I don't have a polishing wheel. So...
Also know there are different types of wheels. I use only two compounds, but two different type wheels. 6" cutting cloth wheel to start, and an 8" low-RPM finishing wheel to get a mirror polish. Harbor freight has a decent bench grinder that takes the 6" buffing wheels for cheap. Worth every penny.
Quote from: gerleatherberman on January 20, 2018, 02:55:32 AMAlso know there are different types of wheels. I use only two compounds, but two different type wheels. 6" cutting cloth wheel to start, and an 8" low-RPM finishing wheel to get a mirror polish. Harbor freight has a decent bench grinder that takes the 6" buffing wheels for cheap. Worth every penny.Yeah I forgot say I use hard felt wheel for the more abrasive compound and they get softer the closer to the final finish
Quote from: Smashie on January 20, 2018, 02:59:25 AMQuote from: gerleatherberman on January 20, 2018, 02:55:32 AMAlso know there are different types of wheels. I use only two compounds, but two different type wheels. 6" cutting cloth wheel to start, and an 8" low-RPM finishing wheel to get a mirror polish. Harbor freight has a decent bench grinder that takes the 6" buffing wheels for cheap. Worth every penny.Yeah I forgot say I use hard felt wheel for the more abrasive compound and they get softer the closer to the final finishI only mentioned it, because I learned the hard way. Started polishing my vintage stainless wrist watches about 15 years ago and it took a few years to understand why I had polishing lines in the steel, even with the finest finishing compounds. I had been using a cutting wheel at high RPM. My 8" finishing wheel runs at 1750rpm. Takes a bit longer than 3400@6", but worth the time. Edit: pic of the early 1960s 1750rpm Westinghouse 3/4hp with 8" wheel.
I did try the dremel option a long time ago but found it frustrating
Lynn do you have access to a drill (not a dremel)If you do the cheapest/best option is a buffing wheel to fit thatI did try the dremel option a long time ago but found it frustrating how big is the thing you are polishing?
Quote from: Sparky415 on January 20, 2018, 09:00:57 AMLynn do you have access to a drill (not a dremel)If you do the cheapest/best option is a buffing wheel to fit thatI did try the dremel option a long time ago but found it frustrating how big is the thing you are polishing?Yes, I have a hand drill (corded, so can run as long as I like, at variable speeds). And I'm just polishing knife/MT parts. Blades mostly.Thank you all for your very helpful knowledge. I feel like an idiot noob, but I guess we all have to start somewhere.
Quote from: Sparky415 on January 20, 2018, 09:00:57 AMI did try the dremel option a long time ago but found it frustrating I hear PROXXON makes a much better dremel type machine that even costs less. No first hand experience with either one so I can't compare them but I do trust my sources so I thought I'd mention it
Patina=controlled rust, so you're not going to get a patina on that.