Techniques for Finishing (arm speed, pressure, etc)

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The Critic

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Hey guys,

I have a few questions on polishing techniques when it comes to “finishing.”

I am using a Rupes 21 polisher, but tips for the Flex would also be appreciated.

When doing a single-step polish, I usually make 4 slow passes with light pressure, then follow up with 1 pass using no pressure and a moderate arm speed. Is this the correct technique? I have heard differing opinions.

Also, if I wanted to do a 2nd step with a LC CCS Black or Rupes White Pad to maximize gloss, what should my arm speed be? I have been using light pressure, and doing 2-3 passes at a moderate (to quick) arm speed. Is this the correct technique?

Thanks in advance.
 
I just used the Rupes 15 w/ their white pad to maximize gloss. The way I do it is slower speeds on machine (4-4.75) and use a pretty slow arm speed with the weight of my hand on the machine. I think if your moving the machine too fast your wasting your time.
 
Typically for finishing you back off on speed and pressure.

However, I would not try to set it to specific number of passes. You need to work the polish properly (can vary) not just after some specific passes. The number of passes can vary on how primed your pad is, amount of polish, work area, pressure, etc.
 
Bunky said:
Typically for finishing you back off on speed and pressure.

However, I would not try to set it to specific number of passes. You need to work the polish properly (can vary) not just after some specific passes. The number of passes can vary on how primed your pad is, amount of polish, work area, pressure, etc.
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I agree. I'm usually doing 5 or 6 passes, but I probably use less polish than most - at least by what I've seen in videos.
 
Thanks guys. I did a one-step this weekend with PF2500 and a MF Finishing Pad. I made sure that my arm speed was fairly slow during the entire polishing cycle, and slowed down to speed 3 on my last pass. This seemed to do the trick.
 
I typically work with a speed of 3-4 (on the Rupes) for final finishing with a slow arm speed and VERY little pressure. Sometime I find I am even lifting up on the machine a bit for the final pass.
 
You might try getting a bathroom scale, put the polisher on the scale and note the weight of just the polisher, then note how little pressure you have to apply (hold it the way you would when using it) to get 5 lbs more, then 10 lbs more, 15 lbs more.

Just holding/steering the polisher with very little pressure gets you 5 lbs more. Getting to 10 lbs more takes a fair effort, and I was surprised.

As far as arm speed, moving the polisher about 1 inch per second, just to put a number on it, is what I'd consider slow, and about 3-4 inches per second is fairly fast. Just an opinion though.
 
Think of finishing or jeweling as a slow, light process to create clarity and enhance the gloss.

Pressure, machine speed, arm speed, fine pads and fine polish can all vary. Take it slow & gentle.
 
SR99 said:
You might try getting a bathroom scale, put the polisher on the scale and note the weight of just the polisher, then note how little pressure you have to apply (hold it the way you would when using it) to get 5 lbs more, then 10 lbs more, 15 lbs more.

Just holding/steering the polisher with very little pressure gets you 5 lbs more. Getting to 10 lbs more takes a fair effort, and I was surprised.

As far as arm speed, moving the polisher about 1 inch per second, just to put a number on it, is what I'd consider slow, and about 3-4 inches per second is fairly fast. Just an opinion though.
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Thanks, that's a great idea. I'll have to check this out.

During this weekend's detail, at least on vertical panels, I noticed that my Rupes 21 would rotate a lot less if there was the slightest bit of pressure applied. This was especially pronounced with the 7" Rupes pads. I guess I'll have to use the scale to see how much pressure I was applying.
 
The Critic said:
Thanks, that's a great idea. I'll have to check this out.

During this weekend's detail, at least on vertical panels, I noticed that my Rupes 21 would rotate a lot less if there was the slightest bit of pressure applied. This was especially pronounced with the 7" Rupes pads. I guess I'll have to use the scale to see how much pressure I was applying.
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Yes, when polishing vertical, rotations are harder to come by. I've also noticed this over the years when sanding wood with random orbital/DA sanders in horizontal versus vertical positions.

If you try the scale, see if you can put it vertical against a wall or something. What registers as 5 lbs in the horizontal position will feel like a different level of effort when vertical.
 
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