Would a wire wheel on a drill press be a good start? I use them to polish barrels up before bluing. This isn't the same, of course, but it may be something to try.
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How to polish this sideplate
- Thread starter longcruise
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longcruise
70 Cal.
I think it would be too brutal. I use for example buffing wheels on trigger guards and butt plates with good results but if there is fine detail in the brass it tends to mute it out a lot.
Chambers brass is the real McCoy. Not hard like most of the stuff out there.
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Hi,
I've made, sculpted, polished, and engraved many of these kind of side plates.
First, clean up all the edges with needle files. A half round file will be your most valuable shape. If you have a jeweler's saw, use it to get into the tight spots along the edges. Then the plate needs the surface casting texture removed. File that down with small needle files, and sanding sticks. Sanding sticks have a spring loaded mechanism that holds a thin sanding belt. You can get them from most wood working suppliers. Then you will need some polishing stones, like the Gessweins that James mentioned lubricated with lamp oil. Also of value are hardwood sticks shaped into pencil points that can be dipped in lamp oil and rottenstone, and then rubbed on the metal to polish it. Once the textured surface is smoothed, you can really polish it with 3-M bristle discs in a Dremel tool. The discs are readily available at online jewelry suppliers. Unfortunately, you may lose some of the sharpness of the edges of the design during that process. They get sanded down. The only good way to recover those sharp features is to engrave them after polishing. You have to remember that these kinds of side plates were made by specialist with training you don't have.
To be honest, these plates give me no heartburn anymore when inletting them. I fabricated this scribing and stabbing in knife, which makes the job easier.
These micro chisels are also invaluable for stabbing in the outline
Just go slow and make sure your chisels are razor sharp. In addition, the mortises for these side plates was very shallow. So don't cut deeply.
Good luck.
dave
I've made, sculpted, polished, and engraved many of these kind of side plates.
First, clean up all the edges with needle files. A half round file will be your most valuable shape. If you have a jeweler's saw, use it to get into the tight spots along the edges. Then the plate needs the surface casting texture removed. File that down with small needle files, and sanding sticks. Sanding sticks have a spring loaded mechanism that holds a thin sanding belt. You can get them from most wood working suppliers. Then you will need some polishing stones, like the Gessweins that James mentioned lubricated with lamp oil. Also of value are hardwood sticks shaped into pencil points that can be dipped in lamp oil and rottenstone, and then rubbed on the metal to polish it. Once the textured surface is smoothed, you can really polish it with 3-M bristle discs in a Dremel tool. The discs are readily available at online jewelry suppliers. Unfortunately, you may lose some of the sharpness of the edges of the design during that process. They get sanded down. The only good way to recover those sharp features is to engrave them after polishing. You have to remember that these kinds of side plates were made by specialist with training you don't have.
To be honest, these plates give me no heartburn anymore when inletting them. I fabricated this scribing and stabbing in knife, which makes the job easier.
These micro chisels are also invaluable for stabbing in the outline
Just go slow and make sure your chisels are razor sharp. In addition, the mortises for these side plates was very shallow. So don't cut deeply.
Good luck.
dave
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THANK YOU! very good information
I typically use a fine wire brush on a wheel after I have finished sanding and stoning the lock and had excellent results. Brownells sells a nice brush for doing barrels and other. You end up with a nice matt finish ready for polishing if you decide to go that way. I just leave as is. I asked Master Jack Brooks if he would engrave a lock for me. He told me I would save a lot of money if I did the finishing. For my Kibler Wood Runner. After I was done I decided to forgo the engraving it looked so nice. I spent a ton of time on it. The prism takes forever because of the heat treat but I just kept at it (nothing else to do lol). Good luck with it
Fifty years ago I worked in a machine shop polishing molds after school with stones and Karosene. Watching one of Jim Kimbler videos I found out about Congress Stones. I bought a bunch of soft polishing stones. They are located in Coonecticut if not mistaken and they are on line. Highly recommend! Affordable to!
longcruise
70 Cal.
Lots of good advice here. I'm going to adopt and adapt to the things that I'm best able to do. I think I have everything I need to make the micro chisels.
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Speaking of Dremel type tools, my youngest son gave a battery powered one and it is a revelation, much more positive control.
Good tip, hadn't thought of using hot glue to hold stuff down.
