Cleaning buffingwheels ?

P.K.Hansen

P.K.Hansen

Joined
Aug 8, 1999
Messages
402
I just threw my buffingwheels in the washingmachine, and they came out pretty nice. But there's still some wax and stuff on a few of them. Not much, but it's there. What do you use to clean them ?
I thought about putting them back on the buffer and then using something to "cut" them clean - but what ? I don't want to loose any fingers while doing this ;)
 
:cool:...I use an old hand rip saw blade that I've had around for 40 years or so...Works great...Jus' run those teeth across the buffer face and it's like new...:D

 
:cool:...Simple solutions from simple minds...:eek::eek:...Maybe I should rephrase that ...:p...Glad I could be of service...LOL...:D
 
P.K.Hansen said:
I just threw my buffingwheels in the washingmachine, .....
Click to expand...

The buffing wheels may be the least of your problem. You probably need a good divorce lawyer now. That compound will likely be showing up on laundry for months to come. :eek:

Rob!
 
There's a tool for this that's likely safer to use than a sawblade. They call it a buff rake and you can usually find them at your local Home Depot/Lowes/etc.

-d
 
Listen to Deker - Buff Rake.
As well, I use probably 6 or 7 different wheels - one for each compound. Don't mix 'em up and you shouldn't need to clean like you describe.
I even use one for antler-only and one for wood-only. Both compound free.
 
I use only one compound for each buffing wheel since each compound is a specific grit. Black wheel gets black compound, green the green and white the white, and one wheel has no buffing compound at all. Store them separately so they don't get contaminated by the different compounds.
By doing this buffing is easier and faster and less likely to have problems with scratches & clouding.

Periodically I rake the wheel with an old hacksaw blade, those ones about a foot long and an inch wide. While the wheel spins run the teeth over the wheel to get the gunk off. This helps to hold the compound on better afterwards.

Alternatively make your own rake from a piece of bar stock, by cutting teeth into it with your bandsaw, then heat treat it and put a handle on each end for a good grip.
 
Bufford said:
I use only one compound for each buffing wheel since each compound is a specific grit. Black wheel gets black compound, green the green and white the white, and one wheel has no buffing compound at all. Store them separately so they don't get contaminated by the different compounds.
By doing this buffing is easier and faster and less likely to have problems with scratches & clouding.
Click to expand...

This is the way I do it in my shop as well. This knife maker is doing it the right way. And buff rake it as well. I also put bags on the wheel when I am not using it. Work great here. :)
 
I cleaned my buffer 7 years ago and havent had to clean it since.

Unbolted the whole machine and tossed it in the dumpster. Cheap bourban and buffers didnt mix :D. A nurse friend and neighbor got tired of stitching me up all the time.
 
Yes covering the wheels or putting them in a drawer is a good idea. Knifemaking is very dusty and dirty even with the exhaust and dust collectors running. This accumulates on the wheels and contaminates them. Cleanliness is important for a mirror finish, and makes this final step easier.
 
Mark Williams said:
I cleaned my buffer 7 years ago and havent had to clean it since.

Unbolted the whole machine and tossed it in the dumpster. Cheap bourban and buffers didnt mix :D. A nurse friend and neighbor got tired of stitching me up all the time.
Click to expand...

Mistake. You should have tossed the cheap bourbon in the dumpster and sent me the buffer.;)
 
Sam, I'm everywhere :D
Tried the saw yesterday, and that worked fine. I'll try to find one of those rakes over here though.
 
Mark Williams said:
I cleaned my buffer 7 years ago and havent had to clean it since.

Unbolted the whole machine and tossed it in the dumpster. Cheap bourban and buffers didnt mix :D. A nurse friend and neighbor got tired of stitching me up all the time.
Click to expand...

YES!!! I haven't used a buffer for a few years now. It now sits in the corner collecting dust.

Craig
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top