A tip about polishing silver fittings

[searock]

I have several pipes with silver ferrells and they turn dark very quickly. I used to use metal polish on then but no more. Try this. Just take a little of the finest (most powder like) pipe or cigar ash and rub it on the silver for a few seconds and wipe it off. You'll be amazed at how well it shines. And best of all, it cost nothing!

 

[spacecowboy57]

interesting, now all i need is a nice pipe with silver fittings. any idea how to polish a grungy looking stem?

 

[searock]

Hi spacecowboy57: I figure this has been covered in this forum, but...
You can buy polishing cloths at many pipe shops and they can do a decent job. Or, if you're really serious, you can use a buffing wheel. I suggest one that runs no faster than 1750rpm so as not to burn the stem. Red rouge to start and then finer white rouge to finish. Wax is optional... I don't use it. I'm sure you can get the rouge at any online pipe supply. Good luck.

 

[searock]

Another thought... When using a buffing wheel you have to be careful. The wheel can grab the pipe and shoot it like a bullet. You could get hurt. The whole secret to being safe is to always buff so that any "edges" of the pipe are facing the same way as the wheel is turning. For example, don't point the top of the bowl into the rotation. Kind of hard to describe but think about it. You'll figure it out.

 

[scratchglfr]

Good tip I just purchased a Meer with a silver fitting and was wondering how I'd clean it when it started to tarnish.

 

[chuckw]

I use Blue Magic metal polish. It has the advantage of being non-abrasive.

 

[scratchglfr]

Chuck I actually have some Blue Magic Now I've two options to try. Thanks

 

[searock]

I thought about the abrasive angle too. I have one pipe I've use the ash polish on for over 20 years without any signs of wear.

 

[unclearthur]

Very good advise about the buffing wheel. I also make knives and having a blade shoot across the shop at the speed of light quickly teaches proper technique.

 

[excav8tor]

For delicate/small silver I use 'Goddards Silver Dip' with a cotton swab. Mask the silver band and just paint the stuff on working the cotton swab gently over the silver. It is not abrasive and works in seconds. Wipe with a damp cloth and finish with a soft polishing cloth.