Stem polishing/cleaning

[MisterE]

A while back I saw a post with some great suggestions on how to polish and clean stems. Could someone direct me there, or perhaps post some of your methods to get them shiny new again... Super Thanks.

 

[Frost]

This one? https://www.brothersofbriar.com/ye-olde-pipe-rack-f3/stem-polishing-t1793.htm?highlight=stem+polishing

Found w/ a search on stem polishing...brings up alot of info from several threads.

I used a Mr clean magic eraser last time around. It worked pretty well, even on some fairly heavilly oxidized stuff.

 

[Hunter5117]

I use a lot of methods when the stem is just a bit crudy from my smoking it, including Mr. Clean magic eraser sponge, Barkeepers Friend cleaner, etc. However, when I get an estate with a really badly oxidized vulcanite stem, the only method that really seems to get it back to new looking is sandpaper. I start with 400 grit and work my up to 1600 or 2000 grit depending on how nice a pipe it is and how much work I want to put into it. I use the black silicone carbide paper, keep it wet with water and rinse it often (both paper and stem). I get the oxidation off with the 400 grit, then work through the rest of the grits (I think I usually go 400, 600, 1200, 1600) to polish it to a nice shine.

I always finish up with a pure carnuba wax on my wheel, even when just doing an after-smoking cleaning I always wax as the last step.

You do have to be careful with sandpaper not to round off any sharp edges or create any sharp edges that are not supposed to be there. You can also clean up shallow tooth marks, shape the button, etc but depending on the stem you may or may not have a lot of material to work with. Practice on a cheapo before you tackle a Dunny!

 

[uncleshakey]

I have a 3 or 4 inch buffing wheel in my drill press. I set it to the lowest speed and use jeweler's rouge. I get a beautiful controlled shine.

 

[Hunter5117]

The polishing wheel with red rouge will effectively and quickly polish your stem, but it is also very prone to rounding off the joint between the stem and shank of the pipe, polishing out logos and engravings, etc. I have read very many descriptions of estate pipes on retail sites where they mentioned these aspects as negatives and reasons for reduced prices on otherwise very nice pipes. For that reason I stay away from using a wheel for other than final application of wax. Hand sanding gives me very good control and proper technique can even let me improve some things that may have been previously damaged.

 

[Anonymous]

Tripoli and White Diamond buffing wax on a buffing wheel.......... take it easy you can melt the critter if you are not careful!
Bit of Brillo on a soft cloth by hand is a less harsh way to go........