The tripoli needs more pressure than the other compounds to get it to apply to the wheels, just push really hard onto the wheel, as if you're trying to stop the wheel turning and it will load.
Also, make sure the buffing wheel is clean first. You said you raked it, so I assume it is.
You'll want to keep using the emery compound until the part looks almost perfect, then use the tripoli. The more work you can do with the emery, the faster the job will go.
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