Ebonite....what is the key

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D

DKF

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Joined
Apr 16, 2007
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Location
Gardnerville, Nevada, USA.
I am having a bit of a time getting a nice, shine finish on some black ebonite.....I just can't seem to get the small scratches out....sand to 1500, micro mesh to 12000, hut plastic polish and I am still not getting the pop. I have not had this problem with any other PR's, lucites etc. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
 
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Are the scratches to the point of being easily visible or do they need close inspection to see them?

I've used ebonite a little and found getting an OK shine is pretty easy but getting an excellent shine eludes me, but then I'm not very experienced. I haven't noticed any visible scratches left under casual inspection, but have noticed them when looked at very closely, particularly under even the low magnification from a magnifying glass.
 
Cross sanding with Abranet dipped in Brasso is just the ticket! Try it, you'll like it! Start at 320 and go to 600, then MM with Brasso. I use lathe off, then 250 RPM.
 
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I agree, buff with white diamond, gently! And make certain there are no loose threads "beating" the blank.

I've never tried Andy's method, sounds interesting!!
 
Cross sand after every grit and don't use alot of force. Also be sure to use clean sandpaper and MM. Debris will scratch it! Buffing does help.

I start with 320 to 400 dry then wet with all the MM. Then polish with plastX. Sometimes I'll use the buffer.

Ebonite nib section:

 
I used to use White Diamond, but I found that I get much better results with LIGHT pressure Abaranet or GOOD QUALITY sandpaper. As Jonathon said, PlastX works very nicely. I get MUCH Better results with MM/Brasso, followed by PlastX. I can't see the scratches at 17X magnification.

Additionally, HEAT is the ENEMY of Ebonite. WHATEVER you use, KEEP it cool.

Respectfully submitted.
 
Thanks all.....I think I will try all suggestions as I have some brasso an I also have white diamond. I think one of my problems is I was using too much pressure. Will try a lighter touch. Thanks again.
 
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