BEFORE & AFTER....A Tool Polisher's Haven

[JMLangford]

I've been doing all this other tool polishing that I've been neglecting my table saw's top....
The left hand side is looking a bit rough from it being "touched" whenever I pass by since it's in the pathway to my workbench, etc.....so it's time to polish it
The BEFORE pics....


Broke out the ole Porter Cable 333 random orbiter sander and started with a 80 grit pad.....


Sanding up to the edge of the laminated top to the right.....I don't have to worry about the outfeed table because it's mounted about a 32nd to a 1/16" below the saw top....


Used the 3M pad to clean up the front bevel of the table (and a few of the rougher spots on the top).....



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[JMLangford]

Normally when I clean the saw top I start with 80 grit to take out the roughest spots and then finish up with 120 grit (I have even gone to 400 grit )...BUT....I didn't get that far cause the foam on the sander's pad had deteriorated and it came apart
I own 3 of these Porter Cable sanders and now ALL 3 need replacement pads (just ordered a 2 pack from Amazon today)


So, I guess I'll just wipe it down with acetone and then paste wax it.....


Now the AFTER pics....


Looks like I need to make a new zero clearance insert (ZCI)


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[don long]

Table saw looks good Mike.
you have forced my hand and now I must tackle my Cman table saw too.

dkroth That hammer and time frame looks great and was interesting to hear that I'm not the only one who is breaking sander belts. You mentioned bead blast. Was that glass beads? That's what I have in my blaster and I use it alot!!!

 

[dkroth]

dkroth That hammer and time frame looks great and was interesting to hear that I'm not the only one who is breaking sander belts. You mentioned bead blast. Was that glass beads? That's what I have in my blaster and I use it alot!!!

Yes, glass bead. I use it for 90% of my blasting.

I bought my belt sander about 4 years ago. I got about 25 belts with it which was a huge bonus. Unfortunately, those belts are are probably 20 years old and the seams are all shot.



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[don long]

I started cleaning up a stamp set I found a couple months ago

They are quite large

IMG_2351 by don long, on Flickr

IMG_2349 by don long, on Flickr

They look like they were sitting in water on the bottom ends for quite some time causing a bit of work to get cleaned up the way I like them to look.

I started out experimenting different processes to get the stamps clean.
!st I tried to use evaporust to clean them up but it did little to help.

I found that glass bead blasting cleaned the letter end pretty well

IMG_2353 by don long, on Flickr

The rusted end has been eaten up badly and required grinding them with a 50 grit disc to smooth them out

2018-01-04 15.04.26 by don long, on Flickr


Then with an 80 grit 3" disc I was able to blend in the grinding marks and remove most of the imperfections on the body of the stamp

Starting the sanding process i've cleaned a few of the stamps to the 220 grit stage

2018-01-04 15.02.42 by don long, on Flickr

Tonight I took one stamp and working on just one side I sanded the 220 grit scratches with a 320 grit disc then when I couldn't see any moor scratches in the metal I moved on to 400 grit and repeated the process.
Here is what the piece looked like after using the 400 grit paper

IMG_2360 by don long, on Flickr

Not being happy with it I followed up with a disc of 600 grit then using an 800 grit disc I ran my air sander until the paper quit cutting and the stamp looked pretty good but lacked the mirror effect I am looking for so I went over to the buffer and using the green bar on the wheel I polished the steel stamp until I couldn't hold it any longer (HOT) and this is the look I am after for all 4 sides of the stamp leaving the letter end with the bead blast finish

2018-01-04 20.13.28 by don long, on Flickr

Now to do the same thing to the other 3 sides and the 25 other stamps

I have the original box this set came in way back when

 

[Shiftless]

Great work, Don!
I’m sure those didn’t look that good when they were fresh from the factory.
I know what’s gonna keep you busy now for a while.

 

[jdbilodeau]

That came out incredibly well!

 

[bandlaw]

I started cleaning up a stamp set I found a couple months ago
[ ... ]



I have the original box this set came in way back when

Man that looks great! Nice work and good luck with the others!




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[drivesitfar]

Don: WOW. nice work and you sure know how to take it to the next level. thanks for sharing and VERY WELL DONE!!

ALL: thanks in advance for posting all your spiffing up and if some of you could maybe take a few pictures of your tools and supplies so some of us could know that would be AWESOME too.

Cheers

 

[Swingpress]

Here is a question. I'm polishing up an old Norlund axe that was pretty gnarly. I removed the handle and started off by setting the edge and working as far as I dare on the stamp. Now, how far back from the bit do I polish? The whole thing or...? It's got some deep pits that I know won't come out without a lot of metal removal so I have a line where I initially figured I would bring the mirror polish to. I'm doing this one mostly by hand and forgot how time consuming it was!

 

[iajonesy]

Don, great work on the stamps. Swingpress, I would do the whole head if it was my ax. I love your sig. line and your avitar.

