How to tell when you need more compound?

[KennyB]

I've been putting my MDF/CrO strop through a lot of use, and I"m starting to notice little shiny and grey spots that I think are metal deposits. I'm wondering, how far can I let this go bfore I have to put some fresh CrO on?

 

[stitchawl]

If you want, you can put fresh compound right over it. It's the compound that's doing the cutting, not the surface below. If you prefer, you can clean off your strop first with lighter fluid, waterless hand cleaner, or WD-40, then put on some more compound. Some folks like to clean and sand their strops. Up to you. Either way will work.

Stitchawl

 

[tabeeb762]

I usually rub in fresh compound when the strop gets that glazed look

 

[Jason B.]

Rub it with a paper towel.

 

[kelbro]

Rub it with a paper towel.

...or a pink pencil eraser. Those work well for ceramic rods too.

 

[Jason B.]

Little different.

Depending on how much compound is existing on the surface and how much metal build up you can usually just rub it with a paper towel and "brush" off the surface exposing "new" compound.

 

[KennyB]

Little different.

Depending on how much compound is existing on the surface and how much metal build up you can usually just rub it with a paper towel and "brush" off the surface exposing "new" compound.

I'll give this a try, I was doing this with my finger, but some of the gray/shiny spots still remained. I bet it will work better with a paper towel though.