Thread: Thoughts on Caswell kit?

Much thanks for all of the thoughtful replies. A lot to think about. One the one hand, new toys and fun. On the other hand, toxic debris, gashed fingers and yet more stuff. On the other hand (cheating on the hand count), I can either spend my money on the mortgage and my wife, or on straight razor stuff. Seems pretty obvious to me, but I have a way of getting in trouble.

Appreciate the insights and expertise!

I have dealt with Caswell a few times, and they are fantastic folks. I used to live close enough that I went over in person when I bought stuff.

I cannot tell which buffer is included in the kit, because when I click the link, it just goes to the buffer section. That said, I cannot imagine they would sell a sub-par quality product. But I'm sure that they'd give you the specifics on the buffer if you asked.

The stainless is a good, fast cutting compound. Works great after greaseless or handsanding or as a starting point. The black comes after that. Not sure about the white; I don't remember if I ever tried it. I would add in the green, too.

As for the wheels, I have been happy with their spiral sewn and loose cotton. With that speed buffer, I don't think I would use the 4 inch wheels. And I would probably want bigger loose wheels for the finishing compounds.

Their rakes are good, nothing fancy but very functional. Their instructions are really very helpful. Those folks know their stuff.

All in all, I would buy from them, but I wouldn't buy that particular kit. Then again, I have already tried a bunch of stuff and have an idea of what works for me.

EDIT: I may be confusing their stainless with their extra fast stainless... I don't remember.

D, Its great to see you here! I hope you've been obscenely well.

I'm going to be patronizing again. Somewhere in the Caswell site there is a great description of how to do buffing. I read it several years ago and thought it was highly informative, but the most critical thing it showed was the difference between the safe zone and the danger zone of the buffer. I have seen too many people work on the wrong part of the wheel, which is the part that you can see better BUT is the part that will throw the blade AT you rather than AWAY from you.
Don't work in the danger zone and be certain you understand where the danger zone is.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I am not nitpicking, but I don't want anyone to be confused by this.

RPMs are RPMs regardless of the size of the wheel. The speed at the edge of the wheel will increase as the size of the wheel increases at a given RPM, but a 3450 RPM buffer is going to run at 3450 RPMs whether the wheel size is 2 inches or 8 inches.

I did not mean to confuse. I meant that the speed of the periphery of the wheel is greater the larger the wheel in relation to the speed of the hub. The periphery of the wheel travels faster than the hub because it must travel a greater distance than the hub in the same time.

Originally Posted by karlej

I did not mean to confuse. I meant that the speed of the periphery of the wheel is greater the larger the wheel in relation to the speed of the hub. The periphery of the wheel travels faster than the hub because it must travel a greater distance than the hub in the same time.

This is why I recommend smaller wheels. Less speed and they get up under the spine without taking out the line. Great for learning :<0)

I looked at the site's package deal and it all sounds good. The sell top notch stuff and I have pent some money there. You can do the same thing at 1/3 the price, especially to learn on. You may find it's not as fun as it sounds.

Using high powered methods to replace any kind of hand work is nice. It does come with a learning curve and a certain level of common sense.

I can handle the learning curve. It's the common sense that's sometimes lacking. With that in mind--and the fact that I tend to enjoy working in the shop with a glass of scotch in one hand--I decided to go back to the tumbler. It does a pretty fair job for someone who's never going to restore for a living. I'll leave the lethal tools to the pros.

I surely didn't mean to turn you away from the idea and it sounds like you have more common sense than you give yourself credit for. Drinking and operating machines don't go well together. You got that right :<0)

Ask some friends if they have one and if they will give you a test drive.