Which buffing system?

[lastminute]

Can anyone recommend either the chestnut or beale system..for use in a m/t no 1 lathe!

Thanks for any advice.

Gerry

 

[CHJ]

The Chestnut system is designed for the Mandrels to be held in a self centring chuck, (18-25 or 10mm registers) not on a Morse taper.

Be aware that any system that uses a Morse taper to drive the mops should have either a tailstock safety centre (prevents internal bowl mop use) or a headstock drawbar facility to prevent the taper coming out of the headstock during use if vibration breaks the taper adhesion.

If a taper lets go in best case scenario the mop will stop rotating and just fall out, in worst case it will spin wildly on a rapidly developing cone/arc with the centrifugal force and throw the mop and mandrel as far as the nearest obstacle.

 

[lastminute]

Thanks for that Chas...

 

[gregmcateer]

+1 for chestnut, (though not used Beall, so can't really compare)

 

[CHJ]

Don't think there is much difference in the mops although I haven't used the Beal mops either.

The main factor with any Buffing System is the grading of the Mops so that their fabric stiffness matches the abrasive grade, too stiff or coarse scratches rather than abrades to the abrasive grit size, too soft and the fabric deflects and wears instead of the surface.

Think in terms of:

• Coarse Linen (Initial abrasion with Tripoli compound to remove sealer streaks, dust mites etc.)
  Soft Linen/Cotton mix (Cleaning off Tripoli debris and further refining of surface with finer grit, often referred to as White Diamond)
  Soft Cotton ( Application of handling resistant and protection Polish)

 

[yorkshirepudding]

I have Beall and have also used the Chestnut system at he club. The Beall is my favourite and I would not hesitate to buy another. The mops do seem better.
I find that if I give the spindle a light tap with a rubber mallet the MT stays put. Otherwise yes, it could come out. Sometimes I pull up the tailstock for extra safety.