Buffer?

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kf4knf

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So as Dec 25 gets closer, I have to start making my wish list.

What are your thoughts on the 3-step PSI buffing system? I have never used a buffer so I really dont know what to expect. Do they really help the pen shine? I use CA finishes on most pens so would I notice a difference after visiting the buffer?
 
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So, since no one has chimed in I'll give my two cents. I buff, but I do it while it is on the lathe using a t-shirt. I buff with jewelers rouge and then I apply pure carnuba wax. It really shines and I would expect the same from the buffing system. I use the Fangar's CA method. I've thought about getting a buffing system because I could buff on the pen after it has been put together. So, anything that doesn't look right might be able to be buffed after the pen is assembled. I don't know if the PSI system is a good one or not, but it appears to be so. As a Christmas gift I'd take it in a minute.
 
Steve,
I built my own buffer. I took 5/8" all-thread and had about 1-1/2" milled down a bit to fit in my Jacob's chuck. I then ordered the buffing wheels from Beall, along with the Tripoli, White Diamond, and Carnuba bars. I had to enlarge the holes in the wheels to fit onto the all-thread. If you buy 1/2" all-thread, this step will not be necessary. I sandwiched two fo the wheels between fender washers and hex nuts. I added pieces of PVC pipe in between the wheels to keep the threads covered (safety). The third wheel is on the bolt it came with. I have a Jet 1014 lathe and I felt that in 14", two wheels fit better than all three. I have the Carnuba wheel by itself.

As for finishing with CA and then buffing, I do it and it really pops the shine.
I don't know anything about the PSI buffing system, but like buffing my pens to make them shine.
 
I started buffing my CA finish with white diamond and I have made it part of the routine from now on. It really brings out the shine. I just do it on my drill press with an arbor wheel. I am using a buffing wheel from homely depot. When that wheel dies, I will buy a good one. I wouldn't mind the 3-step system, but only if I had a spare mini.
 
I managed to get hold of one of the Apprentice buffing wheels from craft supplies. It's great, just the right size for pens and other small turnings. My finish for wooden pens is as follows - sand to 1200 grit with abrasive then finish with 1500 webrax.Seal with cellulose sanding sealer then denib with webrax.Next a coat of friction polish then denib this with non-abrasive webrax and apply second light coat of friction polish. I then apply very thin coat of paste wax and buff with kitchen paper towel. Then it's over to the apprentice buffing wheel were I use Hut satin then Hut gloss stick wax. This has really been working for me and gives a great finish. I have never tried the CA finish that you guys in the US seem fond of so I must give it a try but I would give the buffing a go.
cheers
fatharry
 
I bought one of the PSI buffer mandrels when they first came out and I am happy with it. I refrained from commenting earlier because I haven't used any other buffer so I really can't compare it. It looks to be very similar to the Beall buffer. One thing that didn't appeal to me is that the taper is simply ground into one end of the threaded mandrel. It works just fine, but is not cosmetic.

Of course, now that I have the buffing wheels, I'm starting to want a dedicated lathe so I don't have to keep swapping it out. I've taken to putting it on a couple of peghooks off to the side of my lathe so it's always within easy reach.

I use a CA/BLO finish regularly and buffing makes a dramatic difference. I have recently taken to sanding between coats of CA and find that yields a smoother finish in the end, but it could be that my application technique just needs more work. Anyway, once the glue has all cured, I buff with tripoli until the surface is all smooth (even reflection under my lathe lights) and then switch to the white diamond wheel for a nice gloss. I haven't personally seen much improvement from adding the carnuba but think I might try TSW instead for a higher gloss.

I hope this helps,
Eric
 
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