Crocus cloth substitute????

[mickyd]

Can't locate any crocus cloth here in San Diego. Nick's sawdust session 22

http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Archives/SS122/SS122_Shopsmith_Reborn_Pt2.htm

discussed using it as the final step for preparing the tubes after scothbriting and 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper.

Can anyone recommed a substitute? I was going to use some 1800 grit wet/dry sandpaper instead but wanted to get some opinions in.

[horologist]

1800 is much too fine. When we cleaned my way tubes we used 320 for the bad bits and 400 overall. This matched the factory finish very nicely. If you go in stages from 600 to 1800 you will have a near mirror finish which will be prone to scratching and I expect the carriage lock will slip. I think a little surface roughness is needed to ensure a good grip.

Troy

[mickyd]

1800 is much too fine. When we cleaned my way tubes we used 320 for the bad bits and 400 overall. This matched the factory finish very nicely. If you go in stages from 600 to 1800 you will have a near mirror finish which will be prone to scratching and I expect the carriage lock will slip. I think a little surface roughness is needed to ensure a good grip.

Troy
horologist....wet sand or dry sand?

Maybe Nick can share his thoughts on his process of scotchbrite, 600 wet sand, 1800 crocus.

[8iowa]

Mike:

since I helped Horologist clean up his bench and way tubes I know what he is talking about.

However. if you would like to obtain a supply of crocus cloth try McMaster Carr; http://www.mcmaster.com/#crocus-cloth/=rvtbf

[wood_butcher]

Found similar material at Auto zone or auto supply houses.

[horologist]

horologist....wet sand or dry sand?

Maybe Nick can share his thoughts on his process of scotchbrite, 600 wet sand, 1800 crocus.

Mike,

Wet sand. I chucked one end up in a four jaw chuck on a lathe and held the other end by hand with a wadded up piece of towel. 8iowa did the sanding. The finish is identical to the factory finish.

I have a series of lapping plates, glass plates with abrasive paper glued on. To achieve a "black polish" I work through the grades to 2000 grit and then use green rouge. This is a finish that is mirror like and under certain lighting conditions the metal appears to be black instead of the bright silver. The photo below is an example. This sort of finish would be overkill, difficult to maintain, and probably would impair the function of the carriage locks.
In my opinion anything finer than 400 or 600 grit is counterproductive.

3390

[mickyd]

Troy,

Interesting info on the black polish.

You have a photo of your SS? I'd to see it.

[horologist]

Troy,

Interesting info on the black polish.

You have a photo of your SS? I'd to see it.

Mike,

Here is a closeup of a way tube. Don't pay too much attention to the dust. My Shopsmith was basically never used and after spending 10 years in a Florida barn had a few corrosion issues. The rust was only deep in a few spots and there is still some pitting there. The rest cleaned up nicely.

Troy

3393