Edge Pro Mirror Polish Question

zatch

zatch

Joined
Sep 6, 2008
Messages
460
Alright, couple of quick questions on the Edge Pro and obtaining a mirror polish.

The first time I considered finishing with a mirror polish, I bought a polish blank and some 2000 grit polish tapes (the ones sold by Edge Pro). It worked really well with the combination stones I had (120, 220, 320, 800, 2000) - I was able to get burrs with each stone and the final edge looked great and cut very smoothly.

I got rid of the edge pro and ended up buying another one but this time with a different combination of stones (120, 220, 320, 1000, 7000) and using the 7000 grit polish tapes. I was expecting the same if not better polish than using the 2000 grit tape but this is not so. No matter how much I vary in technique I always end up with a super dull polish with the 7000 grit tape - It looks ok from a distance but up close I can still see scratches.

My guess is, I either am moving too quickly through the stones, especially from the 320 to 1000 to 7000. Or, and this might be it too, I am trying to jump too quickly in stones - 320 to 1000 might be too big a jump, or 1000 to 7000 might be too big. Anyone have thoughts on this?

Also, I go through 120 stones like my girlfriend goes through shoes :mad:. Anyone have an alternative to the 120 stone? I re profile everything - a diamond alt. would be cool.

Thanks in advance to responses!:thumbup:
 
First it sounds like your using too much pressure with your 120 if you are wearing through them that quickly. And second i think the 1000 to 7000 jump is to big. Get the 3000 polishing tape and you will have much better success. Also by reducing pressure one the 120 it will reduce the depth of the scratches making them easier to get out with the following stones.

Just reread your original post and I think the 320 to 1000 is also bit much. I have the 600 inbetween and makes a difference for sure.
 
Unless your 7000 tape is contaminated or miss labeled, I suspect that you are moving too fast through your range of grit sizes. Make sure that the previous scratch pattern is removed before advancing.
 
I agree with everyone so far. Get a 600 grit stone. Also, use a 2000 or 3000 grit tape before going to the 7000.

Some people mount 2x6 inch course DMT's to edge pro blanks for reprofiling purposes. The wider stone profiles better IMO.
 
I agree. Get a 600 stone and maybe pick up some 2000 and 3000 grit tapes. With the standard apex 4 kit i get mirror edges.
 
Thanks for the replys. I will look into the DMT stone for re profiling, that sounds like a great idea.

I also think that I use too much pressure (especially on the 120). After each stone, I always remark the edge to make sure I'm on the same spot which, may be a little too anal. I check to make sure the scratch pattern is gone from the previous stone but maybe I am moving a little too quick? I'll pay more attention to next time.

Hopefully some new stones will help me out! Thanks!
 
Forget about the 120.
Buy of him the fine diamond stone, but remember that it is used "dry".
Don't use the diamond stone on a good knife when the stone is still new.
Buy a cheap kitchen knife, if you don' have one and re-shape it's edge to a low angle so that the stone will see a large amount of metal.
When it's ready, the stone will feel quite smooth, but don't be fooled, it has still a mean cut on metal. This just stops the really deep scratches you get from the surface diamond particles which will be knocked off after a bit of use. that's why you use it on an old or cheap knife first.
Follow with 220, 600, 1000......
 
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