I would like to polish my pipe bowls, and I have read different methods. I currently don't own a bench grinder or polisher, just a orbital buffer that I can attach buffing pads to. If I bought Paragon wax and buffed with this is that safe?? Or is the bench grinder with the bars of compound my best option?? I don't want to buff out that many pipes just 4.. Any thoughts?
Briar Polishing
- Thread starter pipeude28
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Nose grease and an old, soft clean handkerchief work for me. I only use my low speed buffer for the bits. But, pretty pipes aren't that high on my list of needs.
If I was to buff my pipes mechanically I'd use a low speed buffer and clean, soft wheels. I'd apply the wax and allow to harden before taking it to the wheel. Compounds are usually reserved for polishing metals and sharpening edges, they remove material, even jeweler's rouge can remove more than you want if not careful. Grinders, even variable speed, are for... grinding. Soft buffing wheels on a low speed buffer is the best way to go, unless you are extremely skilled and experience3d. Oh! And watch for flying pipes. It will happen at least once no matter what you use, buffer or grinder. They will fly farther and faster with a grinder.
I'd recommend wax, nose?, and a soft, clean cloth.
If I was to buff my pipes mechanically I'd use a low speed buffer and clean, soft wheels. I'd apply the wax and allow to harden before taking it to the wheel. Compounds are usually reserved for polishing metals and sharpening edges, they remove material, even jeweler's rouge can remove more than you want if not careful. Grinders, even variable speed, are for... grinding. Soft buffing wheels on a low speed buffer is the best way to go, unless you are extremely skilled and experience3d. Oh! And watch for flying pipes. It will happen at least once no matter what you use, buffer or grinder. They will fly farther and faster with a grinder.
I'd recommend wax, nose?, and a soft, clean cloth.
Just be aware that you can become obsessed by having a shiny bowl. It only lasts for a while then has to be done all over again...pretty tedious if you have many pipes.
I buff and polish all pipes I have refurbished for sale but gave up on polishing my own pipes other than the initial polish. BTW I use a pillar drill (bench drill in the US) with White Diamond then Carnauba Wax and it works a treat once the correct speed has been selected...circa 1725 rpm.
Regards,
Jay.
I buff and polish all pipes I have refurbished for sale but gave up on polishing my own pipes other than the initial polish. BTW I use a pillar drill (bench drill in the US) with White Diamond then Carnauba Wax and it works a treat once the correct speed has been selected...circa 1725 rpm.
Regards,
Jay.
I think trying to polish pipes to a new appearance is a bad habit to be broken. It can lead to either buffing off the finish on pipes to developing a residue of wax, polish, or grease. Elbow grease is the best polish. Give your pipe a serious buffing with a rag. You can use a newish bandana for a slight abrasive touch, and/or a soft rag, or a polishing cloth with both surfaces. Brand new isn't the idea. Keep pipes clean and cultivate their well-used and well-loved patina, and stay away from mechanized buffing. That's for finishing the pipe in the workshop or restoration once every forty years or more. I realize this is one point-of-view, but it's mine.
I have only recently become acquainted with Paragon and Halcyon. Both are excellent products. In the absence of the late lamented Briar Wipe, I have no other recommendation that comes from personal use. I used to own a buffing wheel set up with all the accoutrements used for cleaning up estate pipes. Pipes in my personal collection were never in the same room with the wheel.
I...for one...would dearly love to see some pictures of what each method actually looks lie. Pretty please?
This Is why I prefer blasted or rusticated pipes.
They save me a lot of time.
They save me a lot of time.
Paraffine wax such as petrolium Jelly are widely used in mens hair pomades and cremes, such as Blylcreem, Brisk,Royal Crown and on,I know,cause I still do use those products,and as mr Deniz stated above paraffine oil aka refined mineral oil has such a multipurpose and versatile stuff, highly recommended,
Finally,when it comes to Halycone and Paragon waxes do you boys think if its worth while ordering 'em from europe after the total price with standard USPS First class mailing comes close to $ 32 per tin,so to say,so far haven't seen them on the Eu market,
Finally,when it comes to Halycone and Paragon waxes do you boys think if its worth while ordering 'em from europe after the total price with standard USPS First class mailing comes close to $ 32 per tin,so to say,so far haven't seen them on the Eu market,
An orbital sander would be of limited use in polishing pipes as the base plate is pretty rigid. You might manage to get some of the pipe done but certainly not the curved aspects such as the internal bend on any bent pipe.
I really would stay away from petroleum jelly too, try to get a quality wood polish with as little scent as possible. Failing that go for the tried and trusted nose oil trick :
:
Regards,
Jay.
I really would stay away from petroleum jelly too, try to get a quality wood polish with as little scent as possible. Failing that go for the tried and trusted nose oil trick :
:Regards,
Jay.
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