Buffing Out

[FLOYD CARTER]

I have never actually tried buffing a dope finish.  Best I have done is rubbing compound and then wax. 

So what is the best (and safest) method of buffing? It seems like hand buffing would take forever plus a bit longer.  I have a buffing machine for use on cars, but this seems like attacking a built-up wing and silkspan with a big machine would result in destruction!

Perhaps there is a little battery-operated buffer that would be safe, but then I still imagine busting through the open areas unless a very light touch can be managed.

Assuming I had a small buffing wheel, is any compound used with the buffing wheel?

Floyd in OR

[Leo Mehl]

I have never actually tried buffing a dope finish.  Best I have done is rubbing compound and then wax. 

So what is the best (and safest) method of buffing? It seems like hand buffing would take forever plus a bit longer.  I have a buffing machine for use on cars, but this seems like attacking a built-up wing and silkspan with a big machine would result in destruction!

Perhaps there is a little battery-operated buffer that would be safe, but then I still imagine busting through the open areas unless a very light touch can be managed.

Assuming I had a small buffing wheel, is any compound used with the buffing wheel?

Floyd in OR

Floyd, Get in touch with Windy Urtinowski. He is an expert on finishing and buffing or even Roy DeCamra. These guys are always glade to share what they know.

[Mark Scarborough]

One of Phil Grandersons articles in Model Aviation dealt in depth with this. He has a system that makes a LOT of sense. I am not really to worried about polishing and buffing mine just yet, the asphalt has done that job for me,, lol,,

cant remember what issue it was in but it was a very good common sense approach