Wife's Christmas gift

[ScrapMetal]

(12-23-2013, 11:36 PM)PixMan Wrote: That thing is just BEAUTIFUL!

I see no reason why you couldn't put it back in the lathe and chamfer that top edge of the round base.

Once you've got the base done as you want it, go at it with some fine files to remove the tool marks. Next, take some ScotchBrite pads (available in rotary disks and buff out the file marks. That'll leave a brushed looking finish all over. If you want it shiny, do as I did and polish it in steps with 800, 1200, 1500, and 2000 grit emery cloth or silicon carbide sandpaper (the dark grey stuff.) That should only take a few minutes per "grit". When done with that, polish it with a fine polish such as Bon Ami or Bart Keeper's Friend. It'll shine like silver!

Thanks PixMan. My worry with putting it back in the lathe to bevel the edge is that I won't get it "just right" and the bevel won't be consistent around the base. Though I may have to give it a try anyway because it bugs me. I like the recommendation of the ScotchBrite pads and will pick some up at the hardware store tomorrow. After I give it to the wife I can ask her if she would like it "shinier" and see which she would prefer.

I'll take some pics before I wrap it up tomorrow night.

Thanks again,

-Ron