The Best Mini Mops and Brushes And How To Use Them - Polishing Your Hand Made Jewellery

Andrew looks at mops and brushes that you can use in your flex shaft or Dremel. Andrew shows you how he polishes up the back of the ear ring he made in his last film.
How Andrew makes and solders on an ear ring post • Making Your Own Ear Ri...
Andrew shows you many hints and tips that he has gained from his 30 years experience as a professional goldsmith.
Andrew Berry, a professional jeweller for 30 years, is the training director of www.AtTheBench.com, an award winning on line jewellery training website.

[@donnaer]

Thanks for a great video. I’ll be watching more. One thing I would add. I think you need to wear a decent particulate mask. The tiny particles in polishing compounds, as well as microscopic lint fibers, will end up in your lungs. Be safe folks!

[@matthewcondon1985]

Such great info. I work on clocks. Clock plates have lots of posts attached. I'll have to try this around the posts on the clock plates. Do you have a video explaining the differed polishing compounds and when to use them? If not, that would be a helpful video too!

[@McDowallManor]

Around 11:13 Soft brush - lovely, cuddly soft brush. LOL! That was very funny in the world's most informative clip (at least for me as a new silver smith).

[@MulltiPas]

Great tutorial thank you. I have a question :) I love matt finish most of the time, is it possible to have a matt finish with polishing? Do I need polishing for matt pieces? what should I do? Thank you.

[@klcwarchitect]

I have watched EVERY ONE of your videos - they are so good for a newbie like me. I'm still stupid about polishes - tripoli rouge Zam white yellow red grey green - what the heck? When do you use which and how do you tell what they are? Can you explain them a bit more?

[@lindalowney1404]

I'm with you, lost in the various colours.

[@dianazaalberg1993]

Hi Karen, polishes are like emery papers, one color is more “agressive “ than the other while polishing. Black for example is very harsh on your metal (gets big scratches out) and because of that you would need it to use it on a brush or a hardened felt wheel. When I remember it correctly than I would use red polishing compound on a stitched cotton wheel. Final stage, use a very fine polishing compound like blue or white for the final polish. Because you don’t need much pressure to make your metal shine i used a wool buff on my machine. Do NOT use gloves, if you want to protect your fingers wear leather finger hoodies ( gloves can be caught by the wheel and you get your fingers ripped off)You don’t need a polishing machine you can also use a Dremel or a foredom to polish. Hope this helps, I guess you figured it out yet, your Question is already 2 years old 😁

[@pjwhaletail]

what is the brand we should be asking Rio to carry?

[@mellorgray]

Hi andrew. Which particular brush is the one you are using to begin with. As it is black i cant tell. Thanks for the tutorial

[@apprendrelabijouterieenaut869]

Thank youuuuu Andrew :-)

[@elephantear7659]

How did you final polish the granulated ring? I need a tool to polish a piece with spaces 1-2mm. Thanks!

[@arianesmith9997]

What is the names of that pre polish ? I couldn’t catch it Thanks

[@Atthebench]

Tripoli atthebench.store/product/pre-polish-semi-finish-cannings-lustre-tripoli/

[@kimonaNo1]

Hi Andrew, what are the soft mops made from, wool or cotton? I see both versions online. And is one better than the other? Thanks!

[@needmoresleep9041]

That's what I'm looking for right now

[@Michael28407]

I have just received those nylon brushes in the post from Betts Metal Sales. I took them into the studio just now and they disintegrated almost immediately. . I didn't even get to touch it off the pre polish and every bristle came out. I had them on a normal spin, not too fast. Is there a way to prep these or should I go back to Betts with the issue. Thanks

[@Atthebench]

As far as I know, our white nylon brushes as far superior than other companies. Buy them from us and you wont have a problem www.atthebench.store

[@Michael28407]

@@Atthebench hi Andrew. I just tried another one with a reduced speed and it seems fine. I live in Ireland so as far a I can see you don't deliver to Ireland, I have tried ordering from your online store but it won't let me check out. Thanks for the reply

[@CJ-sx7lt]

Hi

[@sabinedr4492]

Tx for this interesting video. How should I remove excess solder?

[@finlaygreenaway193]

With a file, Emery board/paper, or small abrasive wheel

[@wonbadood8243]

With difficulty. It depends where it is and what kind of tools are available to you. I had that problem yesterday and used mini sand paper snap on discs (22 mm) and it was perfect for my particular mess up. The trick is to get it right first time every time. It's so easy to get into a panic and cause more problems when things start to go wrong, usually when the piece is nearly finished.

[@barbaradeneke2909]

I was able to find the brushes through Amazon in the US. Came in a 30 pack. Not sure if the spindles are the right size for quick release handpieces but otherwise they look the same.

[@mikewilbanks1635]

That's the one.

[@chriscox52282]

Can you link them please?

[@kristinperdue6392]

Found those on Amazon but they have a 3mm shank, not a 2.35mm shank, and the quick change hand piece requires 2.35mm.

