Thread: CA finishing compound

I'm working through my first set of CA scales, following Glen's most excellent tutorial (thanks, Glen!). Question: the tutorial calls for rubbing compound. I don't have any handy at the moment. Will polishing compound work as a substitute? Second question: will the paste versions (as opposed to the liquid versions) work? Thanks guys.

PS: I'm convinced that the professional scale makers (such as Glen) make about $0.04 per hour making scales. I put 6 coats of medium CA on the inside of the scales and about 12 on the outside. It took forever! My hat is off to you pros.

DIY, Some polishing compounds work just fine. My last set got hand rubbed w/ Meguire's or Turtle wax 'cleaner' wax and did as well as rubbing compound on a buffing wheel in a drill press. I could see no difference in the result.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...box-elder.html
Kudos for getting your feet wet in scale making. I also followed Glen's fine thread to do mine. 'Can't thank him enough for his generous sharing of hard-earned skills.

I believe that I have used Maas. But honestly, I can't remember....but I really think I did.

Another option, walk to a local jewelry store, and politely ask what they use for a polishing compound for their final buff on their rings, etc. I did this too, and then the gentleman said "wait one minute"...and he dissapeared into the back. He came out a minute later with a small chunk that he'd hacksawed off his own tube. Sometimes it pays to be friendly and nice (well....most times it's much better than being sour and mean....)

Yep as the guys already mentioned just about any kind of "Cutting Compound" will work...

If you want to get crazy check out Brownell's and search their stock cutting compounds the tend to get up there in price though

Thanks guys. I'll try a number of items already sitting around my garage and report back.

BTW, if you guys see my wife, please tell her that I am NOT losing my mind. Sitting at the kitchen table playing with superglue, micro mesh sandpaper, epoxy resin, and hair dryers for hours on end is a completely normal and sane activity. No issues with OCD here at all.

Originally Posted by diyguy

Thanks guys. I'll try a number of items already sitting around my garage and report back.

BTW, if you guys see my wife, please tell her that I am NOT losing my mind. Sitting at the kitchen table playing with superglue, micro mesh sandpaper, epoxy resin, and hair dryers for hours on end is a completely normal and sane activity. No issues with OCD here at all.

DO NOT let her talk to my wife then