polishing bolsters with wood

[jrhart50]

Hi all you knife lovers.
My question is i wont to polish bolsters on a lock back folder and i don't know how to polish with out hearting the wood scales.
DO i finish the scales then attach after i have buffed or just be real careful.
The bolsters on the front are brass the bottom are N S.
the equipment i have is H.F. buffer a leather wheel and some linen tight stitch to loose wheels and white, black, and brown compound.
Thanks for any guidance all you guy's can give me.:jerkit:

 

[richard j]

try putting some tape on the wood but use some that painters use that wont leave the sticky glue behind.

 

[firebert]

I use masking tape, too (the delicate-surface stuff). I also hand finish, I'm afraid of screwing up if I use a machine.

 

[Patrickknives]

Work your bolsters and handles together until you can polish the bolster and still have a little sanding to do on the handle. This way you dont have to polish the edge of the bolster near the wood after you have a nice finish on the handle. The bolster on this folder is nickle silver and I had to sand and polish the pin area after assemble but the handle was all ready finished.

Also use good painters tape to protect the wood after finish.