posted 08-12-2010 05:16 PM            

Does anyone know how to set up a polishing wheel or where to get supplies to set one up? My collection is trending towards more modern pieces which seem to have scratch free surfaces as there main attraction (unlike older pieces where the minute scratches add to the patina of the piece). To me modern pieces depend on their blemish free appearance for their beauty since there is a lack of decoration.

Robert

posted 08-19-2010 08:23 AM            

Also to polish a surface like new is an art that a beginner can struggle with, again if you are shown, it can go much faster.

Dust collection is nice (for keeping the work place clean) and or a mask for the lungs, rouge is very pervasive flying around a room.

Rio sells set ups with motor and dust collection in one but generally they are for jewelery and if you wanted to polish a coffee pot it would be hard to get at it.

posted 08-19-2010 09:37 AM            

It is easy to ruin a piece on a motorized buffing wheel or polishing lathe. Experience is a wonderful thing. I might suggest learning the steps to hand polishing. It is time consuming and it also allows you an intimacy with your silver.

I have seen too many silver pieces damaged by the novice on a wheel.

My rantings for what they are worth.

posted 08-19-2010 11:58 AM            

I am getting some hands on experience with a local silver dealer (where I work part-time on Saturdays - he has a professional wheel and dust catcher and all kinds of polishing tools) and he had me start learning by polishing pieces destined to be scrapped (pieces beyond repair) to get used to polishing and I have now done enough to feel pretty confident about my technique (I am probably more cautious than I need to be, but thats just me) so that I don't lose any of the pattern on the pieces I buff for him now.

I don't really won't to set up a professional wheel with dust collector (the owner doesn't mind if I bring in some pieces from time to time to polish) but I just something that I can use outside at home when I have the time that will take out the deeper scratches than hand polishing allows. Patterns like Diamond by R&B are at their best when the surface is flawless since the beauty is the shape and smooth finish and not the surface decoration of older patterns where the patina improves the look of the piece.

I hope this doesn't sound like rambling but if it does please forgive me.

Robert

PS: Fredz, I know what you mean, one of my first pieces was a spoon that the wheel gabbed out of my hand and was sucked into the dust catcher! Scared me out of my wits but I was at least able to shut the system down fast enought without causing any damage. The spoon on the other hand - well lets just say it was a good thing it was a scrap spoon to start!

posted 08-19-2010 03:32 PM            

I have a polishing system that I use outside on a covered porch. I have mounted my double spindle two speed motor on a 2x6 that extends over the workbench. This allows me full access to the wheel for holloware.

posted 08-19-2010 10:47 PM            

By using green rouge, I was able to put a mirror finish on silverplate. Red rouge was a bit too rough.

Be very careful in doing hollowware as sometimes the solder has a very low melting point, low enough that the heat generated by buffing melts the solder. This is a real mess. Maybe a Dremmel would work for your needs?