Thread: Flap wheel rotation

Also want to ask. How much pressure are you guys using when polishing using a dremel ?

Originally Posted by poona

Also want to ask. How much pressure are you guys using when polishing using a dremel ?

Very little. When polishing, let the buffer and polish do the work. The issue you can run into with more pressure is heat. Heat is a big enemy since it can quickly affect the temper of the blade. You may not think there is any heat building, but it tends to be localized. If it gets hot near the edge (where the metal is much thinner) it will have bad results! Keep the pressure light and keep the pad MOVING! A little polish goes a long way and the more abrasive you get (read compounds or flappers) the quicker you can scorch the blade.

As the buffing pad gets black, you can rinse it out if you like. I tend to use a pad for a while then take the pad and mandrel, wet it, add a drop of dish soap and rinse it out. Give it a good squeeze and rinse again. Squeeze with a towel and let dry for a bit. When you use it again, spin it with the Dremel at max speed for a minute to puff it back up and get any residual moisture out.

You mentioned in another thread you didn't opt for the flex-shaft but you may want to consider it for improved control. They also allow for a lighter touch and better angles.

Have fun!

v/r

Allen

Yeh I can see flexi shafts on ebite for quite cheap.

How many flap wheels and at what grit do you use?

Is there a standard size you guys use for buffing/polishing wheels aswell?

As you remove metal, it is easy to create a new and varying relationship between the edge and the spine when honing.

For instance if you had a lot of pitting or staining near the toe and you removed it, but did not have to do the same further back on the blade....this can make honing more challenging later in the process.

I'd get a fair amount of polishing/felt pad wheels as well, they get dirty quite fast.
To clean them a bit in between I pass them on sanding paper now and then.

Thanks guys, I'm really looking forward to this project when I get time after my exams.

Graham, the top one shows correct use. Now, when you get to the face side of the blade, the heel part either has to be done left-handed or VERY carefully with the flaps rotating into the edge (I keep it well pressed into the wood so there's no lift).
One flap wheel is more than good enough for 10 blades.
I do about 2 passes with a flap wheel of one grit per blade.
Easy on the pressure.