This tip came out of a conversation with an orchid member about my
post on using an eraser to hold small parts. Anyway when polishing a
large flat piece or even a small piece that you need a good flat
polished edge or surface on. Use the flat side of a large 4" or 6"
hard felt wheel when polishing. I realize that this is probably second
nature to those of us who have been doing this a while but for some of
the newer people this is new I polish the outside edge of
rings this way as well as large flat surfaces. Use the felt wheel
through red rouge and then go to a soft muslin buff for the finish.
The muslin buffs tend to cut away in the following edge of any
piercing or other pattern developed. The flat hard felt cuts in a much
more precise manner without the intrusion into the surface voids. Also
rotate the piece as you polish so you do not cut in only one
direction. Use the outside edge of the wheel. If you use the inside
edge when you apply pressure the wheel can come off the spindle.
Happy Polishing. Frank Goss
I just finished a new design that is all curves and angle and has no
flat sides to it. It also requires quite a bit of holes to be drilled
for the design. Now the pieces are very awkward to hold and very
unstable because of the curves and angle. Looking for a solution to a
quick and easy drilling jig for this shapely item I remembered
Protoplast from WFR? Aquaplast Corporation. I grabbed a piece ( I
keep a stock for other projects) heated up the water, softened the
plastic and Presto! instant jig. The jig fits the piece exactly and
holds it steady freeing both hands to control the drilling process. I
also marked the jig with small indentations so all the pieces are
drilled in the same spots. I use the jig to hold the pieces while
marking them with a scribe for drilling as well as the actual drilling
process. A really simple, fast, and form fitting jig. Brought to you
by the folks at WFR/Aquaplast Corp. (usual disclaimer about working
for etc. goes here) Frank Goss