Ladies and Gentlemen:

I would like to obtain a factory high gloss polish on two different bolts: an 1898 Mauser bolt and a Browning Auto 5 bolt. I want to do this without using a buffing wheel. I prefer to do it by hand, and not round the edges off.

I've gone down to 1500 wet finish, but don't know anything about using paste polishes, jewelers rouge, etc. to get that final shine.

What can I do next?

Sincerely,

Chris Bemis

For a nice high polish without the chrome bumper look...sisal wheel loaded with Matchless medium cut and color compound.



Halfmoon Rifle or Jantz are the outlets I have purchased from.

You could try crocus cloth. It is used dry and gives a very polished finish. As far as using paste polishes, you could apply to a piece of leaher glued to a small block of wood and use like a file, or a strip and use in a manner like a shoe shine cloth on round areas. There are some extremely fine compounds like the valve grinding coupounds made by the Clover Co.

I use a green compound on my wheel,a hard felt wheel that will not wrap around edges so if you apply in the right direction it will not tend to round edges as a cloth wheel. I also have a small leather wheel that does even better in this aspect although it is a bit slower.

Thank you for your advice, gentlemen.

Maybe, I'll try the buffing wheel. My father in law, wants to get rid of some of his power tools, so now maybe the time.

Sincerely,

Chris Bemis

quote:

Originally posted by Yale:
Ladies and Gentlemen:

I would like to obtain a factory high gloss polish on two different bolts: an 1898 Mauser bolt and a Browning Auto 5 bolt. I want to do this without using a buffing wheel. I prefer to do it by hand, and not round the edges off.

I've gone down to 1500 wet finish, but don't know anything about using paste polishes, jewelers rouge, etc. to get that final shine.

What can I do next?

Sincerely,

Chris Bemis

I have used the liquid or paste metal polishes such as Mothers on a pure cotton placket removed from an old shirt.

I smear a little on the fabric, and wrap the placket around the bolt or barrel and alternate pulling back and forth.

I finish by polishing in the direction of the axis, by hand, and then inspecting under a strong light.

Jim

Chris, Try Mothers or Blue Magic mag wheel polish, and a old cotton sock by hand, works good

JB Bore Brite and a Dremel with buffer wheel...

Don't use a buffing wheel unless you are sure of your skill. You can easily round off the edges and ruin a good part. That said in the hands of a skilled polisher all holes corners and edges can be maintained sharp. It takes a lot of practice and the use of the correct wheels.

Chris, Try Flitz (hope the spelling is corect) it has always worked great for me.