Pipes Magazine » Pipe Repair and Maintenance

Search Forums  
   
Tags:   

Buffer

(18 posts)
  1. majilton

    majilton

    Junior Member
    Joined: Jan 2012
    Posts: 99

    offline

    Login to Send PM

    Hi guys im new to the forum im pete majilton im hooked on estate pipes at the moment and i clean them using the salt alcahol method to get rid of ghost odours.i use nail files very fine on the teeth markings and cotten wool buds.I also use tooth brushes the miniture ones that you can buy to get beetween your teeth.I finish off with olive oil.But im considering getting a buffer.I have been told that the pipes look beautiful when done.Although my pipes look much better i was wondering if anyone knows what polishes you use on the pipe and is it actually worth getting a cheap one

    Posted 4 months ago #
  2. tobakenist

    tobakenist

    Senior Member
    Joined: Jun 2011
    Posts: 507

    offline

    Login to Send PM

    I don't know what buffers are available in the USA, I use a grinder with a conversion kit that I picked up here in the UK, as for what Polish, you wan't to get hold of Carnauba Wax in bar form, this is what the best pipe makers use, I would also get a Dunhill polishing cloth for finishing off, they look expensive but last for years and you will be amazed at the shine they put on.

    Regards Ken,
    I am not young enough to know everything.
    Posted 4 months ago #
  3. jcsnaps

    jcsnaps

    Preferred Member
    Joined: Oct 2010
    Posts: 985

    offline

    Login to Send PM

    If I'm working an estate pipe that needs a little help I usually start with a mild polishing compound then work to a fine and very fine compound, then finish it with carnuaba wax. Buffer speed is something that has been discussed a lot on this forum. You don't want to run so fast you burn things. I use a Foredom variable speed buffer with 4" buff wheels, different one for each compound.

    Posted 4 months ago #
  4. majilton

    majilton

    Junior Member
    Joined: Jan 2012
    Posts: 99

    offline

    Login to Send PM

    im in the uk a grinder what a great idea with a converstion kit .carnuaba wax thanks for this all i knew was it was in block form.In regaurds to burning i have also heard this but i think being careful slow with my pipe i should hopefully not burn the wood.carnuaba wax is it available in the uk.Anywhere?

    Posted 4 months ago #
  5. tobakenist

    tobakenist

    Senior Member
    Joined: Jun 2011
    Posts: 507

    offline

    Login to Send PM

  6. smokindawg

    smokindawg

    Senior Member
    Joined: May 2011
    Posts: 484

    offline

    Login to Send PM

    I've used a grinder at over 3000rpm and now use an electric motor at 1750rpm. I've not had any problem burning the stems or pipes.

    The trick is to hold the part firmly (To avoid making a rocket of them) and use a light touch on the buffing wheel. Also, when doing stems, avoid too much contact at the leading edge of the stem where it meets the shank, as you can easily round over that edge.

    When cleaning the stem, I begin by using 800-1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper to remove the oxidation before buffing. I keep dipping the sandpaper in water to keep it cleaner and to minimize scratching and material removal from the stem. It works very well and cuts down on the use of the buffer, also minimizing the chances of any burning/melting of the stem when buffing.

    When I do use the buffer, I use White Diamond compound and once I get the stem shined, I follow that with a light coat of carnuba. This will help to slow oxidation of the stem.

    Steve: Pipemaker in Training!
    Posted 4 months ago #
  7. unclearthur

    unclearthur

    Preferred Member
    Joined: Mar 2010
    Posts: 7,639

    offline

    Login to Send PM

    I was using a small electric motor and a jackshaft with three step pulleys on each until a while back when all the magic smoke leaked out of the ragged motor. Until I scrounge a new (to me ) motor I am using a 1750 grinder and having no trouble. I prefer the motor and jackshaft though because I have a wide range of speeds.

    If at first you don't succeed you are running about average.
    Posted 4 months ago #
  8. hobie1dog

    hobie1dog

    Penzaholic
    Joined: Jun 2010
    Posts: 4,907

    offline

    Login to Send PM

    lots of motors can be used and stick to something around 1750 rpm which is a really popular speed, then get one of the arbor adapters so that you can use larger buffing wheels on it. Someone on here will post up a link to the companies that have them.

    Marry the right person, this one decision will determine 90% of your happiness.

    Does a culture based on seperation and competition, of scientific sophistication and mideval religion, offer happiness even as it ravishes the Earth that sustains it?
    Posted 4 months ago #
  9. smokindawg

    smokindawg

    Senior Member
    Joined: May 2011
    Posts: 484

    offline

    Login to Send PM

    I'm using an older motor off an old Craftsman table saw. Runs at 1750. I mounted all my sanding discs and buffing wheels on carriage bolts and then made myself a long aluminum arbor that is threaded so I can quickly and easily change between wheels and discs.

