What kind of buffing wheel for pipes?

[NeverBend]

Check out the speed of the buffer. Most buffers are far too fast for working on pipes or wood. Anything over 1200 rpm is way too fast!!! 2000, 3000 and faster will just burn the finish and the wood. 800/1000 rpm is perfect for working with pipes/wood

If it's too fast and most are, you can slow it down, with a quality rheostat switch.

John, ditto on glad to see you, and your advice is spot on.

As far as the wheels, cotton, and for polishing you need to cut the nap binding threads (not sure what they're called). The wheel will get 'floppy' but when rotating it assumes form. If you don't cut the threads you may (slightly) score the briar. You need bar carnauba wax and it will gradually build up on the wheel so that polishing gets easier over time.

If the pipes have any intrinsic or collector value use great care when buffing the nomenclature as even a soft wheel (at the 800/1000 rpm that John recommended) can really reduce it. Take it slow until you get the hang of it and hold the pipes tight!

Enjoy Tab.

[johnnyflake]

John, ditto on glad to see you, and your advice is spot on.

As far as the wheels, cotton, and for polishing you need to cut the nap binding threads (not sure what they're called). The wheel will get 'floppy' but when rotating it assumes form. If you don't cut the threads you may (slightly) score the briar. You need bar carnauba wax and it will gradually build up on the wheel so that polishing gets easier over time.

If the pipes have any intrinsic or collector value use great care when buffing the nomenclature as even a soft wheel (at the 800/1000 rpm that John recommended) can really reduce it. Take it slow until you get the hang of it and hold the pipes tight!

Enjoy Tab.

It's really nice to see you as well!