economic sense. If tuning lugs (or the casings) are damaged, it is best to replace them. However, there are maintenance steps which can be taken.
When I make reference to good bearing edge I mean an edge that is true (no damage, no uneven surfaces, etc.) Different drum makers have different angles on the edge - normally a bearing edge with a shaper angle creates a brighter tone with more attack (since there is less contact with the head). A more rounded bearing edge tends to give less attack but a "warmer tone" (since there is more contact with the head).
When putting on a new head, it is best to wipe off the edge and wipe off the rim (to remove dust, etc. Some drummers like to place a small wax coating on the edge to protect the wood (I however don't believe in this - since uneven wax buildup can compromise the edge). Obviously, don't lay the edge on an surface which can damage it (like a gravel driveway - I saw it happen)
As flier stated in a previous post, when placing the head on the edge it is important to "seat it properly" (which means the head sits evenly on the edge). I've heard drummers endorse the "heated rim" concept but I've never tried it myself. Short of heating the rim, it helps to "spin" the head to allow it to find where it wants to lay on the drum. Start with getting the lugs as tight as you can with finger pressure, then tighten the lugs in a star pattern (like you tighten lugs on a tire) to assure even tension. After the head has enough tension to remove the wringles, press down on the head to make it seat (this means grip the edge). Tighten more and press more until you get the tone you're looking for. I won't attempt to discuss proper tuning since there are many opinions and sources of information.
Regarding care and maintenance on the tuning lugs, keep them lubricated (some people use oil, grease, vasoline, (I like to place my lugs in a small container of a light weight oil - obviously just the threads) - but I've heard of drummers placing the lug casing and all in oil. When tightening the lug into the casing, make sure it goes in straight, if you feel resistance, back off and try again to make sure it catches the thread correctly - if the lugs or casings start to strip you will not get even tuning.
Some lugs tend to loosen more than others (in particular on the snare - where the head is hit in the same place). There are products called "lug locks" (which are simply square plastic tabs that fit on the lug) which can help address that problem.
Proper maintenance, goes a long way in keeping drums (or anything else) in good working order.
For the record, I too like a fairly open (resonant) drum sound, certainly on the toms. and I completely endorse replacing factory heads, and replacing worn heads, to get the best sound possible, and nothing replaces the ability to properly tune drums - but the fact remains that certain drums, rooms, ambient weather conditions, the location of the moon and a hundred other things can create the need for some tyoe of drum "treatment" - and although I hate the sound of drums that are "dampened" to the point of death, a well placed (small) piece of dampening material can be helpful, if not mandatory.
