When I first started making knives about five years ago I bought some good buffing wheels from Grizzly. Of course I had the intentions of keeping them clean, sealed in bags or wearing a shower cap, but that didn't quite work out. And to make things worse, I didn't lable which compounds whent on each wheel. So I had about eight wheels that were completely useless to me. Last night I tried to use one just to find that it scratched my blade worse that it already was because of all the metal dust and whatnot built up on it.
I have been looking to replace them but before I decided to spend $50 on a couple of new wheels, I decided to try to wash them.
So that I can avoid the risk of sleeping in the doghouse tonight I took my wheels to the washateria and washed them with the usual amount of laundry detergent, along with about 1/4 cup of Fast Orange. They did get a little warped form the spincycle, but I have them setting between some blocks now to make them flat again. I didn't dry them. I figured my buffer would do a pretty good job at that after a few seconds.
The edges were pitch black when I put them in the washer and now they're fairly clean. I haven't used them yet, but overall I am very happy with the results.
Jason
I have been looking to replace them but before I decided to spend $50 on a couple of new wheels, I decided to try to wash them.
So that I can avoid the risk of sleeping in the doghouse tonight I took my wheels to the washateria and washed them with the usual amount of laundry detergent, along with about 1/4 cup of Fast Orange. They did get a little warped form the spincycle, but I have them setting between some blocks now to make them flat again. I didn't dry them. I figured my buffer would do a pretty good job at that after a few seconds.
The edges were pitch black when I put them in the washer and now they're fairly clean. I haven't used them yet, but overall I am very happy with the results.
Jason
