Polishing tool steel follow up

[DougT]

The greaseless did the job. I started with 120 grit but went to 80 grit to speed up the process to remove the discoloration caused from the heat treating. I then went to a sisal with emery but it caused a cloudy appearance, so a spiral wheel with emery worked great. This was followed with tripoli on a spiral wheel then white rouge on a cotton wheel. The results are not bad considering the large jump between the 80 grit greaseless right to the emery... I need to order more spiral wheels (treated).

I did polish the aluminum handles with tripoli and they look good. The aluminum compound didn't come with the order so I'll wait to try it.

Here's what I learned;

Wheels work better after they are used for a while.

You need good lighting to polish.

This takes time to learn.

Leather gloves work very well.

You never have enough wheels.

Thanks again John. No pictures yet... the camera won't take a good shot inside so I'll try outside tomorrow.

That's it,
Doug

[jrow]

Doug,

Glad I could help. Next time try the greaseless, from 80 grit all the way up to 320 grit and then polish. Might save you some additional time!
Another thing you learned is the difference in polishing tool steel and aluminum!

John

[DougT]

John, when I buy some more wheels and some 320 greaseless I'll take your advice. Here's a bad picture of the results... finger prints and all. And what do I make with these woodturning tools... Hats! Full size, one piece, wearable hats made from a log.

Thanks again for your help,
Doug

[sswee]

Those hats look pretty amazing.
SS

[pickleboy]

Originally Posted by sswee

Those hats look pretty amazing.
SS

ditto. what would something like that cost if i may ask?

[DougT]

Thanks... First of all I would like to thank this company (Cindy) for taking care of a small problem with the first order. So I ordered 10 sprial treated wheels and some VHT clear to coat the aluminum handles. The blades are epoxied to the handle and need heat to replace. This might work. I polished some more blades and they look better yet.

OT
The hats are a novelty item that I make for fun. Mine are price less so I give them away. I only know of three people who sell them and they start around $450 then go up to $2,200. Go to www.woodhat.com and see the man who created this idea. They are cut very thin 3/32 (.093) or less and weigh between 5 - 8ozs. They are not that hard to make after you get past a killer learning process... start to finish with NO mistakes.

To make one you start with a fresh cut log at least 18 inches in diameter, chainsaw a 55lb blank then place on a large lathe and turn away all unwanted wood. Bend it to shape, dry it, sand it and finish it.

Can you tell I love turning wood...

When the new wheels come I'll have more questions
Thanks again,
Doug