[@ant-1382]

Little tips like not looking straight down on your work but keeping your head off to one side. This is stuff that one learns through trial and error, unless someone teaches you and saves you the error thing!!!

[@Frandalicious66]

Hi Andrew, long time viewer here. I discovered you through Soham Harrison and adore your videos. You are a grand teacher and explain everything so precisely. What great video, I have nylon brushes but have never used them...hence rouge and Tripoli. Will definitely try them out now. I do know the majority of your vids are intermediated, but wondering if there is any chance that you could make a video on forming and creating hollow form hoops. Thanks so much for all of your Fantastic free guidance. ...Fran.

[@arianesmith9997]

Andrew when I polish with red rouge I get everything around my work space dirty. What could I do different?

[@randysmithfabrications2731]

“Crook and nanny” 😂😁 that was funny.

[@nathalieschumann8499]

Randy Smith Fabrications Thought I was the only one giggling about that. 😄

[@CarolMinnich]

Some great tips Andrew. Never saw the tip of putting a cloth on your bench pin when doing the rouge polish to protect the texture and also to be sure to not add tripoli [which might be on the bench pin] to the mop and scratch the piece]. Also like the way you lay the earring post on the cloth on the bench pin to polish it. Thank you, as always, for the great videos.

[@ferguskelley]

Hello Andrew, I want to dull down or make matte a shiny nickel plated aluminium handle. What tool do you recommend?

[@Vondarkstar]

Would "pro polish pads" take the place of the Rouge (final polishing step)? Or what is your opinion of the pro polishing pads as a tool? Thanks for everything!

[@barbaraacosta2019]

Can you set closed caption because I am deaf I want more to understand I am doing metalsmith so many book and which the best to understand please closed caption thank you

[@wonbadood8243]

Thanks again Andrew. Tip: Use all mini mops and abraders (from new) with the motor switched to reverse. This sends most of the spatter away from you. I'm in Ireland and wasn't at all impressed with the local tool/findings supplier so I had look into the English suppliers. It took a LOT of time cross referencing the different prices and availability of different items. Cousins UK came out on top, by far, for my needs. Iv'e never had a problem after around 5 yrs buying there. AKAIK they don't give advice or recommendations so you need to know what you want.

[@E-Kat]

Yes, that's such a problem as it takes so much time and you don't know it it's good enough or should we be buying more expensive item! I wish there was a silversmithing forum where we could exchange valuable, time and money saving information! May e there is one, but I can't find it?I hope you're sorted now and you have all the basic tools. Thanks for suggesting Cousins UK. I know of them but wasn't sure about quality of their stuff.☺️

[@teresapool7594]

Rio now carries 2” white nylon soft bristle brushes! thank you Andrew

[@Atthebench]

They are not the same as the ones I use. Goto Otto Frei. They now stick the correct ones. 7/8 inch white nylon on a 3/32 spindle

[@elephantear7659]

@@Atthebench Thank you 🙏

[@daykangemcutting8679]

ooo really soft,lovely😂😂😂.i talk to my tools like you.

[@paullemay3218]

Thank you for sharing. 🇨🇦😎

[@janehale6378]

How long can I expect the coloured discs to last? I experimented and used them for a few pieces but noticed by the last piece they were actually putting black greasy marks back onto the metal. I hadn't used any compounds on the metals prior (for clarification). Love your videos Andrew :)

[@jokevanderheeren3193]

For people living in the Benelux: Bijou Moderne also has the nylon thingie. They come without a shaft. You have to put them on a shaft yourself.

[@candaceb.8978]

Thank you for these helpful tips. So great. I love watching your videos because you have a way of making all of this seem like I can do it.

[@renaudbrigitte7627]

very interesting, thank you very much! I would like to learn how to make tge granulation, Will you do a tutorial ? Thank you! 🇨🇦

[@mcavolt]

Thank you for the tips an tricks.

[@marianneoxley5717]

Andrew, loved this tutorial - so much helpful information. I was wondering what the very soft, thick mop you use at the end is called?

[@r0ckworthy]

The little nylon "mop" he loves so much: are you supposed to load that thing up with tripoli/rouge or just use it with nothing on it?

[@Atthebench]

You need to use a pre polish such as tripoli

[@r0ckworthy]

@@Atthebench Does the tripoli stay on the smooth nylon bristles? Seems like it would just fling off and not stay applied to the bristles the way it would to a polishing wheel...

[@claireperkins8779]

Brilliant Thankyou for sharing all your knowledge,it’s extremely helpful as I’m a beginner at soldering. I love you tutorials just ordered some of the white acrylic brushes can’t wait till your next video Thanks again Andrew

[@warrenking1815]

Have used the nylon brushes for cleaning rings especially for filigree, works great.

