Hard Felt Polishing Wheel

[londonbooks]

I'm asking for some input from any polishing experts about how this type felt wheel would be for polishing. I'm thinking of buying a Silverline 100x15mm hard felt wheel. Would this be a good one to use? I get the idea that because it is a "hard" felt wheel it might not be good for pens. Thanks.

 

[kirchh]

I'm asking for some input from any polishing experts about how this type felt wheel would be for polishing. I'm thinking of buying a Silverline 100x15mm hard felt wheel. Would this be a good one to use? I get the idea that because it is a "hard" felt wheel it might not be good for pens. Thanks.

 

What kind of buffer do you have?

 

What kind of pens do you intend to use the wheel on? Metal (what kind?), celluloid, hard rubber, acrylic?

 

What polishing compounds are you using?

 

Have you ever used a buffing wheel before?

 

--Daniel

[londonbooks]

Thanks for taking the time to add some input for me about polishing. I have an older model buffer. Not hi-tech at all and the speed of the wheel is controlled by a foot-pedal. I am just thinking about investing a little money on a better buffer so I'm trying to find out if this "hard" felt wheel would be alright for pens. The word "hard" makes me think it might not be the right type. I know that Ron Zorn uses a loose felt type wheel. Before I did most of my polishing by hand.

Primarily I would use it on celluloid and maybe a few metal like stainless steel.

As far as polishing compounds I use Renaissance wax and Ron Zorn's polish.

I've used a polishing wheel before but not with a felt type wheel.

[ac12]

You realize that with any powered tool, you can do damage FAST. And the faster the tool, the faster the damage happens, and the worse it can be.

I've burnt plexi-glass in 7th grade shop, by aggressive polishing on the buffing wheel.

So while hand is slow, you are less likely to do damage to the pen.

 

So why would you not use a loose felt wheel rather than a hard?

[Ron Z]

A hard wheel is more likely to damage the pen. Plastic manufacturers and retailers recommend buffing with a loose felt wheel, at 1725 RPM. The typical buffing speed of 3450 while appropriate for metal, is way too fast for plastic. The plastic can melt and smear. I use a 6" wheel, 1" wide (50+ ply). This gives a a softer, wider contact area. You are less likely to burn or melt the plastic, or get a flat spot on a barrel. I prefer to use a wheel that turns down towards the floor. Use a compound made for plastic, not red or white rouge. I've been using this technique for close to two decades. My clients know and like the results.

[londonbooks]

OK - thanks Ron - that answers exactly what I wanted to know. I suspected that the hard felt was not right and I knew about your system using 1745 RPM which I am always careful to do. So I'll be using the loose felt wheel as soon as I can find one.