MicroMesh or something else?

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GaryMGg

GaryMGg

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Joined
Nov 23, 2006
Messages
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Location
McIntosh, Florida, USA.
My 3"X6" set (1800 thru 12000) is finally washed up.
Time for replacing them.
These are probably 10 years old.

I used them to tune up a CA finish when needed.

What are y'all using these days?

Thanks for your input.
 
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Personally, I like to stick with what has worked for me, unless I had issues needing a tweak - then I would explore. I used Micromesh and Abranet and got used to their characteristics and was comfortable with them. If I ever turn again they will be in my 'toy box'. (I cleaned each set after each use, and didn't overly push their limits).
 
Check out Mark Mayo's finishing video technique using the three scotch pads and then Beall buffing system. I switched over from micro mesh to it and really like it much better.
 
Micro mesh pads will give you a decent finish. However, the unquestionably best polish for plastics (to include CA) is Magic Juice from Stadium Pen Blanks. It is a 6 step polish that will take you final product to the next level and it only requires a small amount of the "juice" to polish the whole blank on each step.
 
Switched from Micro Mesh pads to Dr. Kirk's stuff (Scratch Freee and Micro Magic polishing waxes) and haven't looked back. I also use Novus 2 for my CA finishes after the finest Micro Magic wax.
 
Frank727 said:
Check out Mark Mayo's finishing video technique using the three scotch pads and then Beall buffing system. I switched over from micro mesh to it and really like it much better.
Click to expand...
Mark's videos prompted me to ask.
Might have missed the scotch pads; I'll have to go back to it.
I saw the Beall setup. So fast if you have multiple lathes. I don't but I think I have a spare motor sitting around doing nothing.
 
I still use Micro Mesh. It's always worked well for me. I buy the small 2 x 2 inch ones. I usually get a new set once a year.
 
So far I've had my best results using micro mesh. Cheapest place I've found it is at International Violin. A 6x12 sheet is $7.60 compared to the prices I've found for a 3x6 sheet being around $4.50 at other sources.
If anyone has found it cheaper please let me know.
I have no affiliation with International Violin, just a happy customer.
 
I also used to use MM.

I switched to the 3M Zona Papers and liked it better.

Then I switched to buffing wheels. I use 800 wet, Mirlon 1500 pad, then buffing wheels with four different compounds: Tripoli, White Diamond, Ultra Fine, Fine (actually finer than Ultra Fine), then I use blue jewelers rouge and then renaissance wax and a clean buffing wheel.

I do not have a separate buffing lathe, but that is because I don't really have the space for one. I just switch over to the wheels when I am ready to buff.

I believe it to be faster and provide a better finish.
 
+1 for zona papers. Once I go through the grits, I set up my buffing wheel and go over the parts again with the blue rouge and then the flannel wheel. I am happy with this setup.
 
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