[Jewelry making - Article 00089] - Re: [Orchid] Bench grinder for polishing tips

[Mark Shneyer]

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Hi Candy,

    Here are severeal tips to remember: 

    Always polish on the bottom portion of the wheel...Picture a clock
    and then turn it sideways...You should be polishing at between 3:30
    and 4:30. 

    Use the whole wheel not just the center or you'll end up with an
    uneven buff.  (Like a trench in the center of the wheel). 

    Also stick to the 4" buffs until you get more experience.  A 6" buff
    can be very unforgiving. 

    Try to polish in the opposite direction than you last sanded. 

    Use a separate buff for the tripoli, red rouge, and green rouge.  (I
    really like the bobbing compound instead of tripoli but be careful
    because it removes alot of material so you could trash prongs pretty
    easily) 

    DON'T PUSH too hard...let the speed of the wheel do the work & let
    the tripoli and rouge do its job. 

    If a piece gets away from you ... Let it go! ... Your fingers are
    more important than a piece of jewelery. 

    Always WEAR SAFTEY GLASSES! 

    When polishing a chain or a bracelet always use a piece of leather
    (about 4" long should be good) from an old belt to hold the chain
    against.  Also never clasp it closed or wrap your fingers with it to
    hold it better.... Again,  IF IT GETS AWAY FROM YOU LET IT GO! 

    Lastly, I never use the finger tip gaurds.  This does two things. One
    I can feel the piece very well and have much better control of it.
    Second I get really dirty fingers.  For me the better feel far
    outweighs the dirty hands. Unfortunately getting used to the heat
    will only come with time and tougher (numb) fingers.  I know people
    who work with the finger guards to spare their fingers and it works
    well for them...It's probably what you get used to. 

    I hope that helps, 

    Mark 

    Ps  If you don't have a vacume system...Wear a mask...At least with
    the rouge side.

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