Mike

 

[Finallygotit]

OK, Subbed! Great thread!

 

[WoodsTruck]

I kind of like the character in the surface myself.

 

[don long]

I'd do the whole thing but that's because I like shinny e

 

[Swingpress]

I'd do the whole thing but that's because I like shinny e

That's what I was wanting to do also, but then there is that whole "character thing" lol.

I think I'll leave the deeper pits and take everything else to a mirror finish!
This thing is already razor sharp! Cut myself once on it already...[emoji35]

 

[Fialaja]

Incredible work fellas, incredible work!

 

[bubinga]

Nice! @ donlong!

 

[Swingpress]

The next victim for the buffing wheel.....




....dives under table to avoid rocks!

 

[Shiftless]

Swingpress:
Did you see this one on google images?

 

[Swingpress]

Swingpress:

Did you see this one on google images?

Just found it. Thanks for the info! Crazy what some axes bring!

And I thought Gransfors and wetterlings were lofty!!

 

[Swingpress]

Well, its far from perfect. Only machine use was for buffing and cleaning up the poll. But with doing this without a machine, my hands hurt...

 

[Bears Fan]

Swing

Nice job on the axe!!!

 

[JMLangford]

Well, its far from perfect. Only machine use was for buffing and cleaning up the poll. But with doing this without a machine, my hands hurt...

That is super fantastic.....I wish I could get a high polish like you and Don do.

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[don long]

Swingpress
I'm impressed!! All by hand I'll bet that hurt.
The axe looks great and I don't even mind the few dinks that had to be left on the face.
I like the way you showed us your new cell phone lol
I looked at my stamps today but worked on my Corvette instead

 

[JMLangford]

I TRIED....I REALLY, REALLY DID TRY....

Last Friday I got a nice little 4" Diamond Diamalloy adjustable wrench in a tool lot I bought.....


I thought that I'd try my hand at just lightly cleaning it and leaving most of the "Patina" intact....I'd planned on removing the rust (rust is not a patina) and clean it enough to bring out the wording on the tool, etc.....

So far so good, cleaned it until I felt that it had just enough patina left to look like a well kept old tool....This is how I left it on Saturday....


Fast forward to Monday.....All morning, I just didn't feel right....I was nervous and anxious, so I went out to the shop to start cleaning up a new toolbox I got.....to see if that would calm my restlessness....

Later that evening, when my wife text me that supper was ready and I didn't reply or come in the house....she got worried (she know's it ain't like me to miss a meal ) and came out to the shop to check on me....

To her horror she found me on the floor in the corner.....shaking uncontrollably.....sweating profusely.....tightly clutching the little 4" adjustable wrench.....mumbling "must make shiney"..."must make shiney"....

Well, she sprung into action....she'd seen this condition before (living 40 yrs. with a tool polisher, she knew exactly what to do)....So, she drug me over to my workbench (which is a feat in itself....she only 5'1" )....she propped me up on a stool and placed a dremel tool in my hand.....and with words of encouragement like "Clean that tool, Mister" and "Polish it, Baby"....I came back to reality and started to polish like a mad man!!!....


I'd just like to say to all the non-tool-polishing GJ members...."I tried guys"...."I really, really did try"....but in the end it comes down to my health and well being....


The hives should be cleared up by tomorrow.....


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[Swingpress]

BEFORE & AFTER....A Tool Polisher's Haven

Swingpress
I'm impressed!! All by hand I'll bet that hurt.
The axe looks great and I don't even mind the few dinks that had to be left on the face.
I like the way you showed us your new cell phone lol
I looked at my stamps today but worked on my Corvette instead

Thanks Don! And you also Langford!
I left the pits because I think it breaks up the mirror well there was no way I felt like grinding them out.

As for the phone, lol, I just like mixing old things with new things. New phone, old axe.

Its just like old scotch and brand new ice cubes!

Cheers y'all!

 

[bonneyman]

Don and Swing - both outstanding work!

Now the tools are too nice to use. And you know how I feel about unused tools.

 

[drivesitfar]

Swing: your axe turned out great and I agree leaving a few of the character marks makes for a better look. BTW those ICE CUBES LOOK VINTAGE and not new. just saying

what's next?

JM: glad you survived. if you do happen to run out of tools i might have a box of old vintage ones to ship for you that you can PLAY WITH and then ship back when you're done!!

ALL: if some of you PROS would like to also take pictures of the tools and supplies you use that might help some of us that don't have a good clue how you do your magic.

cheers and thanks for sharing!!

 

[drivesitfar]

ALL: since i love SHINY (naked) steel and cast iron maybe more than most is there something you all use to maintain it? I'm with JM and agree that RUST IS NOT A PATINA it's just neglect. so what are the other choices to use besides the BLO (boiled linseed oil) that i use a lot?

corrosion x seems to be in the conversations.

johnson paste wax and wd40 will do ok for a few weeks, but they dry out pretty quickly.

