A question for olhzimers...please try very hard to remember those good
ol' days of great books and hand finishes (careful now!).g

30+ years ago, I used pumice slurry and a polishing compound commonly
called plumber's rouge on select furniture and cabinet finishes. Got
away from woodworking for these many years and just now beginning to
play again.

So, what happened to plumber's rouge and powdered pumice/ rottenstone?
Can't seem to find any of these products anymore. In fact, local Ace
hardware and True Value stores claim that these products are no longer
even available for special order.

What are folks using for polishing compounds these days ...not looking
for hard to find select brands, just something I can purchase locally in
small quantities. Ideally, Would greatly appreciate recommendations for
equivalent substitutes of all three above.

Thanks all,

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

Digger wrote:
A question for olhzimers...please try very hard to remember those good
ol' days of great books and hand finishes (careful now!).g

30+ years ago, I used pumice slurry and a polishing compound commonly
called plumber's rouge on select furniture and cabinet finishes. Got
away from woodworking for these many years and just now beginning to
play again.

So, what happened to plumber's rouge and powdered pumice/ rottenstone?
Can't seem to find any of these products anymore. In fact, local Ace
hardware and True Value stores claim that these products are no longer
even available for special order.

What are folks using for polishing compounds these days ...not looking
for hard to find select brands, just something I can purchase locally in
small quantities. Ideally, Would greatly appreciate recommendations for
equivalent substitutes of all three above.

Thanks all,


Still available at Lee Valley, of course.

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/pag...at=1,190,43040

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/pag...at=1,190,43040

brian

Stillwater Lake, NS

Believe it or not .. I still have a few boxes of those items here
somewhere !!! I have, however switched over to using automotive
rubbing/finishing/polishing compounds ... they come in paste or
semi-liquid form, and are just easier to obtain & use. Some of the 3M
Finesse-It products are pretty pricey, but they work great.

On 3/8/2011 11:21 AM, Digger wrote:
A question for olhzimers...please try very hard to remember those good
ol' days of great books and hand finishes (careful now!).g

30+ years ago, I used pumice slurry and a polishing compound commonly
called plumber's rouge on select furniture and cabinet finishes. Got
away from woodworking for these many years and just now beginning to
play again.

So, what happened to plumber's rouge and powdered pumice/ rottenstone?
Can't seem to find any of these products anymore. In fact, local Ace
hardware and True Value stores claim that these products are no longer
even available for special order.

What are folks using for polishing compounds these days ...not looking
for hard to find select brands, just something I can purchase locally in
small quantities. Ideally, Would greatly appreciate recommendations for
equivalent substitutes of all three above.

Thanks all,

On Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:33:04 -0400, Brian wrote:

Digger wrote:
A question for olhzimers...please try very hard to remember those good
ol' days of great books and hand finishes (careful now!).g

30+ years ago, I used pumice slurry and a polishing compound commonly
called plumber's rouge on select furniture and cabinet finishes. Got
away from woodworking for these many years and just now beginning to
play again.

So, what happened to plumber's rouge and powdered pumice/ rottenstone?
Can't seem to find any of these products anymore. In fact, local Ace
hardware and True Value stores claim that these products are no longer
even available for special order.

What are folks using for polishing compounds these days ...not looking
for hard to find select brands, just something I can purchase locally in
small quantities. Ideally, Would greatly appreciate recommendations for
equivalent substitutes of all three above.

Thanks all,


Still available at Lee Valley, of course.

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/pag...at=1,190,43040

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/pag...at=1,190,43040

Also available is Waterlox in the SATIN finish, which requires no
buffing. Niiiiiiiiiiice!

--
Life is full of obstacle illusions.
-- Grant Frazier

"Digger" wrote in message
...
A question for olhzimers...please try very hard to remember those good
ol' days of great books and hand finishes (careful now!).g

30+ years ago, I used pumice slurry and a polishing compound commonly
called plumber's rouge on select furniture and cabinet finishes. Got
away from woodworking for these many years and just now beginning to
play again.

So, what happened to plumber's rouge and powdered pumice/ rottenstone?
Can't seem to find any of these products anymore. In fact, local Ace
hardware and True Value stores claim that these products are no longer
even available for special order.

What are folks using for polishing compounds these days ...not looking
for hard to find select brands, just something I can purchase locally in
small quantities. Ideally, Would greatly appreciate recommendations for
equivalent substitutes of all three above.

My local True Value Hardware stocks them as does the Ace Hardware about 10
miles away.... Me thinks someone at the stores isn't looking hard enough for
you. ;~)

John

In article ,
Digger wrote:
A question for olhzimers...please try very hard to remember those good
ol' days of great books and hand finishes (careful now!).g

30+ years ago, I used pumice slurry and a polishing compound commonly
called plumber's rouge on select furniture and cabinet finishes. Got
away from woodworking for these many years and just now beginning to
play again.

So, what happened to plumber's rouge and powdered pumice/ rottenstone?
Can't seem to find any of these products anymore. In fact, local Ace
hardware and True Value stores claim that these products are no longer
even available for special order.

What are folks using for polishing compounds these days ...not looking
for hard to find select brands, just something I can purchase locally in
small quantities. Ideally, Would greatly appreciate recommendations for
equivalent substitutes of all three above.

