How to buff?

[deyomatic]

I picked up a Savinelli on ebay a couple of months ago and when it arrived, the stem looks faded. It sounds like I can restore it by using a buffing wheel and carnuba wax but I'm not sure what kind of wax (car wax) or wheel to use. I plan to chuck it up in a drill press and work slowly, checking the pulley configuration to keep it around 1500 RPMs or so.
Maybe I should have just asked how to do it, in case I'm completely wrong.
Any tips?
Thanks.

 

[wolfscout]

extra virgin olive oil will restore the black if that is the problem.

Tip for the buffer... Couple side by side wheels and a light touch on the buffer.

start on high RPM like 3500-4000 to melt and spread the wax.

then buff it on at a lower speed like between 500-1500.

At about 1,000 rpms I start to get a good shine that suits me.
this tip from a friend of mine"

applying wax at high speed to a buff and then at lower speed to your pen, or applying directly to the pen and then buffing with a cloth, the trick is that you must have enough friction to generate HEAT to melt the wax. It will not transfer cold, and it will not smooth out and penetrate the top layer of wood to achieve a good bond cold, so don't be afraid to use some pressure.

 

[deyomatic]

wolfscout,

any tips on a brand name of wax? I'm mostly concerned about the stem. It looks like it is either oxidized or the result of a bad repair (possibly glued). If I can figure out how to post a photo I might put one up. The rest of it is beautiful.

 

[unclearthur]

Flitz which you can grab at about any auto store will do a good job of removing the oxidation. I use Turtle Wax rubbing compound. Mainly because i have a bunch left from when Dad and I built a few street rods.

 

[deyomatic]

Street Rods, you say...I'm a hot rodder myself...well, in my mind anyway! What did you guys build?

 

[unclearthur]

The last one was a 37 Chevy coupe. Channeled a wee bit , with Chevy small block and auto trans.

 

[ejames]

Check out these waxes here--

http://www.finepipes.com/accessories?&sort=20a&page=2

and here--

http://www.finepipes.com/accessories?sort=20a&page=3

No buffer needed to use these.
The rubbing compound or a Magic Eraser will take the oxidation off. Carnuba will not,it will just make it shine!Micro Mesh can be used to remove the oxidation and make the stem shine. Google Micro Mesh pads. I like to use them wet,they will last longer. I bought my buffing supplies here- http://www.jestcoproducts.com/index.php

I bought their Plastic buffing kit which works great on any stem material and also smooth briar pipes.They also have arbors.I bought several 6" buffing wheels,hard sewn and soft.You need one hard wheel to apply carnuba and one soft to buff it to a nice shine. You will need hard wheels to use the buffing compounds.I use one for stems,one for briar,one for metals(aluminum extensions etc).Carnuba can be bought on Ebay or elsewhere online. A small block will do hundreds of pipes.

 

[ejames]

Here's some carnuba wax on Ebay-

http://cgi.ebay.com/4-Oz-Carnauba-Carnuba-Wax-Instructions-7-75-Total-/320634549660?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa74ef59c

 

[pstlpkr]

Hey ejames, and deyomatic,
Check out the top few strings on the forum page.

They will help you post your Avatar and Pictures.

 

[ejames]

Thanks,been meaning to do that!

 

[deyomatic]

Thanks for all the info, and thanks, Lawrence for the avatar tip. I've been meaning to ask why mine doesn't work! I'll figure it out next year!