A question about polishing nickel silver...

[jwfilion]

As one of my hobbies(obcessions) I like to make model cannons from brass with brass fixtures. In the past, I have fitted all these small pieces first and then polished them in a tumbler to get them sparkling before I secure them in place. They are so small that they are difficult to hold to polish. The tumbler is fantastic for this. This time, I want to use nickel silver for the fixtures and was wondering if it will polish up as well as the brass with the tumbler. When used on my knives, I found brass easier to polish than the ns, Any thoughs on this?

[ranger1]

I am no expert but I would think, that the ns would polish in a tumbler.It would probably take a little longer.I at one time did model boats(ships)built to scale from original blueprints.I've been working on a whale boat for 6 years.I polished all my brass fittings by hand.I never thought of a tumbler.By the way the cannon is awsome looks great!

[Nat Bassett]

Sand with emery paper of decreasing grits. Once at 800 or finer, switch to buffing wheel loaded with jewelers rouge. Hold small pieces with finger tips and look out - wheel can shoot those tiny pieces like a bullet. Rotate piece around to get all sides, then clean with Ivory soap and soft cloth. If you still see any scratches, go to even MORE fine emery (like 1200) and buff again.

You can easily get a mirror finish this way.

Nat.

[Dan Graves]

If the small pcs are turned and have a tang that is turned and will be glued in (or tapped end with allthread) just chuck in drill and take to buffer and works fine. Great for tapped round skull crushers etc.