Thanks all,

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell



If you must have pumice and/or rottenstone, they are both available from
Amazon and other vendors.
--
There is always an easy solution to every human problem -- neat,
plausible, and wrong." (H L Mencken)

Larry Wasserman - Baltimore Maryland - lwasserm(a)sdf. lonestar. org

In article ,
says...

A question for olhzimers...please try very hard to remember those good
ol' days of great books and hand finishes (careful now!).g

30+ years ago, I used pumice slurry and a polishing compound commonly
called plumber's rouge on select furniture and cabinet finishes. Got
away from woodworking for these many years and just now beginning to
play again.

So, what happened to plumber's rouge and powdered pumice/ rottenstone?
Can't seem to find any of these products anymore. In fact, local Ace
hardware and True Value stores claim that these products are no longer
even available for special order.

What are folks using for polishing compounds these days ...not looking
for hard to find select brands, just something I can purchase locally in
small quantities. Ideally, Would greatly appreciate recommendations for
equivalent substitutes of all three above.

Thanks all,

Woodcraft has them, however any decent automotive paint store will have
products from 3M, duPont, or Meguiars that work as well or better and
are more convenient.

"Digger O'Dell" ?

Possibly a character from:

Can You Top This?
Fibber Magee & Molly?
The Great Gildersleeve?

All old radio shows.

Lew

On Mar 8, 11:21*am, Digger wrote:
A question for olhzimers...please try very hard to remember those good
ol' days of great books and hand finishes (careful now!).g

30+ years ago, I used pumice slurry and a polishing compound commonly
called plumber's rouge on select furniture and cabinet finishes. Got
away from woodworking for these many years and just now beginning to
play again.

So, what happened to plumber's rouge and powdered pumice/ rottenstone?
Can't seem to find any of these products anymore. In fact, local Ace
hardware and True Value stores claim that these products are no longer
even available for special order.

What are folks using for polishing compounds these days ...not looking
for hard to find select brands, just something I can purchase locally in
small quantities. Ideally, Would greatly appreciate recommendations for
equivalent substitutes of all three above.

Thanks all,

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

4F pumice is essential for the initial grain filling stage of
French polishing. Rottenstone is used as an optional
final rub to raise a high gloss. If the local paint store
doesn't stock them, try Woodcraft, or any of the online
luthier's suppliers, such as Stewmac. A 1 lb box should
last you for years.

Plumber's rouge sounds like a compound used to
clean copper pipe fittings before sweating. Would
tripoli be the same thing?

Diatomaceous earth (dead plankton shells) is supposed
to work as an ultrafine compound. Never tried it, but
you can buy 5 lb bags of Safer (tm) brand, sold as
an organic nonchemical insecticide. It doesn't
work as a polish, feed it to the roaches.

On 3/8/2011 7:40 PM, Lew Hodgett wrote:
"Digger O'Dell" ?

Possibly a character from:

Can You Top This?
Fibber Magee & Molly?
The Great Gildersleeve?

All old radio shows.

Lew


Actually the original character was Digby "Digger" O'Dell the friendly
undertaker, and the original show was "The Life of Reily" featuring
William Bendix. And with that, I will be shoveling along...g

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

On 3/8/2011 8:06 PM, Father Haskell wrote:
On Mar 8, 11:21 am, Digger wrote:
A question for olhzimers...please try very hard to remember those good
ol' days of great books and hand finishes (careful now!).g

snip

So, what happened to plumber's rouge and powdered pumice/ rottenstone?
Can't seem to find any of these products anymore. In fact, local Ace
hardware and True Value stores claim that these products are no longer
even available for special order.

What are folks using for polishing compounds these days ...not looking
for hard to find select brands, just something I can purchase locally in
small quantities. Ideally, Would greatly appreciate recommendations for
equivalent substitutes of all three above.

snip

4F pumice is essential for the initial grain filling stage of
French polishing. Rottenstone is used as an optional
final rub to raise a high gloss. If the local paint store
doesn't stock them, try Woodcraft, or any of the online
luthier's suppliers, such as Stewmac. A 1 lb box should
last you for years.


Yep, but cannot find locally anymore and was hoping not to have to
special order online. Don't like doing financials online - for anything.
Thought perhaps their might exist a more commonly available substitute.

Plumber's rouge sounds like a compound used to
clean copper pipe fittings before sweating. Would
tripoli be the same thing?

Could be, though seems to me it was indeed known simply as a Plumber's
rouge and often the final process in the application of hand rubbed
finishes ...not the same as a French polish, but same goal with quite a
bit less work.

If memory serves correctly, also used similar methods to remove
scratches on plexiglass desktop covers when these were fashionable.

I believe plumbers used the compound to clean & polish porcelain/ baked
enamel, and chrome fixtures after repair or installation. Doubt you
would find a plumber today with that sort of ethic or pride, but, maybe
so...

I will ask around about Tripoli and see what I can find.


Diatomaceous earth (dead plankton shells) is supposed
to work as an ultrafine compound. Never tried it, but
you can buy 5 lb bags of Safer (tm) brand, sold as
an organic nonchemical insecticide. It doesn't
work as a polish, feed it to the roaches.

Excellent suggestion! Sounds reasonable and worth further pursuit.

