Thread: Greaseless polishing compound?

Great info here. Thanks guys. I was looking at the small one at HF but I was also thinking that the speed was kind of fast. Guess I was guessing correct. But with some care I bet it will work. Not too sure what way I'm going to go but something smaller and cheaper sounds like what I need sense it will get used very little. I'll wait to see what else is said and do some more homework.

I looked up SFPM and then checked out the greaseless compound at Caswell. Didn't see anything that said what is recommended as far as SFPM with there compounds. But I'm guessing you all have figured this out already. And 1700RPM with 4" wheel is what is needed. Unless some money drops in my lap in the next couple weeks I don't think I'll be buying a Caswell. Just too much of an investment for something that is not going to be used much at all. I'll have to look for other options, unfortunately. I'd love to have the best in tools but its just not feasible for my use.

I'll keep looking around to see if I can find something a bit cheaper and try for the 1700rpm's. Bummer. I hate to settle for something less! Thanks for the information and letting me know what is best for the job.

Check the second hand shops. It is amazing how cheap they sell used tools in those places.
Also I think 1700 is the best speed but most of us are buffing at 3450. The only time I am buffing slower is when I am buffing with a drill in a vice. It is effective for the polishing cakes but not really for the greaseless. Also 3" wheels are really nice, I have 3" wheels on an extension. It gives me a lot of room.

SFPM = (wheel diameter x 3.1416 x RPM)/12

So a 3" wheel @ 3450 RPM = 2709.62 SFPM

And a 4" wheel @ 1700 RPM = 1780.23 SFPM


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I have 3 separate speeds


6 HF buffers at 3400
1 wheel at 1750
1 wheel at 1100

I have used the HF buffers since 2010 without a hiccup on 1000's of razors

I use the slower wheels for buffing Plastics and Plastic like finishes

The touch when buffing razors is VERY light, skill is in the hands

Thanks guys. I'll check the HF down the street. I've been honing for the last 7 hours on 4 different razors. They always look good but just dont feel right on the thumb. And wont cut a whisker. Sorry, I'm just fed up. I'm going to do something that has nothing to do with razors for the rest of the day. Maybe go back to watching honing vids again this eve.

Sorry for the change in subject. I'll let you know what I buy at HF.

So a smaller wheel will bring the SFPM down. And with my math a 2 inch wheel would be 1806 SFPM. Closer to 1700. I'm guessing that the reason you dont use a 2" wheel is it isn't made? Anyway, I'll take a drive. There is a second hand tool store down the road too. I'll stop in there first. Thanks for the replies.

Originally Posted by Gasman

So a smaller wheel will bring the SFPM down. And with my math a 2 inch wheel would be 1806 SFPM. Closer to 1700. I'm guessing that the reason you dont use a 2" wheel is it isn't made? Anyway, I'll take a drive. There is a second hand tool store down the road too. I'll stop in there first. Thanks for the replies.

No you can find nearly any size you want on Ebay

Cotton, Felt, even Foam.. You want the 1/2 inch - 1 inch wides to reduce the lines from Buffing this is another issue for small Dremel sized tools, you really have to keep that wheel moving to avoid the spotting.. More moving more chance of bad things happening

And you need the clearance to keep from hitting the motor, 4 inch will work just fine. On real hollow ground, holding the razor at an angle about 45 degrees, gets the deepest part of the hollow.

Even if you use a fast buffer, buffing barehanded, you will know when it starts to get hot. Quench in a cutoff plastic water bottle, at the slightest heat.

$44.95
Of course they didn't have any pads/wheels in stock. I'll buy them on line I guess along with the compound. I didn't want to get anything done today anyway!

I'll be OK. Thanks for the help guys. I at least got one part of it today. It runs pretty quite. I put some stuff on the cheep pads it came with and tried it on a wrench. First thing that happened was lots of strings coming off. I didn't think the pads I got with it would be any good but I got the buffer for a good price so I'm happy about that. Almost went with the buffer/grinder but was thinking two pads would work out better than one. Now to make an order somewhere for compound and pads.