Polishing my Kirby Tradition

[kirbytradition7]

I recently obtained a Kirby Tradition from an authorised Kirby dealer here in Calgary.

It works beautifully (I just need to get the entire attachment set for this model).

However it definitely needs polishing (you can see it in the photos following).

I have an electric drill, and have seen a professional polishing kit (with two soft wheels, the bit, a cleaning compound, and a polishing compound) at a Rona home-improvement/hardware store (Canadian equivalent to Home Depot/Lowe's).

Would such a polishing set be sufficient to deal with the challenge? Take a look at my photos and be the judge!

 

[kirbytradition7]

2nd photo

2nd photo of the Kirby

 

[kirbytradition7]

3rd photo

3rd photo of the Kirby

 

[kirbytradition7]

#4

4th photo

 

[kirbytradition7]

Final photo...

...the handle

 

[bagintheback]

"Would such a polishing set be sufficient to deal with t

Of course! I polished my Tradition in the exact same way. Here were the results.

 

[robo]

I personally use a buffer machine, finding that 1 horsepower seems to work better for buffing and I get a mirror finish. I sand down major scratches but one needs to be diligent in such a process. I begin with a 60 grade sandpaper, always wetting the paper with water, and proceed to sand with 220, 320, 400, 600, 800,1000,1200,1500 and finally 2000 and then complete with my buffer machine. Always wipe off the metal completely between each sanding grade. I do sand perpendicular to the previous grade of sand paper used.

 

[kirbytradition7]

Buffing machines

What kind of buffing machines are effective for projects like this? What's out there?

I live in an apartment, and my only power tool is a drill. At Rona, I have seen a kit containing a drill bit adaptor, two soft wheels (polishing and buffing), and two compounds (cleaning and polishing).

Is there a buffing machine that can clamp to the edge of a table, and would that work for polishing and buffing my Kirby? Would such a machine use soft wheels?

 

[human]

Given the size and shape of the object you're polishing, a drill attachment would probably be more than sufficient. If you're using a cordless drill, a spare battery would be helpful since the continuous operation of buffing and polishing will run the battery down fairly quickly. A corded drill would be even better.

 

[kirbytradition7]

Clean up first?

Judging by the photos of my vacuum, does it need cleaning up first? How would I do so?

 

[robo]

You can purchase a 1/2 hp buffer from Sears . I recommend Eastwood. com . I have a 1 hp buffer which works great. It is much more effective than an orbital buffer. I do sand as previously mentioned, and will also begin with a file to remove deep scratches.