Thanks,

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

On 3/8/2011 5:11 PM, Larry Jaques wrote:
So, what happened to plumber's rouge and powdered pumice/ rottenstone?
Can't seem to find any of these products anymore. In fact, local Ace
hardware and True Value stores claim that these products are no longer
even available for special order.

What are folks using for polishing compounds these days ...not looking
for hard to find select brands, just something I can purchase locally in
small quantities. Ideally, Would greatly appreciate recommendations for
equivalent substitutes of all three above.

Thanks all,


Still available at Lee Valley, of course.

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/pag...at=1,190,43040

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/pag...at=1,190,43040
Also available is Waterlox in the SATIN finish, which requires no
buffing. Niiiiiiiiiiice!

Thanks Larry,

Yep, I was aware I could order online, but really hoped I could find
something suitable that was locally available. Even our local Sherwin
Williams & the nearest Lowes/ Home Depot (40 miles) no longer carry
these items.

Didn't know about Waterlox, something new to me, but do appreciate the
heads up and will definitely investigate further.

Thanks again...

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

On 3/8/2011 5:39 PM, John Grossbohlin wrote:
What are folks using for polishing compounds these days ...not looking
for hard to find select brands, just something I can purchase locally in
small quantities. Ideally, Would greatly appreciate recommendations for
equivalent substitutes of all three above.
My local True Value Hardware stocks them as does the Ace Hardware about 10
miles away.... Me thinks someone at the stores isn't looking hard enough for
you. ;~)


Could be you are right John, but neither one here, in North Central FL,
claims any knowledge nor is willing to order. Local paint dealer is
Sherwin Williams and has never heard of pumice, nor painter's pyramids,
nor paraffin, nor much of anything else useful. Nearest home centers are
40 miles away and neither stocks any of the above. Oh, but they do at
least know of painter's pyramids.g

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

On 3/8/2011 6:20 PM, Larry W wrote:
So, what happened to plumber's rouge and powdered pumice/ rottenstone?
Can't seem to find any of these products anymore. In fact, local Ace
hardware and True Value stores claim that these products are no longer
even available for special order.

What are folks using for polishing compounds these days ...not looking
for hard to find select brands, just something I can purchase locally in
small quantities. Ideally, Would greatly appreciate recommendations for
equivalent substitutes of all three above.


If you must have pumice and/or rottenstone, they are both available from
Amazon and other vendors.

Yep, operative word is "online." A dreadful process and anything but
convenient. Was sorta hoping for a more permanently localized solution,
but, as you indicate, may not have much choice...

Thanks,

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

On 3/8/2011 6:57 PM, J. Clarke wrote:
So, what happened to plumber's rouge and powdered pumice/ rottenstone?
Can't seem to find any of these products anymore. In fact, local Ace
hardware and True Value stores claim that these products are no longer
even available for special order.

What are folks using for polishing compounds these days ...not looking
for hard to find select brands, just something I can purchase locally in
small quantities. Ideally, Would greatly appreciate recommendations for
equivalent substitutes of all three above.


Woodcraft has them, however any decent automotive paint store will have
products from 3M, duPont, or Meguiars that work as well or better and
are more convenient.


Would you be able to expand a little on the auto-paint and perhaps, in
terms of course=pumice/ medium=rottenstone/ fine=rouge, point me in a
comparative direction? When it comes to automotive finishes, I have
absolutely no clue ...isn't that the purpose of having car insurance?g

Thanks,

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

On 3/8/2011 7:40 PM, Lew Hodgett wrote:
"Digger O'Dell" ?

Possibly a character from:

Can You Top This?
Fibber Magee & Molly?
The Great Gildersleeve?

All old radio shows.

Lew


replied elsewhere...

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

In article ,
says...

On 3/8/2011 6:57 PM, J. Clarke wrote:
So, what happened to plumber's rouge and powdered pumice/ rottenstone?
Can't seem to find any of these products anymore. In fact, local Ace
hardware and True Value stores claim that these products are no longer
even available for special order.

What are folks using for polishing compounds these days ...not looking
for hard to find select brands, just something I can purchase locally in
small quantities. Ideally, Would greatly appreciate recommendations for
equivalent substitutes of all three above.


Woodcraft has them, however any decent automotive paint store will have
products from 3M, duPont, or Meguiars that work as well or better and
are more convenient.


Would you be able to expand a little on the auto-paint and perhaps, in
terms of course=pumice/ medium=rottenstone/ fine=rouge, point me in a
comparative direction? When it comes to automotive finishes, I have
absolutely no clue ...isn't that the purpose of having car insurance?g

I've had good results using Meguiars Speed Glaze followed by Show Car
Glaze.

For best results with them use the appropriate foam pads on a random
orbit sander. Meguiars has "cutting pads", "polishing pads", and
"finishing pads". They're Velcro backed and hook right onto a 5" ROS--
they're a bit oversized for it but that doesn't seem to make any
difference.

The pads themselves have polishing action, from coarse to fine in the
order I listed--I've never needed a cutting pad on a woodworking
project, a polishing pad with Speed Glaze followed by a finishing pad
with Show Car Glaze gets things up to a high gloss right quick. If you
want less gloss stop at the Speed Glaze.

