Mirror finish

mattd

mattd

Joined
Oct 6, 2003
Messages
252
I have tried on three consecutive knives to create a mirror finish. I have tried using very fine grits on my grinder and I have tried different platens. I have done a nice finish using paper that badbamaump so kindly sent to me. I liked the results but didn't like the hand sanding part. I watched a video where Loveless made a drop hunter and he put a mirror finish on his knife useing two buffing wheels and some compound. I have seen him do this so I know its possible but what are the pros and cons? What is the best buffer for a small budget and can a guy buy a bench grinder and change from buffing wheels to grinding wheels? what and best place to buy compound? Thanks for reading this, I would be greatful for any advice on this subject.
 
Matt,

I grind to 800 grit, hand finish to about 1500 grit and sometimes 2000 grit, buff with green compound and sometimes black compound before buffing with the green. I built a double shaft buffer/variable speed and would recommend a buffing speed no greater than 1800 RPM (for saftey reasons). For me, the buffer is where the magic happens. It takes a good bit of buffing for me but both sides can be done in an hour or less depending on the hand finishing. I also use white compound for handle buffing and finish buffing on guards and bolsters and other furniture.

I get my buffing wheels and compounds from Pop.

Buffers are DANGEROUS if taken for granted.

RL
 
For those on a budget the best thing is to scrounge for a motor . I bought a two wheel grinder assembly then hooked that up to an old washing machine motor. I have a buffer that is an old coffee grinder. The old guys on the forum might remember in supermarkets like A&P the had coffee grinders , you could buy whole beans or have it ground for you. Makes a perfect buffer.
 
Thanks for reminding me on Christmas Eve how old I am Mete !!! I can still smell those grinders and I miss it.

RL
 
Hmmmm... I have a old diswasher motor that I saved for reasons unknown. Would it work for rigging up a buffer?
 
Hey, mete, you're not saying there are A&P's still around, are you? I thought that chain disappeared longer ago than I wanna admit to myself... :)

I always enjoyed that, getting to grind a bag of beans to take home. Like Roger said, that really rich smell that surrounded that aisle... cool memory, thanks!
 
No, A&P no longer exists except in memories. But my comment is is bringing all you old guys out of the woodwork !!! That's one advantage we oldtimers have - memories.
 
probably the cheapest and easiest way will be to buy a felt belt for your belt sander. They're not too expensive and you can use the buffing compounds on 'em. I have done this with many knives and still use it every once in a while for specific applications.

Yes, a buffer is better, but it's also more $$ and moves a heckuva lot faster! :eek:

If you think you want one, I can look in my notes to see where I got mine (been a while)...

Dan
 
Ok, I have the washing machine motor (which I assume will operate only at one speed).

What's the best way to set up the buffer? What do I need? What kind of parts, wheels, etc.?

I have a small drill press that has different sized cams in the top. You can switch the belt and thereby change the RPM. I imagine this would be one way to make the buffer variable speed. Other ways?
 
Matt, I can't believe you didn't like hand rubbing a blade ;)

Hand rubbing isn't that bad if you make up a set of sticks. The proper tools will make it a LOT easier. I have 3 different "sticks" I use to hand rub:

A draw knife looking one that I use to sand the length of the blade

A "dog bone" (with the knuckles cut off one end) I use to sand widthwise

A draw knife looking one with leather glued to it for my final finish.

We used to have A/P's down here (I remember the green stamps booklets) and Big Bears.
 
key to mirror finish is from step one to the end.

Are you grinding on a rubber wheel???

If you dont grind flat and true you will have big dips, and if you dont get all the scratches from the previous belt out every time you switch grits you will have deep scratches........its not about how you finish the knife but your technique and what you do in EVERY SINGLE STEP
 
Dittos to Tom's comment. I use a Magnivisor when hand rubbing.

Matt thanks for the compliment about my site. I need to get some more knives on there though.
 
I DONT HAVE MUCH ON EQUIPMENT AND I MANAGE TO PRODUCE SOME NICE KNIFES
WITH MY 4 INCH BELT SANDER AND BUFFING ON MY BENCH GRINDER, JUST BUY
A BUFFING WHEEL AND SLAP IT ON, I USE 3 DIFFERENT GRITS OF COMPONDS,
BE CAREFUL!!!! HIGH RPMS ON THE BENCH GRINDERS, BUT I DO GET A MIRROR
FINISH. I KNOW WHAT YOU GUYS ARE THINKING, I NEED BETTER EQUIPMENT AND I AGREE, I WILL PICK YOUR BRAINS AND START AQUIRING SOME MORE STUFF.
 
Matt,

In a pinch, a couple of 4" buffing wheels on a 1/2" X 3" bolt with a couple of washers and a nut work well enough when chucked in your drill press. Just make sure your press is on its highest speed.

Take Care
Dean
 
Originally posted by fetz
I DONT HAVE MUCH ON EQUIPMENT AND I MANAGE TO PRODUCE SOME NICE KNIFES
WITH MY 4 INCH BELT SANDER AND BUFFING ON MY BENCH GRINDER, JUST BUY
A BUFFING WHEEL AND SLAP IT ON, I USE 3 DIFFERENT GRITS OF COMPONDS,
BE CAREFUL!!!! HIGH RPMS ON THE BENCH GRINDERS, BUT I DO GET A MIRROR
FINISH. I KNOW WHAT YOU GUYS ARE THINKING, I NEED BETTER EQUIPMENT AND I AGREE, I WILL PICK YOUR BRAINS AND START AQUIRING SOME MORE STUFF.
Click to expand...

you mean they make reg buffers??:confused: :D
and all this time I've been using bench grinders for buffers :)

one of them I used to use to grind my blades.
that left a mark,,,, or three...:D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top