Issues with Rhinowet red

[quint]

So some help here. I always hand finish the knifes I work on and have been using the various 3m wet and dry from the auto parts stores but that is freakin expensive. So I ordered a bunch of the Rhinowet red going off several guys here say its pretty good.

So its good at taking the metal off it seems. Loads up a little easier then the stuff I was using. My main issue is I cant seem to get a even sand with it. Either it starts out putting down some uneven looking sand lines or the little hooks showup really bad.

My process is similar to the tutorials here on the forum. Various sanding blocks, I use the spray remoil, clean work area all that stuff. I wanted to do just a satin 600 or 800 grit finish on a couple of blades but cant get that even look to it.

Any suggestions for working with this stuff or do I just need to keep working at it and try to get use to it.

Thanks.

 

[PT Doc]

What about going to 800 then returning to 600? Does that still look inconsistent?

 

[Russ Andrews]

To get rid of the "J"....or turn around marks...you need to apply pressure in one direction only..
regardless of brand or grit....

Also...are you using a lube..?......that will make a huge difference in the appearance of 'your finish.

 

[Frank Niro]

Here's what I found works pretty good for me. If I'm working on carbon steel or carbon steel Damascus I use a few drops of Mobile1 oil ; if I'm sanding on stainless I use a small spray of WD-40 with each grit change. Frank

 

[quint]

Thanks guys Ill look at trying some different lubricant and keep an eye on my technique. Doc good idea Ill give that a go.

Russ its not just the J hooks but also the straight lines, just getting those consistent has been a little troubling.

Thanks for the input, I am taking a brake and gonna get back to it.

 

[PT Doc]

To get rid of the "J"....or turn around marks...you need to apply pressure in one direction only..
regardless of brand or grit....

Also...are you using a lube..?......that will make a huge difference in the appearance of 'your finish.

Any lube recommendations for working on aluminum?

 

[Russ Andrews]

Any lube recommendations for working on aluminum?

I have next to zero experience with hand finishing aluminum.....but, given it's soft, almost
sticky nature I'd guess an oil lube like WD40, a fairly light touch and frequent new grit...

Also, as with any paper, make sure the lube you use does not desolve the glue behind the
abrasive. If it does, grit can come loose and roll ,...leaving a gouge.

 

[PT Doc]

I have next to zero experience with hand finishing aluminum.....but, given it's soft, almost
sticky nature I'd guess an oil lube like WD40, a fairly light touch and frequent new grit...

Also, as with any paper, make sure the lube you use does not desolve the glue behind the
abrasive. If it does, grit can come loose and roll ,...leaving a gouge.

The gummy nature has thrown me a curve. I think getting clean abrasive or steel wool is key. I'll try the wd40 next time.

 

[AVigil]

WD40 works great as a lubricant for aluminum. I use it all the time and it is a god send when milling that stuff as well.

 

[HallHandmade]

Any lube recommendations for working on aluminum?

The best I've found is "Tap Magic Aluminum". It's a bit smelly and needs gloves, but one probably ought to wear gloves with wd40 or Mobil 1 as well.

WD40 has a similar effect with aluminum, but the tap magic aluminum is noticeably better. The regular tap magic is excellent as well, I keep a small can of each next to my mill.

 

[coldsteelburns]

What you could do since you more comfortable usng it is, use the rhyno wet to sand through most all of the grits but one or two, then switch to 3m paper and just use one or two grits for the final.. that way you don't have to stock up big time on the 3m wet n dry.. all you would need are the two grits that you most often finish with.. I dunno, Just a thought

-Paul

 

[Frank Niro]

Well now, I went to sleep thinking more about this and realize I had the same problem with another brand. I was getting those same deep scratches all running the length of the blade. I decided that one of the paper sizes was contaminated with a higher grit size. When I changed to another brand, I was able to get the results I expected. Frank