MicroMesh or something else?

[GaryMGg]

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.

 

[mark james]

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).

 

[Woodchipper]

MM for me. Like Mark, I clean then with water and an old toothbrush. Dry and ready for the next few pen's CA finish.

 

[Frank727]

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.

 

[SabertoothBunny]

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.

 

[jttheclockman]

Same here MM all the way. Have a couple sets and when wore out just replace. Cheap enough.

 

[BHuij]

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.

 

[GaryMGg]

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.

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.

 

[KenB259]

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.

 

[Monty]

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.

 

[d_bondi]

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.

 

[KMCloonan]

+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.

 

[bsshog40]

MM for me too. I keep 2 sets and alternate between them. I just nut the 2x2 pad sizes also. I even bought the metal holder for them so I can stack them back in order. Lol

 

[jttheclockman]

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.

Have not checked lately but when I was buying the sheets instead of the pads I use to buy from https://micro-surface.com/micro-mesh-types/ I still use the sheets when I do a project that I use lemon oil as the finish on top of an exotic. brings to a super sheen but not too glossy. That is what is needed in flat work. Example.

 

[Todd in PA]

I've gradually gotten away from micromesh. Since I'm going to polish anyway, micromesh is a lot of extra steps.

Nowadays, I put the CA on, and then level it with 1200 wet/dry sandpaper. I buy 8x10 sheets for a buck apiece on Amazon (https://amzn.to/4bEztCq) and cut them into 1" strips. Every pen barrel gets a fresh 3" strip. Wet sand radial at 900 rpm, then lengthwise. I go straight to white diamind buffing from there and done.