Buffing Pipes

drbridges · Buffing Pipes

Finally, after years of "intending to" I got around to obtaining a buffing disc and carnuba wax. Now I am practicing and learning, and buffing everything I can find.

So far, DG #83, the bent bulldog, is the most difficult pipe shape to buff because of its angles and edges.

What is the best way to buff up a pipe's bowl? Is it best to go round and round following the circumference of the bowl? Or is it better to go up and down from the bowl's heel to the rim? Or does it matter?

steverino

I don't know how much it really matters. I try to go with the grain when possible, but obviously you can't do that all the time. After buffing with the wheel, I usually finish up with a hand cloth, so that way I can get the hard places polished up nicely.

ozark southpaw

Drb, do you have more than one disc? Really need two for carnuba. One to apply the wax(hard wheel) and one to buff it(soft wheel) after applying the wax and they should only be used for that specific purpose. Don't use buffing compounds etc. on them. When buffing I keep a finger in the bowl as much as possible-helps keep the bowl from being thrown across the room or bounced off my head. Buffing away from sharp edges helps too.

drbridges

Thanks guys. Don't expect me figure out which way the grain is going unless I can find some end grain.

I currently have only one buffing wheel, but it is dedicated to carnuba. No other compound will go on it. Yes, I figured out the finger-in-the-bowl strategy. And buffing the trailing edge, never the leading edge. My wheel is way faster than what is recommended for buffing, so I have to be extra careful.