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Post by ndirico on Feb 26, 2009 19:14:28 GMT
Hi all! So, I've started my first hybrid polish attempt on a JWhotsteel forge tanto. I've been using silicon carbide sandpapers ranging from 320-2500 grit. I'm currently at 1500 grit. The steel is starting to become quite reflective and I am able to see my face in it clearly. However, I seem to have a lot of "swirls" from the paper. Will these go away as I keep going up in grit or do I need to change my technique?
I've got a sanding block that I wrap the paper around and alternate going lengthwise down the blade and then perpendicular as I progress through the grits (just giving a bit more detail on my current technique).
Any and all advice would be appreciated!
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slav
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Katsujin No Ken
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Post by slav on Feb 26, 2009 19:49:34 GMT
The "swirls" will get very small when you get to 2000-2500 grit. But really they will still be there at certain angles. I have found that etching your blade after polishing (and the hand polishing with metal polish that follows) always ends up eliminating those remaining swirls and resulting in a true mirror polish.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 26, 2009 20:15:44 GMT
Another method is to alternate the direction of the sanding for each grit. First a diagonal polish, then a lengthwise for each grit. Takes a lot of work, but makes a nice, even satin polish even at 800 grit. Can't see any swirls on the last tanto I did this to.
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Post by ndirico on Feb 26, 2009 22:38:02 GMT
Thanks Slav. I've been etching in between grit transitions since I reached 800 grit but the etch just seems to diminish when I start back in with the paper. Ill hold off on etching until I get to the final grit and try using a light rubbing compound to remove the oxidation rather than the paper. I guess its a looong trial and error process; I'll get it eventually.
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Post by ndirico on Feb 26, 2009 22:40:58 GMT
Ichiban-when you run length wise down the blade, do you go in one direction? (ie go down the blade in one stroke, pick up the paper and start back at the beginning again or do you go back and forth without picking up the paper?)
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 26, 2009 22:56:33 GMT
I finish each grit by a series of full length strokes starting from where it is not visible when mounted. I try to make them as straight as possible. Then inspect and repeat till there is no visible swirls or curved lines.
But I'd listen more to Slavia who has a lot more experience than me. I've probably not polished more than a handful of swords and three-four tantos.
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Post by ndirico on Feb 27, 2009 1:15:30 GMT
Ichiban-thanks for the follow up. Hey, if it works it works! Like I said I'm up for any suggestions and appreciate both your and Slav's time.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 27, 2009 2:53:23 GMT
Are you holding onto the paper when you're doing this? I experimented with this at one point and when I held the paper in my hand it created really prominent swirls on the blade, so I think that could be your problem.
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Post by ndirico on Feb 27, 2009 13:31:50 GMT
Ken-I use a sanding block as I mentioned above.
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