help on restoration

[livwire68]

Just got my comoy's today in the mail. I have the insides cleaned and am now working on the bit. Here is the problem Comoy's prints a "C" on the bit, it is not stamped. I have been using the dremmel with a fine wire wheel. That takes anything heavy off, then for finishing, polishing compound on the soft wheel. I have read how I believe scott has done it, but the whole bit has a light greenish-brown dull hue to it. So if I use his method I would have a uncleaned spot on it. I dont want to take away from the value of it, but on the other hand I am going to use it. Any other idea's, I have tried the magic eraser and does not do much.

[SUOrangeGuy]

expensive route might be to see if you can get a replacement bit.

[LSU Tiger]

I can't recall the name of the shop, but I recall a logo replacement stem fitted for about $60. OUCH!

Update: Here's a guy that will restamp your logo for $9.

http://www.lewispipe.com/repair.htm

[Scott M]

STOP... PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR AND BACK AWAY FROM THE DREMMEL!!!

Thanks... had to get that out. The Dremmel will eat up the bit material in a heartbeat, leaving you with rounded edges and a wavy surface. I've used fine grade sandpaper, (from 600 up to 8000 grit) in stages which gets most oxidation off the stem and leaves it pretty and shiney.



There are ways you can get around the tiny little TMs, but they require a little patience. One is to use clear nail polish on the logo... cover the logo only, (easier to type than to do), and hit it with white rubbing compound on a q-tip. Or use fine grade sandpaper, and by using the folded corners you can get into the areas without dinging the logo.

Cheers!

[caskwith]

Originally Posted by Scott M

STOP... PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR AND BACK AWAY FROM THE DREMMEL!!!

Thanks... had to get that out. The Dremmel will eat up the bit material in a heartbeat, leaving you with rounded edges and a wavy surface. I've used fine grade sandpaper, (from 600 up to 8000 grit) in stages which gets most oxidation off the stem and leaves it pretty and shiney.



There are ways you can get around the tiny little TMs, but they require a little patience. One is to use clear nail polish on the logo... cover the logo only, (easier to type than to do), and hit it with white rubbing compound on a q-tip. Or use fine grade sandpaper, and by using the folded corners you can get into the areas without dinging the logo.

Cheers!

Scott is right, only a large buffeing pad is suitable for stems, small dremel whelss will not give a uniform finish. I think that the best idea for you with limited materials is to go to an auto shop and buy varying grades of emery paper right up to the finest they have and sand the stem. after you have used the finest grade (at least 1500 if not better) use toothpaste to polish out the fine scratches, it really works it just takes some elbow grease.

[livwire68]

Thanks I will see about getting some fine sand paper/emery cloth. I have not had a problem with the dremmel leaving wavy marks or rounding edges. I do not bear down on it and use it slowly, O' and I make sure not to hold in one place to long so it does not heat up. I believe I have also come to the conclusion that the "C" on the bit is inlayed, not printed. I believe the pipe to be from the 70's, and if it was just painted on would have worn away by now. There is a little circular part right where the "C" is open and looks like a plug/inlay. Once again the info. will help me to become a professional pipe restorer one day lol!