Polishing the Lip on Stem Button

[Progcat]

Hi Guys,

I was wondering how do you polish the inside of the button lip (i.e. the slit). After cutting the lip with the dremel type cutter, I get a nice "cats eye") slit. However, I find it very difficult to polish it smooth. I've tried sanding with paper bent over, using a ball cutter to try to smooth it out and then buffing. It takes a long time and it is not as good as I'd like it to be. Have you had any more success with other methods?

Progcat@msn.com

[jeff]

There are quite a few other posts detailing airway finishing techniques that you can search through. However, to get you started, the most basic tool that you will need for this is a set of needle files. Depending on the height of your airway at the button, you many need to modify the needle files to help them fit. Some people use other materials and tools as well, but for my money the needle file set is the best. YMMV.

Jeff

[ArtGuy]

After using the needle files... I have started using the cheapo popsicle stick type nail files with pretty good results... i hit it against my sanding disk to made a point that fits into the slot

[LexKY_Pipe]

That's a great idea using the ground down nail file. Thanks

[Progcat]

Thanks Guys,

Those ideas are helpful

Tim

[marks]

after the needle file, I take little strips of sandpaper, roll them up, and sand the inside of the airway. It is a little bit of a pain to do, but it gets easier over time. I go through 1200 grit. I also melt some brown tripoli on a pipe cleaner and rub for the final polish.

I'm going to try the nail file. Great tip, John.

[LexKY_Pipe]

The tripoli on a pipe cleaner sounds like a good idea. Never thought of that.

[marks]

The tripoli on a pipe cleaner sounds like a good idea. Never thought of that.

Among many other things, I learned that technique here.