You can also apply by hand but you're going to need a lot of elbow
grease--the abrasives are designed to break down during the polishing
process so that you start out with a relatively coarse abrasive that
during the process of polishing becomes a much finer one, and the energy
to break it down comes from your efforts. The specific items I listed
above are intended to be usable by hand--some of the others from the
same company you'll be working on forever trying to get a decent hand-
polish.

These work well with lacquer and polyurethane, I've never tried them
with shellac (at least not yet). You want to have a fair bit of coating
thickness though--they can go right through if it's too thin.

On Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:02:55 -0500, Digger
wrote:

On 3/8/2011 5:11 PM, Larry Jaques wrote:
So, what happened to plumber's rouge and powdered pumice/ rottenstone?
Can't seem to find any of these products anymore. In fact, local Ace
hardware and True Value stores claim that these products are no longer
even available for special order.

What are folks using for polishing compounds these days ...not looking
for hard to find select brands, just something I can purchase locally in
small quantities. Ideally, Would greatly appreciate recommendations for
equivalent substitutes of all three above.

Thanks all,


Still available at Lee Valley, of course.

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/pag...at=1,190,43040

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/pag...at=1,190,43040
Also available is Waterlox in the SATIN finish, which requires no
buffing. Niiiiiiiiiiice!

Thanks Larry,

Yep, I was aware I could order online, but really hoped I could find
something suitable that was locally available. Even our local Sherwin
Williams & the nearest Lowes/ Home Depot (40 miles) no longer carry
these items.

Didn't know about Waterlox, something new to me, but do appreciate the
heads up and will definitely investigate further.

Just so you know, that's not a gloss finish like you were after. I was
joking, referring you to a satin finish. It is, though, my favorite
finish out of all I've ever tried. I prefer a hand-rubbed finish and
this accomplishes that smoothly, easily, and very nicely.


Thanks again...

Jewelcome.

--
Life is full of obstacle illusions.
-- Grant Frazier

On 3/9/2011 7:43 AM, Larry Jaques wrote:
On Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:02:55 -0500, Digger
wrote:

On 3/8/2011 5:11 PM, Larry Jaques wrote:
So, what happened to plumber's rouge and powdered pumice/ rottenstone?
Can't seem to find any of these products anymore. In fact, local Ace
hardware and True Value stores claim that these products are no longer
even available for special order.

What are folks using for polishing compounds these days ...not looking
for hard to find select brands, just something I can purchase locally in
small quantities. Ideally, Would greatly appreciate recommendations for
equivalent substitutes of all three above.


snip

Also available is Waterlox in the SATIN finish, which requires no
buffing. Niiiiiiiiiiice!

Didn't know about Waterlox, something new to me, but do appreciate the
heads up and will definitely investigate further.

Just so you know, that's not a gloss finish like you were after. I was
joking, referring you to a satin finish. It is, though, my favorite
finish out of all I've ever tried. I prefer a hand-rubbed finish and
this accomplishes that smoothly, easily, and very nicely.


Understood what you meant, but after reading the literature I was
immediately intrigued. My curiosity will win out in the end and will
likely give it a go. Thanks once again for the pointer...


--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

On 3/9/2011 9:04 AM, dadiOH wrote:
Digger wrote:


What are folks using for polishing compounds these days ...not looking
for hard to find select brands, just something I can purchase locally
in small quantities. Ideally, Would greatly appreciate
recommendations for equivalent substitutes of all three above.


Sears used to carry pumice and rottenstone, no longer do, in central Florida
at least. I doubt you'll find either locally, I wound up getting it online
but not at woodworking places, they rob us. Grizzly has them, rouge too
both in paste and wax stick. I'd just use auto rubbing compound (rouge =
red oxide).

Never thought of Grizzly, should have but didn't. Good lead though
apparently Grizzly must have very well ventilated toilet stalls, judging
from the prices they charge ...really proud of their uhhmmm!


If you order online, this place filled my order expeditiously and
inexpensively.
http://www.lemelange.com/pumice_powder.htm


Lemelange looks good also, as several from this neighborhood routinely
travel to Ft. Lauderdale/ Delray areas anyway.

If you need a lot you can get it here for $0.40/pound. Even cheaper if you
get 90#
http://store.galladechem.com/shared/...produ cts.asp


Good for industrial purposes but trust me, I will not live long enough
to use those quantities.g

Thanks dadiOH, solid info and do appreciate your input. Several others
have also mentioned automotive compounds and I will likely build up a
few sample boards from scrap and see what happens -- inexpensive and
widely available.

Hmmmm...let's see now, wonder what would happen if I tried to fill pores
with some of this stuff?g

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

On Mar 8, 10:21*am, Digger wrote:
A question for olhzimers...please try very hard to remember those good
ol' days of great books and hand finishes (careful now!).g

30+ years ago, I used pumice slurry and a polishing compound commonly
called plumber's rouge on select furniture and cabinet finishes. Got
away from woodworking for these many years and just now beginning to
play again.

So, what happened to plumber's rouge and powdered pumice/ rottenstone?
Can't seem to find any of these products anymore. In fact, local Ace
hardware and True Value stores claim that these products are no longer
even available for special order.

What are folks using for polishing compounds these days ...not looking
for hard to find select brands, just something I can purchase locally in
small quantities. Ideally, Would greatly appreciate recommendations for
equivalent substitutes of all three above.

