Why do we use "Polishing Papers"? => 7 photos

 "Polishing Papers" are the most reasonably priced pieces of paper that there is in any tool store, or online.

 Their sole purpose is to improve the surface of any graver. They can transform a roughly hewn piece of steel, to shine like the famous "Hubble Telescope".

 The grit textures of the papers being shown in this essay, are what I use constantly. I always say: 'If it's good enough for me, then it'll be good enough for your tools'.

 

 Without a smooth surface, the setters labour will be totally wasted.

  These numbers being shown on the wooden sticks are not for casual identification. They are there for a purpose, that sole purpose is to clarify the texture of the polishing paper.

 The #800 grit means that the granules of silicone are closely attached to the paper. But, the granules of the #1,000 grit are more closer together than the #800 paper. 

 Why would I use a "soft core", drafting pencil? 

 The answer is simple. The very soft lead, gets in between the pores of the paper and renders the polishing paper at least 50% more softer. This will give the setter a grit of #800 to now a new grit of #1,200 without buying any additional sheets of paper.

 

 Here are 8 sheets of polishing paper. The paper on the far right, is basically a (rough) "Emery Paper" of  #240 grit.

 The total 8 grit textures are as follows:

#240, #400, #600, #800,  #1,000, #1,200, #1,600, #1,800. 

 If you wish to use the soft core pencil, each grade can be altered smoother without buying additional polishing papers. You can now have 16 sheets of paper at no extra charge. Nice eh?

 

 I use a wooden board that I'll buy at the local paint store for only a few (cheap) dollars and wrap that board with paper. 

Now compare a few dollars to a new insanely expensive rotating 6" disk with your attached piece of paper.

 Each of these sticks can be 8" inches in length & 3" inches wide. 

  

  Instead of buying additional sticks of wood, I have another idea for you. On one side of each board as an example, I suggest the #800 grit, then on the reverse side, the "pencil enhanced" grit of #1,200 texture. INTERESTING TECHNIQUE?

The shiny surfaces are all 50% => grit increased <=.