JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler Linda Steinke uses Foredom's new pre-finishing wheels and polishing compound to finish fabricated and cast platinum pieces. "Using these new products has eliminated the multiple-step process I formerly used and I'm able to accomplish my pre-finishing and polishing in half the time". Michael Dickey, also a certified master agrees stating "In my operation, time is money and we are thrilled to benefit from using these quality products to speed up our finishing procedures".

	This platinum ring is fabricated and was carefully pre-finished and polished through the process and final pre-finishing and polishing is required. Shown here, the top wires are detailed using the gray extra fine 1000 grit Foredom Ceramic Polishing wheel. Next, the white super fine 1500 grit wheel will be used.
	The Foredom Ceramic Polishing Wheels are supplied un-mounted in packets of 10 and grits are identified by color (shown mounted and un-mounted here in the Foredom Rotating Bur and Tool Holder). They range from the coarse 120 grit (blue) to a super fine 1500 grit (white). Dickey states "These wheels are superior to any on the market. They are resilient to wear, hold an edge and generate less heat than wheels I have previously used. I use two sets; one contains full sized wheels that I use for all applications and the other contains smaller used wheels I use for inside rings".
	The inside of the ring is pre-polished using Foredom's mounted medium felt bobs and Foredom's unique Platinum Blue compound. The felt bobs come in a packet of various shapes and sizes and are permanently mounted on 1/8 inch shanks.
	The felt bobs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes in medium, hard and rock-hard surface hardnesses.
	The flat shank and flat tapered top wires of the design were pre-polished using the same materials. Certified master William Holman states he likes using Foredom's Platinum Blue with a stitched yellow treated muslin buff. He uses the 7-stitch buff which provides the firm polishing surface he prefers.
	The ring is ultrasonic cleaned then polished using Foredom's Platinum White compound. Steinke says "I like the 8000 grit Platinum White compound because it quickly polishes the piece to an unmistakable finished bright luster. The two steps I use with this buffing and polishing process accomplish an equivalent and better finish than my old six-step process and in half the time". Holman adds, "Using these compounds saves me time and I'm able to retain the intricate detail of my work". Both note to be careful using Foredom Blue near excessively soft gemstones.
	Steinke uses the Foredom Platinum Blue and Platinum White (8000 grit) compounds available in 5 ounce bars for all jewelry finishing. She states, "These compounds are ideal and I use them for my gold and silver buffing and polishing requirements". Both compounds are new formulas introduced in 2003 and only available from Foredom.
	Shown here are Foredom's TF Points. They are especially good for titanium and platinum group metals. They are impregnated aluminum oxide points that are ideal for smoothing and pre-polishing. They can be reshaped with a dressing stone.
	Because of their small size and superior metal removal quality, these points are ideal for the reduction of excess platinum at the sprue junction and for the pre-finishing process of this platinum cast wire setting.

For information related to Foredom tools, equipment and accessories contact Michael Zagielski at 203-792-8622

Photographs - Mark B. Mann