New to knife work, need recommendation for dremel polishing wheels

M

Markdashrk77

Joined
Jan 15, 2023
Messages
5
I’m new to working on my knives. I have a dremel tool and I want to remove scratches off my EDC blades. Not sure what kind of abrasive dremel dish I should use
 
I was just looking into cratex today, there's also silicon polishing wheels and rubber tips for a rotary tool. There's also something called 'Bright Boy' which is apparently designed for that
check out a jeweller's tool supply, there's all sorts of neat stuff out there
 
Speaking from experience, anything lower grit than a cotton wheel with polishing compound will cause more problems than it fixes. I've tried various jeweler's tips as well. Best to just use sandpaper.
 
Bill and I have about 100 years of combined experience with flex shaft and Dremel type wheels. They will ruin the blade but leaving an ugly surface. There are many things they do well, but removing scratches is not one of them. You can do some light buffing with a 1" loose muslin or cotton buffing wheel and tripoli followed by a clean wheel charged with rouge (I use matchless white).

Hand sand the scratches out is the best option. Start with 120 grot and go up the grits to at least 400. The 3-M polishing papers (they come in color coded packs). Besides the knife suppliers, you can get them from Walmart.com.
1673866355409.png
 
Last edited:
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
Bill and I have about 100 years of combined experience with flex shaft and Dremel type wheels. They will ruin the blade but leaving an ugly surface. There are many things they do well, but removing scratches is not one of them. You can do some light buffing with a 1" loose muslin or cotton buffing wheel and tripoli followed by a clean wheel charged with rouge (I use matchless white).

Hand sand the scratches out is the best option. Start with 120 grot and go up the grits to at least 400. The 3-M polishing papers (they come in color coded packs). Besides the knife suppliers, you can get them from Walmart.com.
View attachment 2047937
Click to expand...
Thank you, so dremel just better for polishing?
 
A dremel of foredom is handy for lots of tasks, I use it all the time.
A flexible shaft is a good addition to a dremel. I had mine hanging on a curtain rail behind me.
I used up a Dremel, then bought a Foredom
 
Hengelo_77 said:
A dremel of foredom is handy for lots of tasks, I use it all the time.
A flexible shaft is a good addition to a dremel. I had mine hanging on a curtain rail behind me.
I used up a Dremel, then bought a Foredom
Click to expand...
I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on a flex shaft unit. All things being equal, would you go for either more power, or the ability to run it in reverse?
 
the most powerful option in my price range is 1/4hp, or 1/6hp with reverse
 
Lorien said:
I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on a flex shaft unit. All things being equal, would you go for either more power, or the ability to run it in reverse?
Click to expand...
I just had a look. I have a European 220V Foredom. Mine is 230W which is app 1/3 HP and goes max 18.000RPM

I use the reverse function mainly when shaping handles with sanding drums. (router bits don't work in reverse)
I'd go for power if I had to choose between reverse and power.
 
Check the flea bay. I bought a used one and put new brushes in it for pennies on the dollar. Flex shift is a must!
 
There are some very low-priced clones of the Foredom felxshafts. I hear they are great for hobby users. They have them in 1/3Hp and reversable for about half what a real Foredom costs.
Walmart sells (walmart . com) sells a brand called VEVOR with a a 780 watt unit costing about what half a dozen good belts cost. I suspect for a hobby user it will fill the bill.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top