As my experience and pipe collection grows, I’ve come to realize that I absolutely love the high gloss finish on most of the pipes I own. Also, my interest in estate pipes continue to grow and would like to dabble in restorations.
As most of us know, the high gloss finish begins to dull and fade over time as the pipe is broken in and used on a regular basis. Also, it appears as if there is some type of clearcoat or varnish on a lot of my pipes, mostly mid grade Savinelli’s. I guess my main question is how to bring back that beautiful high gloss finish and the obvious answer is a buffing machine of some type. I’m thinking a variable speed bench top polisher should work fairly well along with various compounds, polishes and waxes. I do have extensive experience in polishing automotive finishes so I understand the basic concepts however I have never attempted polishing wood/briar beyond using those silicone pipe cloths.
I’m not looking for a commercial grade grinder or polisher, however I don’t want cheap Chinese garbage either. Just something for light restorations and regular polishing. Should I look for a specialty type polisher or can I simply get a bench grinder from Lowe’s/Home Depot and convert it to a polisher? The only thing I’m certain of is that it should be a variable speed correct?
Please advise. Thanks.
As most of us know, the high gloss finish begins to dull and fade over time as the pipe is broken in and used on a regular basis. Also, it appears as if there is some type of clearcoat or varnish on a lot of my pipes, mostly mid grade Savinelli’s. I guess my main question is how to bring back that beautiful high gloss finish and the obvious answer is a buffing machine of some type. I’m thinking a variable speed bench top polisher should work fairly well along with various compounds, polishes and waxes. I do have extensive experience in polishing automotive finishes so I understand the basic concepts however I have never attempted polishing wood/briar beyond using those silicone pipe cloths.
I’m not looking for a commercial grade grinder or polisher, however I don’t want cheap Chinese garbage either. Just something for light restorations and regular polishing. Should I look for a specialty type polisher or can I simply get a bench grinder from Lowe’s/Home Depot and convert it to a polisher? The only thing I’m certain of is that it should be a variable speed correct?
Please advise. Thanks.