Deane and other FLers -
You're probably right about about the missing step being the
application of the Stainless compound. I seem to use this compound
extensively when I polish stainless mouldings (the name of the compound makes
sense, right ?) . I also use a 1/3 hp buffer / grinder, which you can pick up at
Sam's club or at an off-brand tool place for about $35. I was warned that
the imported tools don't last, but I've had mine for over ten years with no
probs.
The wheel/compound combinations that Eastwood recommends for
stainless are: sisal/emery, spiral/stainless and white rouge/loose sections. If
I have a nasty piece, I'll start with the emory on the sisal wheel, but I find
this puts scratches in the metal which are tough to get out. Most of my
stainless is in pretty good shape so I start with the stainless compound on a
spiral wheel. This is called a cutting step because it cuts the haziness
from the metal and gives it a pretty good shine. From there I go to the
white rouge on the loose sections wheel. This is the coloring step and
really brings out the luster in the metal.
Two recommendations: buy a buff rake for cleaning the
wheels, since the compounds build up inside. Also, unless you like
coughing your brains out, wear a dust mask. The dry compounds throw
off a lot of dust. Not good to breathe.
Ron
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