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OK, so I am a bit of a novice at power buffing. The finish is brushed Enduro Var over Silvertip. I am using an Adams Mini Swirl Killer (thanks to Barry Daniels for introducing us all to this buffer). Per Barry's advice, I sanded up the grits, then cut with Meguiar's 105, then polished with 3M Perfect-It Ex 3. Different pads, obviously. I have a nice shine, but there are some cloudy spots underneath the shine. Here is a photo:



I suspect I need to go back and cut more thoroughly, then re-polish, but I want to see what more experienced buffers think before I do that.

Thanks for your help!

The secret that my son taught me was the use of hand pressure when buffing. In order to get the compound to work (especially the cutting compound which in your setup is the 105) you have to start off with some serious down pressure. You can gauge this by how much the foam pad is compressed. If the pad is fairly firm (which should be the case for cutting) you should see the pad get squeezed down almost half way. Move the machine fairly slowly allowing the pad to work. A speed of 1" per second is good. Make a pattern to cover the area and go over the pattern 2 or 3 times. As you get near the end of the area, start to lighten up on the pressure which is where the gloss will start to form. If you still see cloudy areas go over the whole area again.

Also, make sure that cloudy areas are from incomplete buffing and not sanding scratches which may require going back through fine sanding steps.

One other possible issue is incomplete cleanup after buffing. When you wipe the surface after buffing you may not get the surface clean of compound which can leave a cloudy film. I found instructions to use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to get the surface really clean. Then hit it one more time with a dry microfiber.

Which foam pads are you using?

You’re the man, Barry! I’m using the two pads you had recommended. I’ll give it another go.

Barry, this discussion has moved around, and I think I lost track. what is the "105"? I

Also, Barry, what machine speed do you like for cutting as described above?

Meguiar's Ultra-Cut Compound 105. I use a speed of about half way up. I forget what the numbers are. I turn up the speed a bit during final buffing with the Ultra-Fine.

Okay. I succeeded in uploading a couple of photos of the simple vacuum clamp for the guitar on it’s side.

That is simple. Nice, Bob.

Yes, that is a great approach. Thanks for sharing it.


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Can anyone recommend a venturi vacuum generator, for hooking up to a smallish compressor? I have not made the leap to vacuum clamping, but I'm curious, and need to determine the buy-in.

I haven’t used one, but a venturi generator will require your compressor to cycle for a long time if you’re waiting for the glue to dry. I bought my diaphragm vacuum pump on ebay for $65. It’s rated for continuous duty. It’s too loud, but not as loud as my compressor. I was patient. I just kept trying on ebay until I won a bid at a price I wanted to afford. If it ever breaks and I can’t get parts, I’d probably just buy a new one because I like it so much.

Don, if you can find a little Gast continuous pump on craigslist that might be a better way to go. The Gast pump I have I got from Dan Petrzelka here on the forum. It can pull ~25in HG. I use it for clamping bridges, laminating sides, and with various fixtures. It's really very quiet.

I also have the LMI venturi and I'm glad to send it to you if you want to try it and buy it if you like it. The challenge for me was the noise and it cycled the compressor too often when used.

Brad

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I currently use a refurbished 3.15 CFM Thomas pump that Joe Woodworker was offering a few years ago for $100. It’s fantastic, but I just looked and it isn’t being offered anymore. Prior to this I ran a venturi off my compressor.

Save the wear and tear on your compressor and go with the pump. I share in Brad’s opinion that continuous run is ideal. I built mine out to run continuous or cycle, and never set it to cycle.


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Thanks for the guidance! I watched a demo video on a Venturi, and yeah, the noise is pretty annoying. I’ll look into a pump if I decide to get into vacuum clamping.