BUFFING
Buffing, as the operation following polishing, can be divided into four operations, each of which can be
an end in itself depending upon the finish required. These are Satin Finishing for producing satin,
brushed or butler finishes, Cut down Buffing for producing a preliminary smoothness, Cut and Color
buffing for producing an intermediate luster; and Color buffing for the production of a high gloss or mirror
finish.
GRINDING AND POLISHING EQUIPMENT
Irrespective of what type bluing is used, the polishing and buffing remains essentially the same, for a
bluing job can never look any better than the surface to which it is applied. In fact, the coloring of the
metal has a tendency to show up in a more pronounced manner any scratches, waves or pits that are
present on the metal's surface. A blemish-free surface must be produced before the gun or part is
blued.
To achieve a good finish on metal, certain basic equipment and skill is necessary. Without the proper
equipment, it is almost impossible to acquire the necessary skill, for skill comes from constant practice
of the right kind with a good polishing head or polishing lathe and suitable wheels and polishing
compounds.
POLISHING HEAD
A good polishing head can either be made or bought. In either case, it must meet certain basic
specifications. In the first place, the shaft should be at least 1/2" in diameter and threaded for a length of
2 1/2" at each end. The shaft should be set in a heavy iron or steel unit equipped with roller bearings.
Tapered roller bearings are the most economical and efficient, for a buffing motor.
The motor should be at least one-half horsepower and equipped with a two-place step cone pulley to
match a similar pulley affixed to the shaft. The pulley should be placed in such a way as to achieve a 1 to
1 and 2 to 1 ratio, thus giving a shaft speed of approximately 1,750 and 3,500 r.p.m. When turned by a
motor having a speed of 1,750 r.p.m. The low speed is for grinding operations and the high speed for
buffing and polishing work. This provides an all-purpose setup suitable for all phases of gun work.
The shaft unit and motor must be bolted to a very sturdy and heavy stand, which in turn should be bolted
to the floor. The height of the polishing head is important, which will have to be determined by the
gunsmith, as all are the same height, nor do all choose to work at the same level. Generally ideal height,
however, is when the shaft is at the same level as the operator's waistline.
A good arrangement for the motor switch is one so wired that it can be controlled either by hand or foot.
This is especially handy when polishing rifle or shotgun barrels that require two hands to hold. In an
emergency, the foot can be actuated to shut off the motor.
Metal guards placed around the ends of the shaft where the wheel rotates, and hooked up to a suction