Polishing tool steel

[DougT]

Hello everyone,

I made some woodturning tools out of a high grade tool steel (A-11) hardened to 60-62Rc. This is all round stock from 3/8 dia. to 5/8 dia. with a "V" shaped flute milled in each. After the heat treating process the blades are glass beaded and are a dark gray color. I have tried a 8" high speed buffer with emery with poor results... this takes forever. Once the gray discoloration is gone the metal shines.

Questions;

How would you polish metal after heat treating?

Can this be cleaned up with a buffing compound?

Would you use a greaseless compound?

Wheels to polish the "V" shaped flute?

In this company, who is the best person to talk with concerning this.

Thanks,
Doug

[jrow]

Originally Posted by DougT

Questions;

How would you polish metal after heat treating?

I would try using greaseless compound then go to emery with a sisal wheel.

Originally Posted by DougT

Can this be cleaned up with a buffing compound?

After you use the greaseless yes!

Originally Posted by DougT

Would you use a greaseless compound?

Yes! Start with 150 then go up to 320.

Originally Posted by DougT

Wheels to polish the "V" shaped flute?

I would try 1" treated buffs, or bigger on a Dremel. You can double stack them if need be.

John

[DougT]

John, thanks for taking the time to reply. So it does look like greaseless will take care of the discoloration. I'll place an order Wednesday then try it out next week. I'll post again if there are any problems or with a finished product.

The goal is to match a polished blade with a polished aluminum handle... it should be a unique woodturning tool.

Thanks again
Doug

[jrow]

Doug,

Your Welcome

John