I've been lurking the forums for months and just signed up recently to see pics. I figured my 1st post might as well be useful.
I was at Harbor Freight today just looking at what goodies I never knew I needed and ran across a 6 pack of 2in polishing pads and shank. I debated over buying them as I just ordered one of 3 Mutt's wooden burnishers. I figured what the heck and I'd give this a shot till I got the new one.
I knew I wouldn't be able to use the shank as I wanted to stack 3 pads. I dug out about a 4 in bolt with married nuts. I had 2 - 2in washers and 2 - 1 in washers I added to each side of the pad stack. I tightened it all together and fitted it in the drill press. Set it to 1350 RPMs, grabbed some wax, and saddle soap.
Flipped the press on and set a groove with a screwdriver.
I tested it on a raw, fresh cut, piece of veg tanned 8/9oz leather. No sanding or beveling had been done to the piece prior to burnishing. Not bad for no prep work!
I then sanded a piece with 220 grit paper and retested. (No pics, Sorry!)
Man, this things works like a dream!
I'll be sure to add pics of a preped and worked piece to show how well she works.
Total Cost: $12 +/- a few cents (Kit was $9.99 but used a 20% coupon)
Side note: I'm sure the shank that came with the kit could be used if you only used 2 pads but I didn't test it.
Hope y'all enjoy!
-Rick