Polishing plastic

[bobengelhardt]

I'm using a string buff and the Caswell blue compound to polish plastic. The actual polishing works OK; my problem is getting the buff charged. It takes forever and very little compond is transferred. More of it is pushed to the back of the stick, where it collects and falls off.

My intuition is that the compound isn't warming enough. My shop is 60 degrees - do I need to warm the compound before applying it? That would be a nuisance, but worth it if it would work. If so, what would be the ideal temp?

I'm using a 6" buff at 3500 rpm, if it matters.

Bob

[mpierich]

One would assume the compounds are made to work best at room temp, like 72F or so. I guess you could hit the bar with hot air once in awhile, but it would probably cool rapidly.

I'd bring the shop temp up if possible. Pre-warm the workpiece, too. You could also try an 8" buff for higher speed, but of course be careful of the plastic.