How-to Make An Abrasive Polishing Buff for a Rotary Tool Tutorial

Learn how-to hand make low cost abrasive buffs for a Dremel tools or for some other type of rotary tool. I use abrasive souring pads to produce these buffs. These pads are commonly used in kitchens to wash pots and pans. It should only cost about $0.25 CAD to produce a buff. Buying a brand name abrasive polishing buff from the store and it could cost $5.00 CAD. This can get expensive if you go through 50 per buffs per day on a big project.

Once you are fast and practiced, it takes maybe 2 minutes to produce a buff. This technique is probably useful for someone who uses a lot of these buffs or doesn’t want to bother driving to the store to buy another one. If you substitute other types of scouring pads, say something which harder or softer, or some material which has more give or less give, the polishing result will be different. Also experiment with a light touch on the surface of the material to be polished or a slightly heavier touch. The key is to experiment. Experiment with different materials and different speeds to figure out what works best for you. The idea is to figure out what material to use in your buff and at what speed it works best for your particular project. Once the optimum material and operating speed has been determined through experimentation, remember the results and always use the same settings and polishing material in a similar situation.

Sourcing the tools and materials:

Abrasive scouring pads (also called scoring pads): Get these at a grocery store

Mandrel: These can usually be bought wherever dremel tool parts are sold. Buy cheaper mandrels on the internet using amazon or eBay or some similar supplier. If you are a good buyer, this part is pretty inexpensive. Make sure the mandrel diameter fits into your rotary tool.

Plastic Soda Bottle: I use a plastic soda bottle. If these are not available, use other thin plastic. The plastic has to be a little bit stiff and hard. The idea is to produce a custom plastic washer which squeezes the buffing material together.

Thick Sewing Needle: Go to a sewing store

Tools: These are very common tools. Buy them at a hardware store, or someplace which sells tools.

How to use the bit:

Operating speeds:

Personally, I sometimes use these bits are very high speeds, up to 30,000 rpm. At these speeds, they don’t last long. However, to prolong the use of your bit, use slower speeds. Experiment to see at which tool speed the buff operates best. I always wear eye protection, such as safety glasses. Hand and ear protection might also be a good idea.

Screw it tight:

Remember to screw the mandrel tight. If you don’t, the scouring pad will tear loose, and the buff will become useless. If the mandrel screw thread gets stripped, throw it away and get another mandrel.

Test the abrasive polishing buff on some scrap material before using it on an expensive project.

I hope this helps. I appreciate all comments. Please give me a thumbs up or thumbs down, depending on how it works out for you. All the best.