Thanks all,

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

Might try a drugstore for pumice. Some folks use it for dental care.
I, too, still have a box of pumice powder in the shop but I haven't
used it in years. Last use I can remember was buffing the finish on
an old rocking chair I refinished and it did a good job. No machines
-- just a hand pad of wadded rags and a few drops of water after the
varnish has set a few days.

I have used rouge on some metal and gem stone polishing projects and
used the Dremel with polishing pad. I believe you can get jeweler's
rouge, in small amounts, from Dremel. Otherwise try a hardware or
jewelry store. I would start with Ace, because they are the PLACE.
At least in rural SE Kansas, they are pretty well stocked.

RonB

On 3/9/2011 11:42 AM, dadiOH wrote:
Digger wrote:

Hmmmm...let's see now, wonder what would happen if I tried to fill
pores with some of this stuff?g

FFFF pumice and a binder.


Yep. Just wondering out loud, mostly in jest. One reply (Father Haskell)
however did suggest Diatomaceous earth (food grade) as a possible sub
for 4F. Local hardware store carries it and perhaps I should experiment.
DE is calcium based and pumice is silica, so not quite sure what effects
will result from stains, Poly, lacquer, shellac, Varnish, or grit on
grit finish sanding/ scraping. Will it color differently as seashells do
when oiled? Will it react badly with clear finishes? Will it even work
as fill? ...?

Never read anything on this sort of an application for DE, so unless
someone can save me the trouble I'll just have to give it a shot myself.
Anyhow, sounded like a good idea and worthy of serious consideration.

Thanks,

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

Digger wrote:
On 3/9/2011 11:42 AM, dadiOH wrote:
Digger wrote:

Hmmmm...let's see now, wonder what would happen if I tried to fill
pores with some of this stuff?g

FFFF pumice and a binder.


Yep. Just wondering out loud, mostly in jest. One reply (Father
Haskell) however did suggest Diatomaceous earth (food grade) as a
possible sub for 4F. Local hardware store carries it and perhaps I
should experiment. DE is calcium based and pumice is silica, so not
quite sure what effects will result from stains, Poly, lacquer,
shellac, Varnish, or grit on grit finish sanding/ scraping. Will it
color differently as seashells do when oiled? Will it react badly
with clear finishes? Will it even work as fill? ...?

Never read anything on this sort of an application for DE, so unless
someone can save me the trouble I'll just have to give it a shot
myself. Anyhow, sounded like a good idea and worthy of serious
consideration.

Thanks,

the calcium is a lot softer than silica. if it works, it won't work as well.

On 12/31/1969 7:00 PM, wrote:
On Mar 8, 10:21 am, Digger wrote:

So, what happened to plumber's rouge and powdered pumice/ rottenstone?
Can't seem to find any of these products anymore. In fact, local Ace
hardware and True Value stores claim that these products are no longer
even available for special order.

What are folks using for polishing compounds these days ...not looking
for hard to find select brands, just something I can purchase locally in
small quantities. Ideally, Would greatly appreciate recommendations for
equivalent substitutes of all three above.

Thanks all,

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

Might try a drugstore for pumice. Some folks use it for dental care.
I, too, still have a box of pumice powder in the shop but I haven't
used it in years. Last use I can remember was buffing the finish on
an old rocking chair I refinished and it did a good job. No machines
-- just a hand pad of wadded rags and a few drops of water after the
varnish has set a few days.


I can find pumice stone, but not the 4F (FFFF - ultra fine) powdered
pumice I am looking for. Didn't think of a drugstore as possible source
so will look around this evening.

I have used rouge on some metal and gem stone polishing projects and
used the Dremel with polishing pad. I believe you can get jeweler's
rouge, in small amounts, from Dremel. Otherwise try a hardware or
jewelry store. I would start with Ace, because they are the PLACE.
At least in rural SE Kansas, they are pretty well stocked.

Jeweler's rouge does indeed come in very small quantities and not
exactly cheap either; Tripoli, for example, can run as high as $30.00 a
stick + shipping.

After talking with the local auto-body repair shop this morning, I
believe an automotive style compound may offer considerable advantage in
a wet look finish. At least worth investigation.

Local ACE store here is privately owned and not very well stocked. Also
not doing as well as the True Value on opposite corner. Neither store
offers very much support to woodworking community. However, if you want
an accessory for a $6,000 riding mower or $400.00 leaf blower, well now,
that is a horse they are both familiar with.g

Thanks Ron, for the ideas and additional input...


RonB


--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

On 3/9/2011 1:21 PM, chaniarts wrote:
Digger wrote:
On 3/9/2011 11:42 AM, dadiOH wrote:
Digger wrote:

Hmmmm...let's see now, wonder what would happen if I tried to fill
pores with some of this stuff?g

FFFF pumice and a binder.


Yep. Just wondering out loud, mostly in jest. One reply (Father
Haskell) however did suggest Diatomaceous earth (food grade) as a
possible sub for 4F. Local hardware store carries it and perhaps I
should experiment. DE is calcium based and pumice is silica, so not
quite sure what effects will result from stains, Poly, lacquer,
shellac, Varnish, or grit on grit finish sanding/ scraping. Will it
color differently as seashells do when oiled? Will it react badly
with clear finishes? Will it even work as fill? ...?

