Metal Polishing Encouragement

[manxnorton]

New to straight razor shaving but have been a Metal polisher for some years and have restored numerous items big and small.
My 1st advice is search the forums and read and read then only then you can put all you have read into practice.Please always start on an in-expensive item for obvious reasons.
The best polishing method is by hand and regardless wether you are in the US or UK where the grit are different, the aim is to start with the correct grit and ensure you have took all the scratches out the previous grit before moving onto another finer grit.
Alas most people search for the easy method of polishing and do not wish for the Man hours that hand polishing requires, inevitably these are powertools and if not experienced you can do damage to the item and also the item can become a FLYING WEAPON if used incorrectly on such tools as buffers.
Dremel type tools are good and such attachments like felt bobs are great when using various polishing compounds.
one Dremel type attachment worth investing is is one of these flexible guys ahd can get very fine grain.

As the title says this is aimed as encouragement to people just starting out and understanding that the man hours to restore and polish a beautiful Razor is truely rewarding.
The following item was actually one of my easiest polished item all done by hand.
FROM THIS:

TO THIS:


any questions feel free to PM me, if i don't know the answer i will always know a man who does!
thanks for reading,
Regards,
Brian

[A_S]

Good post. The rotary tool attachments you recommend in your post, do you happen to have a product number for them? If possible, could you link to someone who sells them?
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Alex

[manxnorton]

Hi Alex,
i will do a dig out where i sauced them and get back to you all ASAP.
thanks,
Brian

[manxnorton]

Hello all,
I managed to locate these again on EVILBAY...oops!! EBAY.
they are
21Pc sanding disc set suitable for Dremel,Hobby PT04022

this is a direct link hope it works
21Pc sanding disc set suitable for Dremel,Hobby PT04022 on eBay, also, Rotary Tools, Power Tools, Business, Office Industrial (end time 22-Feb-09 09:50:15 GMT)

Point to note as time goes on whilst using these the adhesion tend to go and the discs fly off so it pays to keep pressing on hard every now and then...or use glue of some sort to ensure it remains on.
i really go t a fine finish with these.

REMEMBER ALWAYS USE BREATHING APARATUS WHILST SANDING!!!

[singlewedge]

I noticed that they only sell P80, which I assume is 80 grit. Do they sell anything higher in self adhesive or better yet how high do you take your polish?

[ben.mid]

You certainly got the beemer parts nice & shiny! Look forward to seeing some of your razors when you have a go. Watch out for the sharp bit!

[manxnorton]

Hello there,
I was the same with the P80 (UK) and very reserved so i tried a test area out of sight as i do on all my items to polish.
REMEMBER different metals will have the different effect i used them effectively on Cast Alum.
the circular swirl marks were very fine in deed. using a fast dremel speed.
Am i assuming you have had vast experience in metal polishing and the use of different grits and grades of compounds for polishing?
in my early days i tackled items as high as 400, then 600 then 600 wet then moved onto 1000 or 1200 then onto the buffer wheel..noly to find out i could of started straight on 600 then onto the wheel.
Assessing the Metal,the severity of damage or rust etc. how good it was cast etc, how much prep you need sand blasting, does it have an invisable coating of any kind on it, chemicals oils etc.
Apart from not getting the previous grit out the biggest error people have is the cleaning of the metal before during and after.
i use Acetone and break cleaner in my arsenal and use a lint free cloth..I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO SAY WATCHYA FINGER!!! all pays dividends once we become proficient.
I have sold items where the customer was exited and really pleased but i was still angry as if you use a strong light and look very close you could see minute scratches!!! even though they cant see them..
Sorry to woffle and Woffle on so i will close for now hope i haven't gone off on a tangent on reaaly what you were asking..i just get exited.
take care,
Brian


PS just had a thought how about buying the dremel attachment we talked about use the pads as a template on your other finer grits, cut them out and stick them to the attachment instead of the P80!!!

[manxnorton]

You certainly got the beemer parts nice & shiny! Look forward to seeing some of your razors when you have a go. Watch out for the sharp bit!

Hello Ben,
Think i will full on S%*t Myself the first time i ever need to take a blade to a wheel..ive had small items come off my wheel at high speed in the past, with these i think i will be counting fingers and toes if ya dont have protective clothing on

[Ben325e]

You certainly got the beemer parts nice & shiny! Look forward to seeing some of your razors when you have a go. Watch out for the sharp bit!

Just as an FYI statement and OT, When you say "Beemer" you are actually referring to the BMW motorcycles. BMW cars are "Bimmer". Another common spelling, "beamer" is also used in reference to Motorcycles.

The nomenclature is explained here:

The Ultimate BMW Blog - Article: What is in a Name...

[manxnorton]

Hello Ben325e,
BMW it is! but i have called their parts i have polished more nicknames beiginning with 'B'.
i also like how people use str8 to refer to a Straight blade razor...just luv it.