The article that ran in the Volume 4 #3 RodMaker on Easy Guide Prep is one I was very happy with - it really does spell out what needs to be done to all guides and how to quickly do it. But the mention of the "unified wheel" has caused some confusion.

Until fairly recently this was a common product available from a number of sources. As the types and styles of such wheels has become more broad, rod builders are having a hard time getting the right one. The wheel you want, which may go under various names according to the particular manufacturer, is a formed wheel made of scotchbrite type fiber. But it is a soft wheel, which really does not remove any material from the guide foot. Lately I am seeing these "deburring" wheels that are made from the correct fiber, but in a grade and hardness that is just too hard for final step guide polishing.

The correct wheel is a godsend for any rod builders interested in speeding up guide prep. I have some samples from a dealer coming in for me to look at and compare to what I have on hand here. When I see them I will report if they are what you want. The exact wheels I still have on hand are no longer available under their original number and manufacturer. But we'll find the right one and get the information out to you. Thanks.

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I guess I wasn't the only one to bombard you with questions on the Unified Wheel, huh?? lol.

Just goes to show how many rodbuilders are either unhappy or having trouble with finding a tool to easily perform this function.

I hope the wheel Bingham has is the right one!!! Billy

The center section out of a floor buffing pad/wheel is made out of scotchbrite type stuff. Maybe that's too stiff, I don't know. But most janitorial places will give them to you if you ask. They make great paint strippers.

Tom,

Another product I have great success with is a cone shaped wheel made of rubber impregnted with an abrasive. Cratex is the trade name. I got mine from Travers tool at www.travers.com. This little cone makes guide feet shine like new money. Worth looking at.

Harry

I have tried those craytex wheels and they are nice but in no way can compare to these unified wheel things! If you seek out a jewelry repair person he or she can put you on the right wheel. They are fantastic and I agree wholeheartedly with the article that there is nothing else like this wheel for guide finish up! I don't know what size wheel you guys are talking about but the last one I bought was a 6" model and it sold for about $65. But then I've been using it for several years now.

I took a look at the 3M web site (http://3m.com) and searched for scotch-brite. There is a ton of info on their products. Perhaps you could take a look at it and let us know if you recognize any of their items as the "unified wheel." With specifics, the rest of us may be able to locate alternate sources.
Also, I've noticed that jewelry model makers routinely cut small discs from scotch brite pads to use on dremel type flex shaft tools. This may be an alternative as well.

Over the weekend I will take a look and see if I recognize the proper one. In the meantime, the one Bingham sent me to look is almost identical to those I have been using for many years. Great tool.

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