REVIEW: On Graver cleaning with polishing papers" <-> 17 photos

 Anyone can buy a graver, but the need to keep that blade sharp for metal cutting is another story, agree?

 "Graver Cleaning" is paramount after the initial graver shaping processes. It is incumbent to the setter or jeweller to learn and know how to polish these important tools.

The only method in polishing these blades, is to use a series of Emery & Polishing papers.

 To start on this journey, I used a soft core pencil to 'rub' the pencil in and against the soft paper. This process fills in the pores of the paper considerably as it transforms the paper into a softer texture. For example from a #1,000 grit to at least #1,500 grit all of this is done in seconds. There is no need to keep buying newer papers, you can make it yourself.

 Here is the up close photo of the 'texture' of #800 grit polishing paper.

 Now compare the above photo to the paper that has just been 'rubbed' with the pencil core.

 I don't "rub" the whole paper, but only a small area where my graver will be used.

 On the 'rubbed' are will I apply my graver blade. I decided for this application to put my graver against two areas on my polishing stick. From a untouched area, then to the 'rubbed' section all without buying two papers.

 For my 'Bright-Cutting' needs I'll transform my #1,200 grit polishing paper quickly into a #1,500 grit all on one section.

 Those two arrows show where my graver will be used, further back is the 'untouched' areas.

 A Flat surface is just fantastic for the Flat graver blade, there is no need to buy an expensive rotating polishing wheel worth 'hundreds' of dollars. This cost is unbelievably cheap at $5.00 in total costs per stick.

 The 'softer' grit is shown at #800 grit then with the 'rubbing', it's now increased to #1,00 grit.

 These flat boards are great for Flat gravers for these graver blade rubbings that are being shown here.

 The #600 grit paper is at least #800 grit when the applied pencil rubbings are used.

 THERE IS NO NEED FOR 'PENCIL RUBBINGS' DONE ON ANY 'EMERY PAPER'.

 The 'Emery paper' of #240 grit is the most coarse that the gemstone setters needs in their inventory.

 

 When a setter needs to "Bright-Cut" the metal these flat boards are great along with the #1,200 grit paper. Now the setter has another choice in using his modified #1,500 grit Polishing paper.

  Here is my full inventory of 'Emery & Polishing' papers. Do you see any expensive polishing disk machinery worth untold amounts of money? These wooden ticks were found in Paint & Hardware stores for no cost.

 These shortened gravers are 'untouched' and need to be put to the papers for engraving your metals.

 These longer blades when used on a daily or weekly basis will be good for many months. But when they are first bought they need to be 'modified' with the Polishing & Emery papers.

 Your "Bright-Cutting" will instantly turn this ring into a 'Work of Art". That is why I suggest that all of your gravers be 'highly polished' on the papers that we've just written about. This 'coil of metal' is what transpires when the sharpened sliver of metal is cut around the inside of the Bezel setting.

 An 'unmodified graver' will never have this opportunity to make this cutting so precise.