Tips for polishing with Dremel

[kennyjo]

I have just received a bar of carnauba wax today.

After my first few trails, I find that the stem is still dull (not as shine as those I have seen in youtube).

Can someone give me some tips on polishing pipe?

Is Tripoli a must in polishing stem or bowl?

What kind of wheel will give me a better result?

If possible, can you include an image or even a link about the wheel?
Thanks

 

[pstlpkr]

I can't give you any tips from experience... save one...

A Dremmel too may simply be too fast and the results of polishing with it could be unfortunate.

All I can say is goooooo slow.

::

 

[briarbird]

I agree with Lawrence, be very careful and slow with the dremmel. And always watch so that the rotating parts, other than what you are buffing with, are not too close to other parts of the pipe; I know this one from experince...

 

[cortezattic]

I get good results by applying carnauba wax with a layered cloth wheel (the layers are stiff because they are sewn together.)

Just dip the spinning wheel into the wax bar to "charge" it with wax.

I then buff with a broad felt wheel. Finally I do a finishing rub with an old flannel shirt.

In the end, you will find, that the brilliance of the wax job is dependent on how finely the wood was sanded when it left the factory.

 

[photoman13]

I haven't had good luck with a dremel. It actually burned my stem.

 

[ssjones]

My advice, from experience: don't use a dremel. With just carnuba, I doubt you would do any damage, but also doubt you'll do much good as the dremel is too fast and wheels too small. A variable speed drill setup is better than a dremel.
There is a recent thread on this forum called "inexpensive buffer" or similar. It lists some tips for getting a cheap setup (furnace motor and pad arbor from member "smokindawg") Pads from a web vendor.

 

[cortezattic]

I think Al's advice is the way to go. :clap: I've been kicking that idea around myself for a long time now.

 

[nightmarejones]

I too use a dremel and so far after quite a few restores have not really had any problems per-say, but caution while use is an understatement.It is very easy to bump the briar with the Colette or stay in one spot for a millisecond too long then the symmetry is off.With that said I have yet to ruin a pipe, but would love to have "Proper" tools.If you don't have the cash or just starting out,I personally say the dremel is a good and cheap investment that will get the job done but won't win awards.

 

[ejames]

I have just received a bar of carnauba wax today.

After my first few trails, I find that the stem is still dull (not as shine as those I have seen in youtube).

Can someone give me some tips on polishing pipe?

Is Tripoli a must in polishing stem or bowl?

What kind of wheel will give me a better result?

If possible, can you include an image or even a link about the wheel?
Thanks

Getting your stems to shine depends on several things. What kind of stems are you working on? Are they oxidized? Clean and smooth? Scratched up?

Rubber(vulcanite) stems should be free of oxidation. Your stems may need to be polished with some sort of abrasive--tripoli,Micro-Mesh, sand paper etc.

Carnuba by itself,unless the stem is like new ain't gonna make them shine.When using carnuba remember a little goes a long way.If you are seeing whitish looking streaks on you stem or bowl when applying it you are putting it on to heavy.

There's a million places selling Dremel accessories. Harbor Freight, Widget.com are a couple. You will need wheels for EACH of your buffing compounds,one to apply wax and one to buff the wax.

IMO Paragon pipe wax is much better for stems.

When using buffing compounds(tripoli etc) with a Dremel use a very light touch and keep it moving. A Dremel can melt your stem in the blink of a eye!

There are some decent little buffers available for under $50.00.