[@thecrystalcabinet]

Andrew would you consider time stamping your older videos? Great and informative as usual 🙏

[@JSCRILLA253]

Im a Beginner i make alot of basic jewelry, You are a Huge inspiration and im Very thankful for your Videos and sharing your knowledge! Thanks sincerely i learn something new every video 💙❤💙🤙

[@vanessarothe452]

Really cool videos :) could someone help me with the correct mixture of the safety pickle and the acid? I don't want to use chemical stuff after soldering to clean up the oxidation. Thank you and sorry for my English. I am from. Germany

[@saimonfagrance4177]

Thank you very much sir for Dubai ❤

[@olegpetelevitch4443]

Bearings are gone in your hand piece !

[@Atthebench]

It’s not the bearings. The shaft is slightly liked and is rubbing inside the sleeve

[@SoleilMagica]

Do I use the same nylon brush to remove scratches off of a flat surface?

[@Atthebench]

Yes. Use them with tripoli or a pre polish

[@SoleilMagica]

@@Atthebench awesome! Thanks!

[@mariefarley7752]

I don't quite know why, I never manage to get a nice polish at my bench, with my flexshaft... It's like the brushes I have (and I have a few different ones) maybe don't pick up the compound properly, I don't know. Also, a lot of my brushes and buffs just spin on their posts whenever I apply a bit of pressure on them.

[@swaroopcool22]

thanks again for the awesome video. If I got you correctly you suggest a) sanding b) use of nyon brush with tripoli c) use of soft cotton buff with rouge?

[@jamessalisbury3320]

I love your tutorials. I’ve watched these on KZbin loads of times because they’re always helpful. For the amateur,novice or professional. So interesting and ver helpful. 🙂💯🔝

[@zoemcgill5326]

Hi Andrew thanks all your tutorials are great and I've learned lots from yourself and other sources through the years 👍🏻🤗 just quick question though, where in the UK can I purchase the goat hair brush/wheels? Thanks in advance

[@247theshampoo]

Amazing video !!! Today was my first day sitting on my bench. Very helpful video and the tips and tricks I was able to get out. White Nylon brush 21m

[@fionamercer4952]

My Polish is really hard so when I try to load my brush it's not sticking is there a tip to make it softer please

[@kristinperdue6392]

I literally got a case of the giggles when you said crook and nanny! I’ve got to find these nylon brushes! I will contact Rio Grande about it if they still don’t carry them.

[@sejaaguia8020]

I love your vídeos, my friend! Thank you for sharing!

[@marcoantoniovento6347]

I`ve been following you for some time now - each time better! Thanks for the good mood!

[@arianesmith9997]

Thank you for the Tripoli answer 👍🏻

[@sealjewelry]

Amazing value as always. Thank you Andrew!

[@cpayne1757]

Andrew - Brilliant video - Could you show us how to make butterfly clips for those stud earrings??

[@msjudy1965]

Lovely video and very informative!! Thank you!

[@naomiwendy2234]

Thank you Andrew. That explains the issue I've been having with Tripoli. 😊

[@IIIAM369]

Love your channel. Thank you so much for sharing these amazing tips 🌟

[@lorraineblack183]

Fantastic as usual great on line teaching. Thank you

[@ma1900bi1900]

Nylon Bürsten hab ich mir auch besorgt guter Tipp danke

[@CJ-sx7lt]

Just had to get the comment count off 66 🤪

[@pamelacooke5698]

Thanks. I wondered why I was having problems with Tripoli!

[@Zen_Modeling]

Well done Mate! 💯

[@heaveninearthopals3855]

Thank you so much

[@nataliephelan7773]

brilliant video as always Andrew

[@mary-annkieckhaben5026]

Thank you is so cool

[@VidmarSanda]

Hi Andrew, do I need to use Tripoly for the brass and steel wheels also? Thank you!

[@Atthebench]

No. Only use polish on mops that are cloth or bristles

[@AndyBrownLDN]

Great video

[@pijnto]

I really need to get some of those nylon brushes to try, RioGrande will not sell to non business owners in Australia

[@mikewilbanks1635]

check Amazon.

[@djlyons66]

I found some on ebay and they seem to work fine. I searched RotaryTool White Jewelry Buffing Wheel. I thought they might have been goats hair but the fine print says they are nylon.

[@petreap9120]

try AJm as they stock them Australian Jew ellery Manufacturers

[@helen898]

👍👍

[@jimbettridge3123]

Thanks Andrew!

[@afbutler69]

What is the polishing compound you use with the nylon brushes?

[@Atthebench]

Arthur Butler Tripoli

[@afbutler69]

Andrew Berry Thanks.

[@mavenfeliciano1710]

This is easily achievable using the rotary tools, but now I'm wondering how would one go about it without these tools?

[@haloc1337]

I don't have an ultrasonic device, is it necessary to wash/clean the piece before each step?

[@Atthebench]

hale celik Ideally yes. Otherwise you will be transferring your pre polish onto your final rouge polish. The piece will still be scratched because of the pre polish on the soft woollen mops

[@Gazz_R]

Thanks for the tips.