Never read anything on this sort of an application for DE, so unless
someone can save me the trouble I'll just have to give it a shot
myself. Anyhow, sounded like a good idea and worthy of serious
consideration.

Thanks,

the calcium is a lot softer than silica. if it works, it won't work as well.



Probably right, in fact more than probable! But, it just sounds so
plausible that I will likely waste a couple hours in the shop tomorrow
reaching your conclusion.g

Thanks for the reminder as it is always helpful...

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

On 12/31/1969 7:00 PM, wrote:
On Mar 8, 10:21 am, Digger wrote:

So, what happened to plumber's rouge and powdered pumice/ rottenstone?
Can't seem to find any of these products anymore. In fact, local Ace
hardware and True Value stores claim that these products are no longer
even available for special order.

What are folks using for polishing compounds these days ...not looking
for hard to find select brands, just something I can purchase locally in
small quantities. Ideally, Would greatly appreciate recommendations for
equivalent substitutes of all three above.

Thanks all,

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

Might try a drugstore for pumice. Some folks use it for dental care.
I, too, still have a box of pumice powder in the shop but I haven't
used it in years. Last use I can remember was buffing the finish on
an old rocking chair I refinished and it did a good job. No machines
-- just a hand pad of wadded rags and a few drops of water after the
varnish has set a few days.


I can find pumice stone, but not the 4F (FFFF - ultra fine) powdered
pumice I am looking for. Didn't think of a drugstore as possible source
so will look around this evening.

I have used rouge on some metal and gem stone polishing projects and
used the Dremel with polishing pad. I believe you can get jeweler's
rouge, in small amounts, from Dremel. Otherwise try a hardware or
jewelry store. I would start with Ace, because they are the PLACE.
At least in rural SE Kansas, they are pretty well stocked.

Jeweler's rouge does indeed come in very small quantities and not
exactly cheap either; Tripoli, for example, can run as high as $30.00 a
stick + shipping.

After talking with the local auto-body repair shop this morning, I
believe an automotive style compound may offer considerable advantage in
a wet look finish. At least worth investigation.

Local ACE store here is privately owned and not very well stocked. Also
not doing as well as the True Value on opposite corner. Neither store
offers very much support to woodworking community. However, if you want
an accessory for a $6,000 riding mower or $400.00 leaf blower, well now,
that is a horse they are both familiar with.g

Thanks Ron, for the ideas and additional input...


RonB


--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

On Mar 9, 11:42*am, "dadiOH" wrote:
Digger wrote:
Hmmmm...let's see now, wonder what would happen if I tried to fill
pores with some of this stuff?g

FFFF pumice and a binder.

A couple of spit coats of 2 lb shellac, followed by a quick
rubbing with an alcohol-dampened muneca dipped in
FFFF is standard technique. Rub too long, and you'll
pull any dried shellac/pumice slurry from the pores,
making work and ****ing yourself off in the process.

Repeat as needed if you're not sufficiently ****ed off.

On Mar 9, 1:11*pm, Digger wrote:
On 3/9/2011 11:42 AM, dadiOH wrote:

Digger wrote:

Hmmmm...let's see now, wonder what would happen if I tried to fill
pores with some of this stuff?g

FFFF pumice and a binder.

Yep. Just wondering out loud, mostly in jest. One reply (Father Haskell)
however did suggest Diatomaceous earth (food grade) as a possible sub
for 4F. Local hardware store carries it and perhaps I should experiment.
DE is calcium based and pumice is silica,

DE _is_ silica -- that's how it kills bugs, by abrading the
wax from their exoskeletons, which dehydrates them. It's
hardly food grade, though it's harmless to furry household
creatures.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth

For French polishing, the only substitute for FFFF pumice
is FFFF pumice. For an after-cure rub, take your pick of
fine abrasives.

so not quite sure what effects
will result from stains, Poly, lacquer, shellac, Varnish, or grit on
grit finish sanding/ scraping. Will it color differently as seashells do
when oiled? Will it react badly with clear finishes? Will it even work
as fill? ...?

Never read anything on this sort of an application for DE, so unless
someone can save me the trouble I'll just have to give it a shot myself.
Anyhow, sounded like a good idea and worthy of serious consideration.

Thanks,

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

On Mar 9, 11:24*am, RonB wrote:

Might try a drugstore for pumice. *Some folks use it for dental care.

Toothpaste or baking soda would be candidates.

On 3/9/2011 2:49 PM, Father Haskell wrote:
On Mar 9, 11:42 am, "dadiOH" wrote:
Digger wrote:
Hmmmm...let's see now, wonder what would happen if I tried to fill
pores with some of this stuff?g

FFFF pumice and a binder.

A couple of spit coats of 2 lb shellac, followed by a quick
rubbing with an alcohol-dampened muneca dipped in
FFFF is standard technique. Rub too long, and you'll
pull any dried shellac/pumice slurry from the pores,
making work and ****ing yourself off in the process.

Repeat as needed if you're not sufficiently ****ed off.

So far, haven't gotten my hands on any pumice ...still lookin'. Jist fer
funsies, thought I'd waste a couple hours tomorrow experimenting and see
what happens with diatomacious earth (DE) as a substitute. Prospects
aren't good, but, curiosity et al...

