Finishing MOP questions

M

markush

Joined
Mar 21, 2006
Messages
7
Hi guys, sorry if this has been covered before but i've been unable to find exactly what i would like to know.

I've never worked with MOP before and I want to replace the G10 portion of the handle on a Benchmade Activator with Mother of Pearl. I want to make it look more like one of Snodys original Sportsters so I will leave the Carbon Fiber bolsters in place. Can someone walk me through how to finish the MOP....considering the Carbon Fiber and MOP will both have to be finished at the same time what grit should i sand to and what buffing compounds should i finish up with?

Thanks for any help for this newbie.
 
Sand gently and don't let it get hot.Go to 400 grit.Polish with white rouge or no-scratch pink.Remember the MOP is softer than the G-10,so use a backing block on the sandpaper,and go slow.
MOP is not toxic in the poisonous sense (I have used that term before,it is a much debated topic) ,but is harmful to the lungs.Wear a good respirator and clean up all dust.
Stacy
 
Thanks so much Bladesmith that was exactly what i needed to know. I've read all the warnings about the dust part so i've got that part down.

The G-10 is what i'm replacing with MOP and am leaving the Carbon Fiber in place as bolsters. I've seen mention that Carbon Fiber should be sanded to at least 1200 grit. So 400 grit and white or no scratch pink will be fine on the Carbon Fiber also, right?
 
If you want a good finish take both the carbon and the pearl up to 2000 grit and then buff.
 
Beowulf,is correct.
Take it as high as you need to get the CF done (get a set of 3-M papers and go to 8000 if you want).
The mop will buff to a shine at any girt above 400.It is soft,so go easy when buffing with a wheel.A quick buff will put a real shine on it.Many buff MOP by hand.
Stacy
 
I get my best result from wet sanding to 1500 and then buffing with white compound....the wet sanding also helps with the toxic dust problem:D
 
Thanks everyone! I've posted this question to 2 other forums and this is the only place i got replies to it! You guys are great!

Stacy...buff by hand? Just put some compound on a rag or something?
 
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