A few months ago, I bought some restored STANLEY planes from a dedicated woodworker.....I was impressed when I saw his planes and later, when I got them home by their lustre, polish on the planes and even, the shining tops of the bolts holding the frog etc...
I have done my share of cleaning, restoring older STANLEYS with cleaners, wire wheel, DREMEL, steel wool etc but I have never polished the individual parts..I'm told of guys using a green bar or a jeweler's rouge or polishing compound on a wheel to do that...I once tried a metal cleaner as well as Brasso with limited results.. Have to admit I'm not skilled in this area. The heads of the screws, bolts do look better when polished and bright.
What's been your experience in this? Any particular products, bars or compounds you use with success...Or a method you prefer?
Thanks in advance....Forgive me for these simple questions..Been a woodworker most of my life but these are uncharted, new waters for me. Thanks