Help--Bad Tripoli??????

Hmm, I wonder why it was posted again?

Barbara Gill, Remlik VA

>

I Did Call Beall

Barbara Gill, Remlik VA

>They have never heard of this problem and will be sending me a new bar. I still am very interested in hearing any opinions, experiences, etc.

Re: Help--Bad Tripoli??????

Mike Rubes, Apex, NC

>Hi Barbara,

I don't have any suggestions for you, I'm sorry to say, but I do have a question. It sounds like you've used your system a lot and like it, is that correct? My question concerns the tripoli wheel itself. I think I may have been putting too much of the compound on it. I've had it about a year and the ends are pretty well caked with old compound. Do you know of a way to clean them? Also, how much do you put on per application? I usually let the wheel "buff" my tripoli bar for about 1-2 seconds and then buff my piece. I usually re-apply the compound for each piece I turn. That is, if I am buffing 3 bowls, that equates to 3 applications of the compound. Is that too much, do you think? I get good results and have used about 10% of the original bar of compound.

Good luck with yours,

Mike

Cold weather on the way to Apex, NC...

Re: Help--Bad Tripoli??????

Denis Lalonde

>I use a wire brush whenever I have to clean my Tripoli wheel...

Re: Help--Bad Tripoli??????

Russ Fairfield

>Yes, that can happen to a buffing wheel, especially the Tripoli. A new stick of the Tripoli may not solve the problem.

The wheel is a hard linin fabric, and the Tripoli stick is a compound of Jewelers Rouge in tallow (animal fat). The wheel can get a hard glaze on it if it isn't cleaned. This would be worse in a cold room because the tallow can get quite hard at lower temperatures.

I suspect that you need to clean and dress the buffing wheel?

Run the wheel at 1800 RPM and hold the teeth of a hand saw into the wheel to break up the compound in the wheel and fuzz up the ends of the fabric. Then hold the sharp corner of a piece of wood against it to remove the imbedded Tripoli.

Keep all three of the wheels clean with the stick of wood before every use at whatever RPM you are running them. The stick removes excess wax from the Carnauba wheel, and solves a lot of the problems with that one too.

If you don't want a dull saw, get a "Curry Comb" at the feed store or horse store.

Re: Help--Bad Tripoli??????

Don Evans

>Ditto what Russ said:

If you go to Woodcraft and look up item 07M05 page 95 in latest catalog, you'll see what a buffing wheel rake looks like.

You can make one with your Dremel and cut off wheels out of any thin metal. I've even used a wire brush to clean wheels. Just use light touch. Wear eye protection and face shield.

Don

Re: I Did Call Beall

Mac

>Hi Barbara, An old hack saw blade will do a good job of cleaning up a cloth wheel.Make Dan do it,it can get messy....take care...Mac

Re: Help--Bad Tripoli??????

John Lucas

>Mike

I think you are using too much. I've had my Beal about 2 years now and you still see very little coloration on them. I just use a very light touch. It doesn't take much. I haven't seen others who use the Beal so I don't know how thier wheels look but my White diamond and Carnauba wheel still look almost new except for threads sticking out. The Tripoli wheel is a little brown but no build up at all.

Re: I Did Call Beall

Barbara Gill, Remlik VA

>My wheel is in good shape. I keep any build up away with 50 grit sand paper.

Re: Help--Bad Tripoli??????

Barbara Gill, Remlik VA

>Russ, there is no build up on the wheel at all. I keep it in good shape. The problem is with the bar itself. I have used the same bar for almost 5 years and there is a lot left. I have used it in freezing weather over the last several winters. I am having trouble with it in 50 degree weather or warmer when I turn on the heat. I think it just dried out.

I never expected Beall to send me a new one since the old one has been around so long. I called them to see if they could suggest a solution.

Re: Help--Bad Tripoli??????

Barbara Gill, Remlik VA

>I have always used coarse grit sandpaper to clean the wheel. If I am not mistaken the instructions that came with the system suggested that. \

I wish I had some build up on the wheel so maybe I could use it to buff right now.

Hey Guys, Thanks But...

Barbara Gill, Remlik VA

>all I asked was the question about the bar of tripoli. I have been buffing for almost 5 years. The directions told me how to clean the wheel. LOL :-)