Buffing - Why Not To
Periodically someone will ask me how to buff a clock part, or will ask if I use buffers to achieve the polish on the mechanisms I restore. Funny that, I've had a very nice buffer for 20 years now, came by it as part of a shop I bought out. And, yup, I've used it a few times on car parts. But, clock parts? Like polishing the plates from a mechanism?
Quick and dirty answer - no. More specific answer - Hell no.
In my work I restore clocks with bits that would be very difficult to replace. The last thing I need is a delicate part thrown across the shop, landing where I may not find it again for many years. I value the patina and the marks that come from a pieces time in this world. Yes, I will hand polish off tarnish, and, heck, once in a while I will sand the finger prints off of a plate. But buff? I have seen way too many buffed plates with the grooves starting at each pivot hole - scoured into the plates by the buffer.
I wrote this short tidbit because of a request from a gent who had tried to buff the bezel on his Beckers dial. The photo below speaks volumes.
Read MoreQuick and dirty answer - no. More specific answer - Hell no.
In my work I restore clocks with bits that would be very difficult to replace. The last thing I need is a delicate part thrown across the shop, landing where I may not find it again for many years. I value the patina and the marks that come from a pieces time in this world. Yes, I will hand polish off tarnish, and, heck, once in a while I will sand the finger prints off of a plate. But buff? I have seen way too many buffed plates with the grooves starting at each pivot hole - scoured into the plates by the buffer.
I wrote this short tidbit because of a request from a gent who had tried to buff the bezel on his Beckers dial. The photo below speaks volumes.