Thanks,

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

On 3/9/2011 2:56 PM, Father Haskell wrote:
On Mar 9, 1:11 pm, Digger wrote:
On 3/9/2011 11:42 AM, dadiOH wrote:

Digger wrote:

Hmmmm...let's see now, wonder what would happen if I tried to fill
pores with some of this stuff?g

FFFF pumice and a binder.

Yep. Just wondering out loud, mostly in jest. One reply (Father Haskell)
however did suggest Diatomaceous earth (food grade) as a possible sub
for 4F. Local hardware store carries it and perhaps I should experiment.
DE is calcium based and pumice is silica,

DE _is_ silica -- that's how it kills bugs, by abrading the
wax from their exoskeletons, which dehydrates them. It's
hardly food grade, though it's harmless to furry household
creatures.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth

For French polishing, the only substitute for FFFF pumice
is FFFF pumice. For an after-cure rub, take your pick of
fine abrasives.

so not quite sure what effects
will result from stains, Poly, lacquer, shellac, Varnish, or grit on
grit finish sanding/ scraping. Will it color differently as seashells do
when oiled? Will it react badly with clear finishes? Will it even work
as fill? ...?

Never read anything on this sort of an application for DE, so unless
someone can save me the trouble I'll just have to give it a shot myself.
Anyhow, sounded like a good idea and worthy of serious consideration.

Thanks,

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell


I stand corrected, as I was mistakenly under the impression diatoms
consisted of typical seashell substrates rather than silica. Glad you
caught me on it.

And I'm also sure you are correct regarding french polishing, not what I
am attempting to do at all.

Since I often do a cut shellac wash anyway, I was thinking I could
possibly use DE to fill pores and, as final rub on hardened finishes.
Simply thought it worth investigation, nothing more. I'm curious by
nature and have lots of free time.

I have not given up on pumice, but have also used it in woodworking and
plastic applications far removed from French polishing ...not something
I want to do every day.

Thanks for the correction,

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

Digger wrote:

On 12/31/1969 7:00 PM, wrote:
On Mar 8, 10:21 am, Digger wrote:

So, what happened to plumber's rouge and powdered pumice/ rottenstone?
Can't seem to find any of these products anymore. In fact, local Ace
hardware and True Value stores claim that these products are no longer
even available for special order.

What are folks using for polishing compounds these days ...not looking
for hard to find select brands, just something I can purchase locally in
small quantities. Ideally, Would greatly appreciate recommendations for
equivalent substitutes of all three above.

Thanks all,

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

Might try a drugstore for pumice. Some folks use it for dental care.
I, too, still have a box of pumice powder in the shop but I haven't
used it in years. Last use I can remember was buffing the finish on
an old rocking chair I refinished and it did a good job. No machines
-- just a hand pad of wadded rags and a few drops of water after the
varnish has set a few days.


I can find pumice stone, but not the 4F (FFFF - ultra fine) powdered
pumice I am looking for. Didn't think of a drugstore as possible source
so will look around this evening.

I have used rouge on some metal and gem stone polishing projects and
used the Dremel with polishing pad. I believe you can get jeweler's
rouge, in small amounts, from Dremel. Otherwise try a hardware or
jewelry store. I would start with Ace, because they are the PLACE.
At least in rural SE Kansas, they are pretty well stocked.

Jeweler's rouge does indeed come in very small quantities and not
exactly cheap either; Tripoli, for example, can run as high as $30.00 a
stick + shipping.

After talking with the local auto-body repair shop this morning, I
believe an automotive style compound may offer considerable advantage in
a wet look finish. At least worth investigation.

Local ACE store here is privately owned and not very well stocked. Also
not doing as well as the True Value on opposite corner. Neither store
offers very much support to woodworking community. However, if you want
an accessory for a $6,000 riding mower or $400.00 leaf blower, well now,
that is a horse they are both familiar with.g

Thanks Ron, for the ideas and additional input...


RonB


toothpaste
--
"You can lead them to LINUX
but you can't make them THINK"

Man. 2010.1 Spring
KDE4.4
2.6.33.5-desktop-2mnb

On 3/9/2011 2:58 PM, Father Haskell wrote:
On Mar 9, 11:24 am, RonB wrote:

Might try a drugstore for pumice. Some folks use it for dental care.

Toothpaste or baking soda would be candidates.

Completely forgot about baking soda, been way too many years passed.
Really rusty so I find these reminders extremely helpful.

Thanks again,

BTW, no chance you live nearby in North Central Fl? You're certainly
welcome to come over and help me recover all that knowledge lost.g

Now let's see, where did I store that thing with the long thin blade
that goes around in circles? ...oh yeah, I remember now, it was called a
bandsaw.

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

On 3/9/2011 3:48 PM, Rich wrote:
Digger wrote:

On 12/31/1969 7:00 PM, wrote:
On Mar 8, 10:21 am, Digger wrote:

So, what happened to plumber's rouge and powdered pumice/ rottenstone?
Can't seem to find any of these products anymore. In fact, local Ace
hardware and True Value stores claim that these products are no longer
even available for special order.

What are folks using for polishing compounds these days ...not looking
for hard to find select brands, just something I can purchase locally in
small quantities. Ideally, Would greatly appreciate recommendations for
equivalent substitutes of all three above.

