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Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Some time ago I had started a project to polish a 715, which kind of fell by the wayside because I wasn't getting the results I hoped for. I was using a variety of polish products (Mother's Mag Wheel polish, Flitz, Wenol, some fine rubbing compounds, polishing pads, etc.) mostly by hand, a little Dremel assistance. My Web research results talked more about tripoli, rouge, different compounds, sisal, spiral sewn, cotton flannel polishing wheels, ... and it got pretty overwhelming.
Sooo, I'm walking thru Home Depot, and I see a Ryobi display with a variety of buffing/polishing compounds (all the same types I saw on the Web) spiral sewn and cotton wheels, and (wait for it) an inexpensive 6" bench grinder. You all know how this ends, right?
Here's some before (and before includes a fair amount of time applying all the previously described techniques and products) pictures of shroud and cylinder:
The shroud had been the test bed for everything, and frankly was not too bad, but the cylinder flutes were pretty rough, and not responding well to anything.
After (and the Before pictures had much better sunlight):
Lessons Learned:
1) Power Tools Rule!
2) Always maintain absolute control of the piece being polished (had a scary moment to learn this lesson)
3) Go Slow to Go Fast
4) Good info: http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/index.html
BTW-total investment for bench grinder, polishing wheels, and compound is less than $70
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
Range Officer
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Dans Club
February 28, 2009
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Ah! It looks like we may see the completed project soon, yes?
Looking forward to it.
-Mike
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Dans Club
February 22, 2009
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I've found for touch-ups, the 3M Scotch brite (brown) pad works great, to give a near factory finish; just in case you want to bring that shine back down to a near factory match.
Looks good though- waiting to see the finished project!
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Yes, soon. I need to change a couple things, mostly to remove the guards around both buffing wheels. For unusual shapes like this you need access to more angles to the wheel. I started out sitting, and working straight in, but had poor control. I found it easier to stand over the wheel and work from the top and down to the front. The little pieces will be as much (more?) work than the two I've done so far.
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
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Dans Club
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November 17, 2008
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Looking good.
When can I send you one to shine up for me. 
LB
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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If there wasn't that whole mailing guns thing, I'd be happy to do it! It's really kind of fun to do. Of course, I'm going to need a grip once it's all done 
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
January 22, 2008
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Very cool info Steve! I think I see a DWF How To article in the future.
Dans Club
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April 20, 2010
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Very nice, I hope to see some 
of the assembled gun on here in the future. I agree with Jody, that shine merits a how-to article. Very impressive job!
"The lion and the tiger may be more powerful, but the Wolf does not perform in the circus"
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January 24, 2009
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Steve CT said:
1) Power Tools Rule!
2) Always maintain absolute control of the piece being polished (had a scary moment to learn this lesson)
3) Go Slow to Go Fast
estment for bench grinder, polishing wheels, and compound is less than $70
1) Absolutely!!
2) Yes, the piece being polished can easily get away from you (and even clear across the room) before you know it. Just make sure to not get close to the leading edges, or the object will probably be spit clear across the room.
3) Absolutely, take your time & not too much pressure against the buffing wheel. You don't want to have to remove burn marks.
Also...
It wouldn't hurt to have one of these, to keep the polishing rouge (and whatever else) off your face...
No...that's not me. Altough it's close, minus the glasses & less hair.
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Range Officers
May 2, 2009
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for polishing, it is best to just completely remove the guards and polish someplace you don't mind getting dirty-- Good luck!
SHOOT
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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I might actually try to do a "How To" at some point in the future, but since this one is already underway, I should really get another 715 to document the process step by step, including the tune-up, before and after trigger pull, accuracy, etc.
Hmmm...
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
strikes again.
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