SO WHAT DO THE "I LIKE IT SHINY" guys use??

thanks in advance!!

 

[2oolhound]

Nice work on that ax Swing. The only time those pits bug me on an ax is when they get to the cutting edge. Then I'll file them off. Just show that to a tree and it'll probably lay down for ya.

 

[Guster]

Alba 1A 10" metal shaper:
http://www.lathes.co.uk/shapers/
http://www.lathes.co.uk/alba/

Picture from the day I loaded it on the trailer. Was last used in a local boys college workshop that closed over 50 years ago. Local mechanic bought 5 of them and his son inherited the remaining 3 of which only one was complete and working which he kept for himself. very dirty but missing the tool downfeed and clapper assembly as well as a motor.

After a good clean, lube and a lick of fresh paint paint as well as some new parts it is all running like the good old days. Hopefully long enough to make it through the century.

 

[Swingpress]

Not wanting to be accused of leaving a job half done....

I fitted a handle.


Now for the sheath!

 

[Swingpress]

BEFORE & AFTER....A Tool Polisher's Haven

ALL: since i love SHINY (naked) steel and cast iron maybe more than most is there something you all use to maintain it? I'm with JM and agree that RUST IS NOT A PATINA it's just neglect. so what are the other choices to use besides the BLO (boiled linseed oil) that i use a lot?



corrosion x seems to be in the conversations.



johnson paste wax and wd40 will do ok for a few weeks, but they dry out pretty quickly.



SO WHAT DO THE "I LIKE IT SHINY" guys use??



thanks in advance!!

Honestly, I don't think the critter you're looking for exists. Short of chrome plating, everything you can coat metals with is a compromise. You gain protection at the cost of the finish. For mirrored metal I have been on a turtle wax kick as of late, since it's cheap. But with bare metal castings, a baked on BLO or a clear coat is about the best you can get to my knowledge.

 

[Swingpress]

Sharkhide

I was wrong both times above.

Perfect product.

Wonder how it would hold up on steel???

 

[gman007]

Re: BEFORE & AFTER....A Tool Polisher's Haven

Honestly, I don't think the critter you're looking for exists. Short of chrome plating, everything you can coat metals with is a compromise. You gain protection at the cost of the finish. For mirrored metal I have been on a turtle wax kick as of late, since it's cheap. But with bare metal castings, a baked on BLO or a clear coat is about the best you can get to my knowledge.

How about Nickel plating? Granted not as shinning as Chrome but still pretty good. It will not tarnish and will prevent any rust (the whole vise was first nickel plated and then appropriate parts were powder coated bright Red)

 

[JMLangford]

Re: BEFORE & AFTER....A Tool Polisher's Haven

How about Nickel plating? Granted not as shinning as Chrome but still pretty good. It will not tarnish and will prevent any rust (the whole vise was first nickel plated and then appropriate parts were powder coated bright Red)

Super nice job on your vise restore....

I like nickel plating!

Where my oldest son use to work, they did plating and they would let the employees bring items in to be plated....
I had some VW part nickel plated....they looked good and was easily maintained

I had the pitman arm, fan, transmission mount, and even the pedals and mounting box nickel plated.....



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[gman007]

Re: BEFORE & AFTER....A Tool Polisher's Haven

Super nice job on your vise restore....

I like nickel plating!

Where my oldest son use to work, they did plating and they would let the employees bring items in to be plated....
I had some VW part nickel plated....they looked good and was easily maintained

I had the pitman arm, fan, transmission mount, and even the pedals and mounting box nickel plated.....



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Well Sir, I must say the feeling is mutual and your VW parts look great too!

Here is another nickel plated vise (before and after)

 

[Bunk]

Re: BEFORE & AFTER....A Tool Polisher's Haven

gman - Where are you getting you stuff nickel plated? Locally?
I'm here in the Metro Detroit area myself.

 

[JMLangford]

Re: BEFORE & AFTER....A Tool Polisher's Haven

Well Sir, I must say the feeling is mutual and your VW parts look great too!

Here is another nickel plated vise (before and after)

Another fine vise restore!.....I think all vise restoration should have the exposed metal nickel plated....

gman - Where are you getting you stuff nickel plated? Locally?
I'm here in the Metro Detroit area myself.

The plated VW items were plated (10?) years ago....my son doesn't work for that company any longer (darnit)......I haven't had anything plated since......I know of a few local places near me (including the place where my son use to work) but just haven't persued more plating yet.....

Gman - roughly how much does it cost to nickel plate a vise?

.

 

[gman007]

Re: BEFORE & AFTER....A Tool Polisher's Haven

gman - Where are you getting you stuff nickel plated? Locally?
I'm here in the Metro Detroit area myself.

Bunk, it is local about three hours west of you and it is a long story and which I have to take the 5th on the details.

here is a bigger one