Belts or buffs? Best method of buffing?

[Brett Bennett]

I am sure this is subjective, but I would like to know how you guys rank the following in effectiveness and ease of use: buffs, cork belts, and felt belts.

Thanks,
Brett

 

[L6steel]

Use an extremely worn 500 or 600 grit belt to get a blade as shiney as possible to minimize your time on the buffer. Using a buffing wheel to shine a knife can very easily and quickly ruin clean sharp grind lines and also cause ,what I call a stria to appear in the steel. I've dealt with this problem ever since I started making knives, but now that I'm using a worn 500 grit belt and some formax 122 belt dressing, all I have to do on the buffer is just a swipe or two to get a super nice shine. Take care!! Michael

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Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel

 

[Nathan House]

I would like to know were to get Formax 122
from for belt dressing on a worn belts for the last step before buffing.give me some input

 

[george tichbourne]

Belts always leave a line pattern, no matter what type. The slightly loose surface of the buff is necessary to get a high mirror finish without these fine lines. In the metal polishing trade we say the loose fibre ends "wiggle" a little as you buff and prevent a line pattern forming.



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george
www.tichbourneknives.com
sales@tichbourneknives.com