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Thread: Buffing & Polishing

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    Default Buffing & Polishing

    Hi,

    I am making pendants using sterling silver sheet metal, a piercing saw etc, I am having trouble buffing and polishing to a high mirror shine. I am using 200-2000 grit sandpaper and jewellers rogue with a dremel tool with a cotton mop. I have followed endless steps online and watched literally every video on youtube on how to do this and following the steps exactly.... and it still isnt working! All that is happening is my piece is turning matte, it is smooth with no scratches... but matte.... it is 80% less shiny than before I started. Any advice would be great.

    Thanks

  2. #2
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    Well I'd just give exactly the same answer I've already given you on another forum, which you don't seem to have come back to.

    I'd also say the same thing about popping in to the introductions section

  3. #3
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    meeeow!

    Got a link to the first answer you gave?

  4. #4
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    I'm not sure what advice George has already given you, but knowing her it was the real McCoy. My guess is she will have advised radial disks for your Dreml and going up the grades with a light touch will be your answer, even if you miss a few inbetweens for economy. Put Radial disks into our search box top right and you will find what we have said about them . Dennis.

  5. #5
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    Actually, Dennis, I hadn't even got to radial discs in my original reply, as I was trying to help confused with the materials he/she already had.

    I've never understood, though, how new members can ask a question on two separate forums (without introducing themselves on either), and then not bother to come back to see if there have been any replies. Whenever I've asked something, I can't wait to come back to see if anyone's been able to help.

  6. #6
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    I know George: people think we're genies and they just have to rub our lamps.........

  7. #7
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    *rubs George and Dennis's lamps*

    Hello again! You have, at least, helped me out with the same question, so thanks for that. Can I be cheeky and ask what RPM or No. setting on the pendant motor should be used with the said radial disks, please? I have a Dremel 4000 (when it arrives) and some rather careless scratches on a pendant from when I was doing the rubovers.

    Diolch yn fawr

    Vikki

  8. #8
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    I believe the maximum operating speed for these is 30,000 rpm. I use a pendant motor which doesn't have a speed gauge, and happily use these at whatever speed the piece seems to need!

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by mizgeorge View Post
    I believe the maximum operating speed for these is 30,000 rpm. I use a pendant motor which doesn't have a speed gauge, and happily use these at whatever speed the piece seems to need!
    Thanks, George

    I'm currently glaring at my radial disks whilst they're sniggering at me, going "see, we told you that you'd need us one day!" LOL!

    I have a habit of hoarding things that I don't actually need at that time, because they're on sale and "I might need them one day". Hey, this means I can gloat at my husband and do the "I told you so" dance à la Will&Grace. Yaye!

    Seriously, thanks for the heads up. I shall attempt as soon as my new Dremel arrives (the other being dead since my daughter threw it down the stairs)

  10. #10
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    Glad you're taking all this repartee in good part, Vikki. The only thing I would add is that the slower your machine (within reason) and the lighter your pressure, the longer your gadgets will last.

    It is also possible to vary the number of disks on your mandrel according to size of area.

    Now here's another thing to think about: Micro Mesh. This is a fabric backed abrasive like emery cloth, but comes so fine that you can get a blinding shine on flat surfaces with little or no mess. As before, a small assortment will convince you, say grit 3600, 6000, 8000 and 12000 . Just Google it. Dennis.
    Last edited by Dennis; 17-10-2012 at 09:55 PM.

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