Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998
Minty Fresh Turnings
Mike in Fort Walton Beach, FL
>Has anyone ever tried using toothpaste to polish or fine sand their turnings? I remember reading an article in one of the woodworking magazines (this was before I discovered turning and came to my senses) that recommended a final polish with some toothpaste and a couple drops of water. It's supposed to be the equivalent of 1200 sandpaper or better and I imagine much cheaper. Anyone care to comment or share?
Mike in Fort Walton Beach, FL
Re: Minty Fresh Turnings
Ken Grunke from SW WI
>I believe the ingredient in toothpaste is pumice, or it would do the same thing. I think pumice would be used on a hard finish such as lacquer after the pores have been filled, as an intermediary step before buffing.
Re: Minty Fresh Turnings
Jim King
>Ken is on track, use tooth paste after buffing compound and before wax. It works great.
Re: Minty Fresh Turnings
Russ Fairfield
>Buying Pumice and Rottenstone in the little 1/2 pint containers at the paint store is a lot cheaper than toothpaste. But it doesn't make your breath as sweet.
Re: Minty Fresh Turnings
mainebowlman
>Thanks for the idea. I'll try it on one of my next bowls. I've heard an old trick of using toothpaste to take out "water rings" left on furniture. Also to fill small holes in a white wall.
Along the same thinking...most mouthwash has alcohol in it. Would using that instead of DNA along with the toothpaste avoid plaque sticking to the bowl?
Or should I use it only on bowls with cavities I'm filling? Or when roots are present?
Jack (ready to mow for only the second time)
Re: Minty Fresh Turnings
JL
>Talk about varying abrasives. Toothpaste can contain any of several types of abrasives. The typical abrasives found are: hydrated silica, dicalcium phosphate dehydrate, calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium pyrophosphate or alumina. You don't want to use the sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) as it would be too soft. Alumina is aluminum oxide (sand paper abrasive).
Re: Toothpaste Abrasives
Frederick Nelson
>Toothpastes use a variety of abrasive materials as mentioned. One brand even advertises "Chalk from the White Cliffs of Dover," (that's either "super-posh" or WAY too much information - not sure which.) It should also be noted that the gel-type dentifrices don't contain much in the way of abrasives; polishing with them would be a waste of effort. So, the best advice would be to read the label, then go out and buy some fine pumice or rottenstone and a few felt pads as applicators - you'll save a bunch along the way.
FNelson
Re: Toothpaste Abrasives
Mike in Fort Walton Beach, FL
>Thanks for all the info! I have never tried and it and just thought that perhaps it would be much cheaper to get some off the shelf, cheap, white toothpaste than getting some 1200 grit or better paper. Anyhoo, I'm still pretty new to this and it seemed like a good chance to start a little conversation.
Thanks,
Mike in Ft Walton
