Polishing a varnished table top with a RO 125?

[FestFan]

I so happen to be the proud owner of a Rotex 125 and lots sandpaper to go, but no polishing products. I know I have to start from the stickfix polishing pad (492128), but where to go from there? I'd like to polish a varnished table top up to a mirror or at least make it very, very, very shiny. The thing is, there are too many accesories to chose from...

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I copied this picture from the polishing chapter in the (Dutch) Festool catalogue where 'lacquer' is referred to as the to be polished finish. I assume that 'car/automotive lacquer' is mentioned. Which one of these do I use for polishing varnish (or lacquer, shellack, oil, wax etc.) for woord?

And then there is this of course:

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Any recommendations?

 

[Chris Hughes]

I polished a spar varnish top a couple of years ago using similar technique to polishing solid surface.  I use brilliant 100, 220, 400, switched to Mirca 600 and a intermediate pad and finished with a felt pad and a polish compound.  Very shiny until the homeowner used it as a table.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Good question FestFan, I'm still wondering about this too. So many options and close to no explanation as of what they're exactly for.

 

[image132]

I'm in the same boat. however I was lucky enough to buy my RO125 on promotion and got a car polishing kit with it when I want to do what FestFan wants to do.  I have no idea what it is all for. If there are any Festool reps that could give us a hand here?

 

[Jay Knoll]

This might help

http://static2.shopify.com/s/files/1/0027/0322/files/Per_Swenson_Sanding_Bar_Top_Finish.pdf

too bad we haven't seen him around here in awhile

 

[FestFan]

Thanks Jay, this does help indeed.

I remember his post on this forum: http://festoolownersgroup.com/general-friendly-chat/remember-me/

 

[peter halle]

Regarding Per,

I am hoping that we will see a little more of him around.  A funny feeling says yes.

Peter

 

[image132]

This might help

http://static2.shopify.com/s/files/1/0027/0322/files/Per_Swenson_Sanding_Bar_Top_Finish.pdf

too bad we haven't seen him around here in awhile

[scared] I mean I knew he did stunning work but wow. I find it so hard to believe that someone that can do that can go out of business. That's just not fair.

 

[CharlesWilson]

I followed the 'recipe' from the Swensons for two tabletops, with incredible results. I suggest you do the same. The varnish they specified was Behlens Rock Hard Tabletop varnish. It produces a beautiful and durable finish when polished.

Charles

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Another vote for Per's process.  I used it on a dining table several years ago that still looks great, and if it ever gets scratched up, I'll just pull out the Rotex and the Menzerna....  I suspect it would work on other kinds of varnish besides Rockhard, but as Per notes, the varnish needs to be fully cured and hardened, about 2 weeks for Rockhard.