Advice Needed: Alternative methods to finishing damascus.

[RobThomasDamascus]

For years we have been using a belt grinder with a 400 grit belt to prepare our damascus for etching. That grit seems to produce the best results. The challenge we have now is that more and more damascus is being used on products that either don't have flat surfaces or have grooves that a belt grinder cant reach.

Is there anyone that knows of alternative ways to get a 400 grit finish (or close to) without using a belt grinder. For example. If you machined a putter, how would you prepare the surfaces before you etched them?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you

 

[Bill DeShivs]

See my thread on buffing. I would use Jantz 380 grit greaseless compound on a sewn muslin wheel- or whatever wheel you need to get into crevices.
Bead blasting might be another option.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

The above plus flap wheel sanding.

 

[jdm61]

Scotchbrite flap wheel?

 

[Willie71]

Would tumbling work?

 

[RobThomasDamascus]

Appreciate that Bill, we will give it a try!

 

[RobThomasDamascus]

Not sure if tumbling would work or not, we have no experience with a tumbler

 

[RobThomasDamascus]

Flap wheel wouldnt be able to get into some of the grooves that we would need it to. Good suggestion though. thank you

 

[Phillip Patton]

Cratex wheels?