Finishing Acrylic Filing Wet Dry Buffing Ed Clarvis

Finishing Acrylic Filing, Wet & Dry & Buffing Ed Clarvis

Finishing Once the case is glued together and the glue has dried it is time to finish the edges. Although the laser cutter cuts accurately it still leaves a somewhat textured edge. To obtain a smooth finish we need to: l l l File any larger marks Use Wet & Dry paper to produce a smooth finish Use a buffing wheel to produce a high lustre finish Ed Clarvis

Filing Files can be used to remove any larger rough areas. The cross filing method is used for removing larger amounts of material and is good for removing larger marks. We employ the draw filing method to smooth the acrylic as it does not remove much material. Ed Clarvis

File types Ed Clarvis

Cross Filing Place the work in a wood vice. The file’s teeth only work in one direction. Push the file away from yourself pressing the file down with your left hand. Lift the file off your work and then repeat. Ed Clarvis

Draw Filing Place the work in a wood vice. Hold the file as shown. Gently, draw the file back and forth perpendicular to the piece of work. Ed Clarvis

Wet & Dry Wet and Dry paper is a very fine abrasive that is used wet. Allows perfectly smooth finishes To use it l l l Run it under the tap & keep wet during use. Rub on the work until smooth Use a cork block if sanding flat lengths to prevent rounding of the material

Buffing Machine The buffing machine: l Polishes the acrylic so it is smooth l Provides a high lustre finish l Has the effect of blending the layers together so the torch looks more solid l Improves the light output as it is not scattered as it leaves the torch Ed Clarvis

Buffing machine Mops Buffing Machine Motor Buffing compound Ed Clarvis

Using the buffer Wear safety glasses, wear an apron and tie back any loose clothing or hair. Switch on the machine. Apply a small amount of polishing compound to the mop. Hold your work in both hands. Move work gently side to side on the underside of the mop. Do not press too hard. Ed Clarvis

Buffing Machine The mop spins anticlockwise. Do not hold work above the axle or it may be pulled from your hands. Do not push an edge in to the mop or it may be grabbed out of your hands. Do hold work below the axle and perpendicular to the mop. Ed Clarvis