Aluminum and other soft metal surfaces need to have a surface as smooth or Aluminum and other soft metal surfaces need to have a surface as smooth or smoother than what a 220 grit abrasive would yield. Stainless Steel and other hard metals should be brought to a 400-600 grit or finer finish before using the buffing wheels and compounds. Using buffing wheels and compounds on surfaces rougher than recommended will result in an uneven surface.

BUFFING INSTRUCTIONS

Choose the Right Wheel and Compound for the Job
Use the chart below to make your selection. The condition of the piece on which you are working will determine whether or not all three buffing steps will be necessary. A felt bob, facer, mushroom, goblet, or mini buff can be substituted as necessary to buff deeply recessed areas.

Buffing Wheel and Compound Selection Chart
Materials Steel, Iron Stainless, or Other Hard Materials Soft Metals, Brass, Copper, Aluminum Die-cast, Zinc Chrome Nickel Plate Solid and Plated Gold Silver Plastics
Step 1 - Rough Compound, Buff Emery, Treated/ Untreated Sisal Tripoli, Treated/ Untreated Spiral/Ventilated N/A N/A Plastic Loose/String
Step 2 - Intermediate Compound, Buff Stainless Treated/Untreated Spiral/Ventilated N/A Stainless* Treated/Untreated Spiral/Ventilated N/A N/A
Step 3 - Final Compound, Buff White Rouge Loose Section White Rouge Loose Section White Rouge Loose Section Jeweler's Rouge* Flannel Plastic Flannel String
Recommended RPM for 4-10" Wheels 3600 3600 3600 1800-3600 1800

NOTE: Condition of the workpiece dictates the steps necessary. Some pieces may only NOTE: Condition of the workpiece dictates the steps necessary. Some pieces may only require final finishing (Step 3).

*Use caution to prevent buffing through plating.

BUFFING INSTRUCTIONS, CONT.

Buffing Wheel and Motor Selection
For successful buffing, it is important that the motor and buffing wheel you use are matched. If your motor is not powerful enough for the wheel you are using, the motor will not be able to maintain proper speed. If the motor turns too fast, excess heat will build up and the work piece might become permanently discolored. Use the chart above to choose the right motor/wheel combination. Different wheel thicknesses can be achieved by stacking buffs together.

Mounting the Buffing Wheel
Attach the buffing wheel to the buffing motor spindle, Attach the buffing wheel to the buffing motor spindle, making sure that it is mounted securely between the flange washers. When mounted properly, the top of the wheel should spin toward you and down when the buffing motor is running. NOTE: Wheel stitching orientation is of no consequence to wheel performance or durability.

Applying Compound to the Buffing Wheel
With the buffing wheel attached and the motor running, gently touch the appropriate tube of compound to the face of the wheel for one to two seconds. Apply the compound slightly below the centerline of the wheel. (See illustration at right)

NOTE: It is normal for the compound to appear to be dried out. The compound consists of a graded abrasive in a hard wax binder. The heat from contacting the spinning buffing wheel surface will melt the binder and the wheel will pick up the compound.