Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 14, 2006 08:49pm | #1

   You could contact the folks that make MicroMesh.  I've seen in their catalog abrasives for polishing plastic and, I think, glass. 

   https://www.micro-surface.com/default.cfm?page_id=1 

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

2. 
   Stuart | Jan 14, 2006 11:19pm | #2

   There are several places that sell glass polishing kits for old cars, one is the Eastwood company:  http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=2010&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=596&iSubCat=597&iProductID=2010

   They do say these kits only work on light scratches; if they are big enough to catch with your fingernail they may not polish out.

1. 
   tailsorpins | Jan 15, 2006 08:38pm | #6

   Thanks Stuart!  Eastwood's the place I'd forgotten.  Used their kits long ago to polish out wiper scratches from a rare pair of 1951 Ford tinted windshield panels!  Should work fine on this showcase.  They have the deep-scratch, glass grinding kit also, which will fill the bill!

   John

3. 
   eddiefromAustralia | Jan 14, 2006 11:25pm | #3

   Hi John, 

   I'd make a couple of calls to glaziers and see what they say.

   Surprised that your customer hasn't done this already.

   Cheers,

   eddie

4. 
   lwj2 | Jan 15, 2006 03:13am | #4

   You might check with some local marble/granite installers. I've seen one here that was using some sort of polishing compound with an automotive buffer to take scratches out of marble.

   I'm surprised your customer didn't consider having a local glass shop replace it.

   Leon
1. 
   tailsorpins | Jan 15, 2006 08:23pm | #5

   Thanks for the ideas .... I'll follow up on them.  This customer keeps coming to me for freebies; guess it's because I have a hard time saying no!  The commissions on regular work justify some of them, but lately it seems all the other woodworkers have a bigger rock to hide under .... well I suppose they are living under it!  They also don't get the good work when it comes along, but that's mostly because they have too many examples of garbage haunting them.  I've been brought some of their best junk to be repaired, and I can't believe some of the things they've actually charged for! 

   This customer is also shrewd, and I suspect was turned off by the replacement cost of a new beveled glass.  When I quote the polish, it will likely be close to the cost of a new panel, minus the labor & mileage.  Hopefully, I can do it in situ, as that showcase weighs 340# empty.

   Thanks again,

   John

5. 
   Steinmetz | Jan 17, 2006 01:45am | #7

   Tail, Cerium oxide (White powder) and water make a 'slurry'
   of the stuff and using a clean woll buff
   on a slow speed buffing machine go at it.(Make figure eights)
   Good for windshields, head lamps, watch crystals. Even scratched eye glasses. Steinmetz.

   
   

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   Edited 1/16/2006 5:48 pm ET by Steinmetz

1. 
   tailsorpins | Jan 19, 2006 07:58pm | #8

   I'll give that a try.  I keep nemerous different buffing compounds around for both hard felt wheels and loose muslin wheels, but nothing I'd want to try on that showcase glass.

   thanks,

   John

1. 
   Steinmetz | Jan 20, 2006 12:14am | #9

   Tails, Google up cerium oxide for retailers I bought my CO as a kit with a felt wheel and arbor for a drill .
   It takes time,
   and heat buildup must be avoided
   Buy a pint sized amount to save moneySteinmetz