Strop compounds - New Member

[stitchawl]

The black Ryobi 'Emery Buffing Compound' I have is listed at 1-3 microns, as labelled on the tube. It applies much 'coarser', as the hard/waxy binder is very clumpy/chunky; sort of a pain applying to softer surfaces like leather (I use it on paper over glass/wood). Once in use, though, it's very fast in cleaning up the scratches and finishing at near-mirror, more commensurate with it's rated grit size. Reminds me a lot of the 1µ & 3µ diamond pastes from DMT, in that regard.

(HH's post above does remind me, a lot of the black compounds are indeed emery, a.k.a. naturally-occurring aluminum oxide; also known as 'corundum'.)


David

If you are having trouble using the hard or chunky stuff, just put it in the microwave for about 5-10 seconds. It will smooth right out for you.


Stitchawl

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

If you are having trouble using the hard or chunky stuff, just put it in the microwave for about 5-10 seconds. It will smooth right out for you.


Stitchawl

My 'chunky' compound & I have come to an agreement now, and we're getting along better.

I've been using it on paper-over-wood (sometimes use textured paper), and it's easier to apply well enough that way. The harder-backed paper scrubs it off the stick more aggressively, and it also seems to embed into the paper better. Works great too.


David

 

[foxhunter2]

How to turn chunky' compound in to liquid compound

Thanks

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

How to turn chunky' compound in to liquid compound

Thanks

Assuming this is a question(?). If so, it can be softened (at least) by warming it, as suggested by Stitchawl. Some have also used a little bit of mineral oil rubbed onto the stick or the stropping surface to soften it as it's 'crayoned' onto the strop. I think that's generally the easiest way, when applying it to leather in particular. WD-40 could be used in the same manner. Not sure it can be liquified easily, due to the waxy binders in it. Maybe by heating to a higher temperature and mixing/pressing/grinding it to break up all the chunks, though that may not be worth the extra trouble. Softening it and crayoning onto the leather, just by warming it a little, or using a little oil/WD-40 as described, is much easier.


David

 

[SA Condor]

Grits and Microns?

Bark River Knife compounds: black (3,000 grit), green (6,000 grit) and white (12,000 grit) sharpening/buffing compounds.

Very helpful, thanks! I have some of the green and black compounds from Bark River on their way in the mail, but I couldn't find their grit equivalent anywhere. Thanks again!