Thanks all,

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

Might try a drugstore for pumice. Some folks use it for dental care.
I, too, still have a box of pumice powder in the shop but I haven't
used it in years. Last use I can remember was buffing the finish on
an old rocking chair I refinished and it did a good job. No machines
-- just a hand pad of wadded rags and a few drops of water after the
varnish has set a few days.


I can find pumice stone, but not the 4F (FFFF - ultra fine) powdered
pumice I am looking for. Didn't think of a drugstore as possible source
so will look around this evening.



toothpaste

Mentioned elsewhere also ...completely forgot that certainly could be
used, but would take some practice to ascertain best methods and type.
I've never tried it so, something more for the sample boards tomorrow.

Thanks Rich,

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

In article ,
Digger wrote:
On 3/8/2011 7:40 PM, Lew Hodgett wrote:
"Digger O'Dell" ?

Possibly a character from:

Can You Top This?
Fibber Magee & Molly?
The Great Gildersleeve?

All old radio shows.

Lew


Actually the original character was Digby "Digger" O'Dell the friendly
undertaker, and the original show was "The Life of Reily" featuring
William Bendix. And with that, I will be shoveling along...g

You mean you weren't just troweling the newsgroup? grin

On 3/9/2011 7:32 PM, Robert Bonomi wrote:
In article ,
Digger wrote:
On 3/8/2011 7:40 PM, Lew Hodgett wrote:
"Digger O'Dell" ?

Possibly a character from:

Can You Top This?
Fibber Magee & Molly?
The Great Gildersleeve?

All old radio shows.

Lew


Actually the original character was Digby "Digger" O'Dell the friendly
undertaker, and the original show was "The Life of Reily" featuring
William Bendix. And with that, I will be shoveling along...g

You mean you weren't just troweling the newsgroup? grin


Nope, the real deal fer sure...g

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell

On Wed, 09 Mar 2011 13:11:23 -0500, Digger
wrote:

On 3/9/2011 11:42 AM, dadiOH wrote:
Digger wrote:

Hmmmm...let's see now, wonder what would happen if I tried to fill
pores with some of this stuff?g

FFFF pumice and a binder.


Yep. Just wondering out loud, mostly in jest. One reply (Father Haskell)
however did suggest Diatomaceous earth (food grade) as a possible sub

If that's the really fine stuff, be sure to wear a respirator when
working around it and sweeping up afterward. Dat stuff'll kill ya as
quickly as silica.

--
Life is full of obstacle illusions.
-- Grant Frazier

On Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:21:18 -0500, Digger wrote:

On 3/8/2011 6:20 PM, Larry W wrote:
So, what happened to plumber's rouge and powdered pumice/ rottenstone?
Can't seem to find any of these products anymore. In fact, local Ace
hardware and True Value stores claim that these products are no longer
even available for special order.

What are folks using for polishing compounds these days ...not looking
for hard to find select brands, just something I can purchase locally in
small quantities. Ideally, Would greatly appreciate recommendations for
equivalent substitutes of all three above.


If you must have pumice and/or rottenstone, they are both available from
Amazon and other vendors.

Yep, operative word is "online." A dreadful process and anything but
convenient. Was sorta hoping for a more permanently localized solution,
but, as you indicate, may not have much choice...

Dreadful process? If it weren't for e-tailers, I'd only have a couple of
trips a year to the toy store.

"Lew Hodgett" wrote in message
b.com...
"Digger O'Dell" ?

Possibly a character from:

Can You Top This?
Fibber Magee & Molly?
The Great Gildersleeve?

All old radio shows.

Lew



Who knows what evil lives in the hearts of men?

--
Ever wonder why doctors, dentists and lawyers have to Practice so much? Ever
wonder why you let them Practice on You?

On 3/9/2011 3:41 PM, dadiOH wrote:
Digger wrote:
On 3/9/2011 11:42 AM, dadiOH wrote:
Digger wrote:

Hmmmm...let's see now, wonder what would happen if I tried to fill
pores with some of this stuff?g

FFFF pumice and a binder.


Yep. Just wondering out loud, mostly in jest. One reply (Father
Haskell) however did suggest Diatomaceous earth (food grade) as a
possible sub for 4F. Local hardware store carries it and perhaps I
should experiment. DE is calcium based and pumice is silica,

The shells of diatoms are silica as well. At least, they were when I was
majoring in geology in the 50s.
OTOH, they pooh-poohed continental drift back then so who knows?


Yep, someone else already corrected me on that and rightly so.

FFFF pumice is in the 10-20 micron range. DE 10-200 but can be smaller or
much larger.

so not
quite sure what effects will result from stains, Poly, lacquer,
shellac, Varnish, or grit on grit finish sanding/ scraping. Will it
color differently as seashells do when oiled? Will it react badly
with clear finishes? Will it even work as fill? ...?

Well, silica doesn't suck up stuff so should be clear. Powdered calcium
carbonate (whiting) sucks like a sponge.


Agreed however, food grade DE is less than .5% silica (according to what
I'm now learning), but also non-calcined. So the remaining 95% is my
concern. If clay, it definitely will not work as fill.

--
Digger
Bob O'Dell