Radial Bristle Sanding and Polishing?

[brad]

I need to up my game regarding polishing and final products.    I have a professional jewelers polishing machine with tapered mandrel and use large wheels.  I have a Foredom and a Dremel hanging at my work table with many various wheels for them.  And many hand tools and papers.  I also have a tumbler loaded with three shapes of stainless steel shot.
And yet, I still fight getting to a bright sheen without micro (visible) marks on my pieces.
I am considering tooling up with radial bristle wheels, and maybe a machine for  3" radial bristle wheels?

What say you?  Thank you, Brad

[DawninCal]

I think Irith is who could best help you out with your question, Brad.

I have used a dremel with a bristle wheel and polishing compound to clean up old vintage components, but getting a mirror surface isn't something I've strived for.

I like burnished, oxidized, antique looking finishes and am most happy after buffing my pieces with fine steel wool. It gives metal a nice warm glow, but doesn't give the polished look you are after.

Hopefully Irith will check in soon. One of the downsides of a small group is that sometimes we have to wait for replies and we're somewhat limited in various skill sets to share information and experiences.



Dawn

[caeterle]

I only ever attended one silversmithing class and we used just the silversmith's professional machine. The picture of the ring that I took the next day also shows tiny marks, but I never really thought about that as our teacher said that it was very good, so I never questioned how much more of a sheen I might have been able to achieve.

[brad]

Thank you. While I do many "antique" patinas, some brushed or griany textures, I need to have a confidence in achieving a scratch-free mirror finish as well. I seemed to have the knack early in my silver smithing, but recently I fight it...or perhaps become a bit more impatient?
in certain light, my hammered textures (with no patina) are difficult to polish out without loosing much of the texture. One thing I am doing recently is to prep my metal better, and polish my hammers. That should make some difference.
Brad

[Irith-Rita]

The radial machines have large round soft brushes which you can use with Green metal shining paste (Green is for silver, Red is for gold, although I use the red for everything I try to give a smooth and shiny finish). One needs some time and patience to get to the wanted result. After it is smooth enough, I use a soft tooth brush to clean off the paste, and last - to the tumbler, with the special shining soap, it goes for about 1 hour.

It can all be done with with the Foredom or Dremel tools you have. They have various brushes including very soft ones. I like to use my radial machine for better results.

[brad]

A pic of my polishing area and my other scary area.  Along with a shop drawer full of things for the flex shaft and the Dremel. 
rather then buy a Jooltool right away, $$$, I will buy a kit bristle discs for the Firedom and Dremel to mess with. Brad

[brad]

I bought a kit similar to this. Brad

[Irith-Rita]

Jan 3, 2024 2:06:43 GMT -6 DawninCal said:

I think Irith is who could best help you out with your question, Brad.

I have used a dremel with a bristle wheel and polishing compound to clean up old vintage components, but getting a mirror surface isn't something I've strived for.

I like burnished, oxidized, antique looking finishes and am most happy after buffing my pieces with fine steel wool. It gives metal a nice warm glow, but doesn't give the polished look you are after.

Hopefully Irith will check in soon. One of the downsides of a small group is that sometimes we have to wait for replies and we're somewhat limited in various skill sets to share information and experiences.



Dawn

I did my best Dawn. I suppose we have to learn our lesson from this..

[brad]

I have only done a couple of brush and satin polishings, I think I should/shall do more. Those finishes are growing on me, plus it appears to be desirable with many folks. Here I am again thinking about if I sell pieces? Thanks. Brad