Keeping it clean

canranger

canranger

Joined
Feb 11, 2004
Messages
467
I have been doing a few handles in liter coloured G10s and Micartas and when I go to buff them it seems that the buffing compound causes them to get a dirty look to them and I can't get it out but to start over and sand again.
Any tips on how to buff these up??

Abe
 
I've had the same problem with acrylics. My solution was simply to slow the buffer way down and to be sure to use a soft buffing wheel and compound that hasn't seen metal. I did this by using a worn wheel that was something like 4" diameter instead of the new 8" diameter. I only hit it very quickly on the fluffy edges of the wheel and quickly pull it back off to let the plastic cool. That technique seems to work well for me. I've seen some folks that make wood and plastic pens use a fluffy paint roller on a lathe as a buffer with good results. The small diameter keeps speeds in check. I made some plastic mandrels that use a #2 Morse Taper to fit their lathe and a tailstock at the other end to hold the roller. A lot of people had good results with those.
 
I will give that a try in the shop first thing tomorrow


George sorry for the delay there was unforseen complication I will fill you in on later.

Abe
 
Don't use ANY buffing compound at all. Don't ever try to use a buffer to do your work for you.
Take your handle material through the grits fully each time removing ALL scrathces of the previous grit - 220 - 400 - 800 - 1500 - 2000. Then buff lightly with a clean wheel that's never had any compound on it. Do the same with stabilized wood handles.
You'll find they come out beautifully.
Also, with no compound, you generate less heat and deffinitely remove less material. Even though we are talking about a small amount, the compound "cuts" away material and leaves transitions between guards and handles, pins/bolts and the surface around them, etc.
 
I do the same as kbaknife. Try it and you will agree. Buffers should never take the place of sanding and who wants to jam colored grease into a beautiful handle?
 
Same with me. Hand sand all the way up to 2500 grit. Alot of my knives never touch the buffer. It takes me 4 to 5 hours of hand sanding per knife but its worth it.
 
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