    Posted 4 months ago #
  10. ssjones

    Al

    Preferred Member
    Joined: May 2011
    Posts: 1,382

    offline

    Login to Send PM

    I'm using an old motor scavenged from my parents furnace. Apparently, it needed to be replaced and was sitting beside the furnace for decades. It works fine as a pipe buffer, at 1750 rpm. A member here makes a conversion arbor to mount on the end of the shaft, for mounting pads.
    With only one shaft, not quite as convenient as a dual-shaft motor, but it was free. I use a modified, cut-down wingnut for pad mounting.

    Al
    My Pipes:
    Posted 4 months ago #
  11. mluyckx

    Mick

    Member
    Joined: Dec 2011
    Posts: 1,180

    offline

    Login to Send PM

    Following suit here.

    I'm about to get my hands on some estates here (I hope) and I'm going to have to read up on all this. But hey, I think it's an exciting prospect to try my hand at.

    All I have though is a dual wheel 6" bench grinder which runs at 2000 (slow speed) to something like 3200 (high speed).

    Would 2000 be too high to buff ??

    "The fact is, squire, the moment a man takes to a pipe, he becomes a philosopher. It's the poor man's friend; it calms the mind, soothes the temper, and makes a man patient under difficulties. It has made more good men, good husbands, kind masters, indulgent fathers, than any other blessed thing on this universal earth."
    -"Sam Slick, the clockmaker" aka T.C.Haliburton
    Posted 4 months ago #
  12. ssjones

    Al

    Preferred Member
    Joined: May 2011
    Posts: 1,382

    offline

    Login to Send PM

    Would 2000 be too high to buff ??

    If you get a larger diameter buff, I don't see why not. That changes the surface speed on the edge of the pad.

    Posted 4 months ago #
  13. mluyckx

    Mick

    Member
    Joined: Dec 2011
    Posts: 1,180

    offline

    Login to Send PM

    It's a 6" grinder. I don't think I can fit a larger buff in there. I'm going to play with it this weekend.

    Posted 4 months ago #
  14. schmitzbitz

    schmitzbitz

    Preferred Member
    Joined: Jan 2011
    Posts: 1,055

    offline

    Login to Send PM

    It's a 6" grinder. I don't think I can fit a larger buff in there

    Can you remove the guards and tool-rest maybe?

    Posted 4 months ago #
  15. tomdavis

    Sundown Piper

    Junior Member
    Joined: Aug 2011
    Posts: 77

    offline

    Login to Send PM

    I use a drill press with a 1/2" bolt in the chuck and double-nuts either side of the buff. The press has the stepped spindles and it works ok. Still would like to have a double-ended horizontal buffer.

    All things I undertake must contain integrity, compassion, elegance and grace.
    Posted 4 months ago #
  16. majilton

    majilton

    Junior Member
    Joined: Jan 2012
    Posts: 99

    offline

    Login to Send PM

    This is one of the reasons i came on here i get solid good advice.I will definatly get a buffer i think i will practice on old scrap wood first to get it right for me so i dont risk burning it seems a common problem now.And i can see why everyone gets estate pipes like me.For me looking at photos i think im looking at brand new pipes here guys which shows me how much hard work and love you put into your pipes when maintaining cleaning.Also im getting some cheaper high end pipes i couldnot normally afford.1750rpm seems the most correct speed which i wouldnot of known and ive got my links for polish and buffer thank you everyone so much sorry to be a pain asking so much pete

    Posted 4 months ago #
  17. mluyckx

    Mick

    Member
    Joined: Dec 2011
    Posts: 1,180

    offline

    Login to Send PM

    Pete,
    Never apologize for asking a question. I've found these guys here to be great and helpful. My visits have been most educational !

    Schmitzbitz, I'll have to check on removing the guards and such this weekend.

    Posted 4 months ago #
  18. ssjones

    Al

    Preferred Member
    Joined: May 2011
    Posts: 1,382

    offline

    Login to Send PM

    I agree with Mick, sharing the knowledge (my meager share) is part of the pipe smoking tradition.
    Estates is the only way I could have acquired the pipes I have in my collection. Although, I think that I have a greater appreciation for pipes I've had to refurbish. I also use the estate purchase/refurbish process to resell and step up to a nicer grade pipe. With two daughters fresh out of college, I'm definitely on the budget plan.

    Posted 4 months ago #

Reply

You must log in to post.

 

 

    Back To Top  | Back to Forum Home Page

   Members Online Now
   jonahtke, weezell, tbradsim1, matts26, gnatjulio, rcstan, riptide, rigmedic1, frennchy11, crpntr1, sorringowl, reichenbach, atwageman, ohin3