Buffing/Polishing Help

etp777

etp777

Joined
Aug 12, 2002
Messages
2,259
Ok, time for me to buy some buffing wheels and compounds here, and want some input. Realize I'm going to have a nice size investment here to get everything I need, but want to do it right from start, so i don't waste any money.

Not looking at mirror polishing blades yet, though I guess that's possibility in future(prefer a satin or hand rubbed finish).

But do want a good shine on guards/bolsters(Copper, brass and 416 SS)

and on anything else I might be polishing up.

So a good set of advice on basic polishing/buffing setup would be aprpeciated.

Using a Grizzly buffer/sander, so I'm running a 5/8" arbor at 1725 rpm
 
Sewn buff wheels the same size as your grinding wheel if you are hollow grinding. K&G sells their own green compound (it's a bit pricy) and they say it's the best for shining up stainless. I've used a couple others and I think it is too. Masters green chrome also is good. Then I have one just for wax. Use a different buff wheel for each compound.
 
Store all of your buffing wheels in ziplock bags to keep dust from messing up your finishes.
 
Like was said above. On the sewn wheels, don't get spiral sewn, but concentric sewn.
Spiral sewn buffs bounce like crazy, and I was never able to true mine up.:eek:

Get a loose buff or two also. I use them on handles, and other items that I don't want overbuffed. Harder buffs can undercut your handles around pins and bolts very easily.

I've had great luck with glued up wheels too. Very stiff on the sides, and soft at the face.

I would keep the sizes at 8X1", and 10X1", but that's just me.
Mark what compound is used on the outside of each buff, and keep it in it's own ziploc bag when not in use.
Get a good wheel rake to clean the buffs with, and use it regularly.

I use white compound600/800 grit aprox., and green SS compound.
I have the more aggressive dark brown, almost black compound, but just don't use it.

I use the white mainly on handles.
For brass, you might want to get the rouge(red) compound.

Get a catalog or two from some knifemakers supply houses, the compounds are explained in them.

There is also some good buffing info in this link.
http://www.caswellplating.com/
 
Check out Pop's supplies for wheels and compound.
http://www.popsknifesupplies.com/buff.html
I normally use Matchless white for handles and hardware. For steel I'll go black, green, then mirror white. I never had much luck with pink for some reason. Also, I leave my wheels on the buffer but, cover the buffers when not in use.
 
This is just the subject I have been wondering about. I now know I want buffing wheels for each compound. How many buffing wheels per compound? Those on Pop's seem mighty thin. Do y'all not use two or three to make them thicker?
 
I normally use three, except on the "black" wheel. I usually only use that for larger blades so I have four on that one. Just my preference.
 
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