A useful tool repurposed from an old bur shaft

By Helen I. Driggs

I collect and save every piece of tool steel I find at garage sales and flea markets along with any other steel I generate in the studio with the purpose of finding a new use for it. For example, a mini burnisher can be easily created from leftover steel shafts of flexible or rigid abrasive flex-shaft attachments.

To create one, you’ll need an old steel bur shaft; a graver handle of your liking; a large coarse file for steel; an inexpensive pair of pliers (because the rigid abrasive is usually like rock and you don’t want to damage your expensive jewelry pliers); fine, medium, and coarse sanding discs; a steel brush; and Fabulustre polishing compound and textile bob.

 

1. Any flexible or rigid abrasive attachment for the flex-shaft or Dremel tool will eventually yield a 3/32-inch steel shaft to repurpose into this burnisher.

 

2. Use the pliers to crush off and remove any lingering abrasive from the bur and get it down to the steel.

 

3. Saw off the tip of the bur shaft to remove any pronounced ridges or grooves in the steel.

 

4. Use the large coarse file to shape the tip of the steel shaft into a gentle point.

 

5. Once the burnisher is symmetrical, round off the tip and progressively sand it with 250, 400, and 600 grit abrasive papers to remove any flat areas and create a smooth and even surface. Finish the tool using a steel brush and then polish it to a high shine with Fabulustre compound on a hard felt bob.

 

6. If desired, heat the steel with the torch and insert the new burnisher into a wooden graver handle, or simply insert it into an adjustable pin vise to use it. I use my burnisher on the inside edge of flush settings and all around the outside of bezels. Always keep any steel burnisher polished to a high shine and protect the point with a cork during storage.