 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: nickma
Date: 2005-04-19 08:44
I have acquired an old Buffet R13 76XXX with nickel keys, in good condition but they have turned 'smokey'; rather like a gunmetal finish. Goddards pink paste silver polish doesn't make any differerence. Does anyone have a magic formula or do I just forget it and enjoy the tone (which is both very resonant and sweet - fabulous!)
Thanks,
Nick
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2005-04-19 14:17
At this point, try Brasso --- it's more abrasive than silver polish. Better yet, if you have access to a buffing wheel, careful buffing will bring the shine back.
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Author: nickma
Date: 2005-04-19 19:32
Thanks David - no buffing wheel, but a touch of Brasso definitely helps.
Not perfect but acceptable. Thanks for the tip.
Do you know of any suppliers of hand buffing wheels - happy to invest a bit if the result is worthwhille, as the tone and intonation of the clarinet justifies some tlc.
Nick
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2005-04-19 20:36
Buffing wheels are put on machines. I don't think there is such a thing as a 'hand' buffing wheel.
A 'razor edge' buff, such as #R1 from Ferrees is ideal for clarinet keys, because it is so thin.
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2005-04-19 21:33
A small buffing wheel on a Dremel tool can be handy for the tight places, but in my own experience it doesn't really work that well and the operation is fraught with peril, from slippage of the hand.....
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Author: jblock
Date: 2005-04-20 01:05
I'll concur that buffing wheels don't work that well for nickel keys. I have a couple of buffing setups (for other ventures) that do a variety of speeds, and it's just not worth the trouble.
Jonathan
www.synthblock.com
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Author: ron b
Date: 2005-04-20 01:53
Average do-it-yourselfers don't own buffing rigs. In my lifetime, pre-buffing setup, an old gym sock (preferably washed) with a little Flitz metal polish (available at automotive supply/hardware store) worked wonders. I still resort to the method for small jobs. On a good day and if the nickel isn't too far along you mightn't need the Flitz, just dampen the sock with water and rub to a shine with a dry one.
- r![[cool]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/cool.gif) n b -
Post Edited (2005-04-20 03:53)
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Author: jbutler ★2017
Date: 2005-04-21 01:19
<"I'll concur that buffing wheels don't work that well for nickel keys">
Huh? It's the only way to get the "fog" out of nickel keys, posts, rings. Buffer with 1400 rpm works best since it doesn't "fling" the buffing compound off the wheel as badly as those with 3600 rpm. I use white diamond compound to rough polish and follow with light green rouge to mirror polish. I can get them to look like new again unless the plating is totally worn. My buffer is 3/4 hp, but those with 1/3 to 1/2 hp work just as well on clarinet keys.
I agree with DS that the Dremel tool isn't designed that well for this type of a project.
jbutler
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Author: BobD
Date: 2005-04-21 13:05
Well, I wonder if we're talking nickel plated keys or unplated nickel-silver keys.
Bob Draznik
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Author: nickma
Date: 2005-04-21 14:42
Hi Guys an jbutler in particular,
What machine make model would you suggest - I can't seem to find any that run below 2800 rpm?
Nick
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2005-04-21 20:56
I have found a machine buff to be excellent for polishing both nickel plated keys, and unplated cupronickel keys. (It is confusing when people call the latter 'nickel'). It is a matter of having an appropriate type of buffing wheel and buff soap, both of which there are many.
2400 rpm with an 4" wheel is the same as 1200 rpm with an 8" wheel. The speed of a buffing machine is designed for a given diameter of buff.
Some useful info....
http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/buffman.htm#speed
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Author: nickma
Date: 2005-05-06 21:03
Thnaks to all - the overhaul is done, and the best thing I found was by accident - Hagerty Silver and Jewel cloth (www.hagerty.biz).
Having used Goddards pink paste and a little gentle work with Brasso on the severly fogged keys, followed by various woodwind shop silver polishing cloths, I found the Hagerty cloth.
It is simply miraculous. Havingpentan hour with this cloth, admittedly after the groundwork had improved things by 50%, suddently the keywork buffed up almost new. Now the 1960 R13 looks immaculate, and plays wonderfully.
Nick
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