Questions: Power Buffer For Finish

by Charles Fox

Originally published in American Lutherie #79, 2004 and Big Red Book of American Lutherie Volume Seven, 2015

 

See also,
Questions: Post Buffing Finish Scratches by Brian Boedigheimer

 

Mario from cyberspace asks:

I use a power buffer to rub out my finish. It looks perfect to me at the time, but sometimes in other light I can see little tiny scratches that I’ve missed. Any advice?

Charles Fox of Portland, Oregon responds:

That reminds me of when I brought instruments to my first music trade show a few decades ago. Under the unforgiving glare of the convention center’s halogen lights I was appalled to see that the guitars, which I thought were perfectly finished, were in fact covered with tiny scratches that hadn’t been visible to me under either tungsten, fluorescent, or natural sun light. Now I do all of my finish work beneath halogen work lights. You can get an excellent ceiling shop light with double halogen lamps (part # 73995) from www.Rockler.com for $34.99. ◆