Stem Resto: Preserving Sharp Lines

[danielplainview]

I thought I'd share this handy trick with the D.I.Y guys. Wet sanding is a double edged sword. It sure makes those crusty old stems shiny again, but it can also soften the crisp lines of the original design. I made some miniature sanding sticks from craft sticks (popsicle sticks) and sand paper. Cut and superglue the grit of your choice to fit the craft stick. This works great when working around the edges of the stem. The multi angled shape of this stem is a good example. It's hard to see in the picture but the sides are flat and then there's an angled cut between the sides and the flat top. Doing this section by hand can round off the lines, but with a mini-stick, they will stay crisp. This stem has also been patched at the button area.

 

[dmcmtk]

A good tip Dave. I've also used nail files to the same end. The basic cheapo kind one can buy in a CVS, they can typically be found in various "grits".

 

[cobguy]

Great idea!
When the time comes, my resto process will go like this:
1. Send pipes to Dave

2. Wait short time and receive amazing looking pipes back! :D

 

[sablebrush52]

Yep. I do much the same thing. I learned this from doing restoration work on fine jewelry and ring sizing when I was in that business.

 

[smoothsailing]

One of the most annoying things I've encountered and something I've struggled with in my refurbishing projects. Great solution , thanks for sharing Dave.

 

[mawnansmiff]

I do pretty much the same albeit in bulk & at various grits. I paint the back of a whole sheet of say 2500 grit paper with PVA glue, lay on the lollypop sticks then turn over onto a flat surface (kitchen worktop in my case) then lay an offcut of polished granite on top of the whole (to prevent the lollypop sticks 'curling'). After 24 hours all is dry and I then cut each stick away with a craft knife.
Regards,
Jay.

 

[scrooge]

I'm with cobguy send it to Dave! But thanks for the tip. Still waiting on a buffing video. LOL!