Old Wood Spool Polisher Help

[beverly]

I just came across one of these (a Dorothy Blake Wood Spool Polisher), I already have one that I refurbished years ago. My question is this, how do I clean the wheels to start over?
I know I did it previously but cannot find any info on it and for the life of me cannot remember what I did!
I know it needs to be done, I have no idea which grits they put on the wheels, so it would be ridiculous for me just to start out trying to use it with my grits....please help!

[fantastic5]

Oct 11, 2017 13:19:04 GMT -5 beverly said:

I just came across one of these (a Dorothy Blake Wood Spool Polisher), I already have one that I refurbished years ago. My question is this, how do I clean the wheels to start over?
I know I did it previously but cannot find any info on it and for the life of me cannot remember what I did!
I know it needs to be done, I have no idea which grits they put on the wheels, so it would be ridiculous for me just to start out trying to use it with my grits....please help!

from Tennessee. I can't really help you with this, but once someone chimes in with the information, I'll be very interested. I was given a spool polisher when I bought a saw from an estate several years ago. I haven't tried to use mine, partially because I don't know which grits went where. Hopefully some others more knowledgeably than I will chime in.

manofglass I think she is asking how can she start over because she doesn't know what grits were used in what order by the previous owner.

[Deleted]

If I had that and no other knowledge, I would put it on the machine and while it's running, dress it with sandpapers from 100-200-400-800...... stopping at whatever grit you decide to use the spool for.

The sand paper removing the outside layer where old grit may remain.

[orrum]

Take sandpaper and sand the wood off while it's running.

[orrum]

X2 Scott I didna see your responce.

[QuailRiver]

There's always a chance that loose grit from sandpaper could get lodged in the wooden spool with that method. Plus whatever diamond from the spool that gets loaded up on the sandpaper will just get redistributed on the surface of the spool as you continue to sand.

So it would be better to remove the spool and take it to a local woodworker or school shop teacher and have them mount the spool on a wood lathe and use a well sharpened wood turning gouge to trim off a 1/16" or so from across all surfaces of the maple spool. And to prevent risking further contamination, ask the wood turner to wipe the gouge clean with a rag and a grease cutting solvent between shaving down each separate concave section of the spool.

Even if not contaminated this isn't a bad idea to have done for an older maple spool polisher of this type becasue even kiln dried wood can continue to shrink across the grain which makes turnings out-of-round. Which can cause excessive vibration when using which can be damaging to some stones.


Larry C.

[beverly]

Thanks...I actually found a letter that came with the original Dorothy Blake model addressing contamination. I don't have it with me right now, but it says to use a solvent of some sort, wiping the entire spool while it's running, using a new cloth with each section. Once done, use a very hard stone on the surface to push in any remaining diamond grit. It says if that doesn't work, send it in them and for $5 they will refinish it! Ha ha ha...

so I think the woodturning suggestion is best. Thanks again!

[orrum]

X2 on the wood turning.

[manofglass]

You would want to make a template first
Before cutting on the lathe

Walt