Cleaning vulcanite stems

[morlader]

I use a briar polish to spruce up my bowls and it works fine but I have not got around to anything for the vulcanite stems. What do you folks use. ::

 

[unclearthur]

There are a number of stem polishes available online. For myself I use automotive paint rubbing compound. Another abrasive for nasty ones is automotive valve grinding compound. Followed by an nice coat of wax on my buffer.

 

[nabottle]

Very useful tips. Especially for a new guy. Thanks Unclearthur.

 

[ichbinmuede]

One thing I use if it's not so bad is the magic eraser. It's technically a very fine abrasive so it's perfect for stems. After that it's over to the buffing wheel for a polish with some rouge and a coat of carnuba. I also mask off the shank as close to the stem as possible and use these fine abrasives with the stem attached so as not to round off the edge and keep a flush fit.

 

[hilojohnny]

A damp "Magic Eraser" is indeed helpful, as is one of those green Scotch Brite pads.... :clap:

 

[jallen49]

I can vouch for the magic erasers as well

 

[mitch]

I use a green compound (high gloss) that came with my buffing wheel set, shines them beautifully and uses much less elbow grease than hand polishing. What I also do every now and again which works for me is I take a stem that's become a tad bitter and let it soak for a few hours in some good quality Olive oil, this really sweetens it up again and also helps keep the stem nice and shiny.