What's the most current 'Q-Tip' brand for Wheel Bore Polishing?

Secrets, tips, tools, design considerations, materials, the "science" behind it all, and other topics related to building the cars and semi-trucks.
Post Reply
User avatar
Scrollsawer
Master Pine Head
Master Pine Head
Posts: 381
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2012 4:24 pm
Location: DFW Metroplex, TX

What's the most current 'Q-Tip' brand for Wheel Bore Polishing?

Post by Scrollsawer »

Hi guys!

Even though our family has graduated from Pack racing, I have a neighborhood Cub Scout who's parents have asked me to help him build a fast car. We're at the wheel bore polishing stage, and will be going with the Novus 2/3 prep. What brand of 'Q-Tip' are you using to polish the wheel bores these days?

Thanks!

Scrollsawer
"Laugh a while you can Monkey Boy."
Speedster
Pine Head Legend
Pine Head Legend
Posts: 1972
Joined: Sat Feb 18, 2012 1:48 pm
Location: Toledo, Ohio

Re: What's the most current 'Q-Tip' brand for Wheel Bore Polishing?

Post by Speedster »

I use "Studio 35 beauty" cotton swabs, Soft and hygienic with firm paper sticks. Distributed by Walgreen Co. Most of the shafts measure .099. I stick only about 1" out of the drill so it won't bend over easily. Put some Novus 2 in the wheel bore and then some on the shaft. If you have difficulty getting it started, put a little graphite on the shaft before putting the Novus 2 on the shaft. Run the drill at medium speed for about 15 seconds and then re-apply Novus 2 to the bore and the shaft and polish a 2nd time. I then hold the wheel over a faucet and run a cotton swab in and out of the bore to clean out the Novus 2. Inspect with a magnifying glass. I would be interested in hearing others techniques.

Sorry. I used Improper wording. I clean the bore with water by using a fluffy pipe cleaner I buy from a vendor.
Last edited by Speedster on Mon Jan 18, 2016 5:14 am, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
Vitamin K
Pine Head Legend
Pine Head Legend
Posts: 1246
Joined: Sat Apr 20, 2013 7:26 pm
Location: Spotsylvania, VA

Re: What's the most current 'Q-Tip' brand for Wheel Bore Polishing?

Post by Vitamin K »

Awwww yeah. You know you can't stay away for too long, SS! ;)
User avatar
race#67
Pine Head
Pine Head
Posts: 90
Joined: Thu Dec 11, 2014 9:05 am
Location: Columbus, OH

Re: What's the most current 'Q-Tip' brand for Wheel Bore Polishing?

Post by race#67 »

Are you using only the paper portion of the Q-tip?
User avatar
Scrollsawer
Master Pine Head
Master Pine Head
Posts: 381
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2012 4:24 pm
Location: DFW Metroplex, TX

Re: What's the most current 'Q-Tip' brand for Wheel Bore Polishing?

Post by Scrollsawer »

Thanks Speedster! There's a Walgreens close by, so good to hear.

Race#67, Yes, you cut the swab ends off, and use the shaft.

Vitamin-K, "You know it boyeeee!" :-)

Scrollsawer
"Laugh a while you can Monkey Boy."
User avatar
Vitamin K
Pine Head Legend
Pine Head Legend
Posts: 1246
Joined: Sat Apr 20, 2013 7:26 pm
Location: Spotsylvania, VA

Re: What's the most current 'Q-Tip' brand for Wheel Bore Polishing?

Post by Vitamin K »

Just an FYI: I've heard of folks buying the Walgreens Q-tips, and some are happy with them, others report that they are too big or too small, so there might be some variation in thickness.

I think I saw another well known racer mention that they check all of their sticks with calipers before using them for bore polishing.
Perry24
Apprentice
Apprentice
Posts: 15
Joined: Sat Jul 04, 2015 1:00 pm
Location: Liverpool, PA

Re: What's the most current 'Q-Tip' brand for Wheel Bore Polishing?

Post by Perry24 »

Is Novus 3 the same as wax? In the past, we've only burnished with graphite. Last year, we used wax and then graphite. Thinking about using Novus 2 and wax this year before burnishing with graphite.
User avatar
Vitamin K
Pine Head Legend
Pine Head Legend
Posts: 1246
Joined: Sat Apr 20, 2013 7:26 pm
Location: Spotsylvania, VA

Re: What's the most current 'Q-Tip' brand for Wheel Bore Polishing?

Post by Vitamin K »

Perry24 wrote:Is Novus 3 the same as wax? In the past, we've only burnished with graphite. Last year, we used wax and then graphite. Thinking about using Novus 2 and wax this year before burnishing with graphite.
Novus 3 is a more aggressive scratch remover. It's used before you use Novus 2.

I think Novus 1 is more analogous to a wax, though I've never used any Novus other than 2.
Speedster
Pine Head Legend
Pine Head Legend
Posts: 1972
Joined: Sat Feb 18, 2012 1:48 pm
Location: Toledo, Ohio

Re: What's the most current 'Q-Tip' brand for Wheel Bore Polishing?

Post by Speedster »

Perry24, I like your idea of Novus 2 and wax. I'm using Novus 2 , Liquid Glass and then graphite this year. Let us know how your system works out for you.

I've never experienced a "35" shaft being too small. Do not try to cut more than one shaft at a time. Using a new single edge razor blade will give a nice clean cut with out making the end oblong. A little graphite on the shaft will assist in the start.
User avatar
Scrollsawer
Master Pine Head
Master Pine Head
Posts: 381
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2012 4:24 pm
Location: DFW Metroplex, TX

Re: What's the most current 'Q-Tip' brand for Wheel Bore Polishing?

Post by Scrollsawer »

I bought and used the Walgreen's 35 shafts today. Worked fine. Squealed and applied the Novus as I would expect. Went with Novus 2 first, then and then Novus 1 for the final coat. I may was beyond that, but haven't decided yet.
"Laugh a while you can Monkey Boy."
User avatar
race#67
Pine Head
Pine Head
Posts: 90
Joined: Thu Dec 11, 2014 9:05 am
Location: Columbus, OH

Re: What's the most current 'Q-Tip' brand for Wheel Bore Polishing?

Post by race#67 »

A few questions...
Is it one wheel per q-tip shaft, or can multiple wheels be done with the same one?
Is there anything close to liquid glass performance in a lower price range?
Is bore burnishing (if done) done before or after the polishing/waxing?
I assume burnishing is always with graphite, and with what as the burnishing tool?

Sorry, bore prep is something I am trying to get a handle on.
User avatar
Vitamin K
Pine Head Legend
Pine Head Legend
Posts: 1246
Joined: Sat Apr 20, 2013 7:26 pm
Location: Spotsylvania, VA

Re: What's the most current 'Q-Tip' brand for Wheel Bore Polishing?

Post by Vitamin K »

race#67 wrote:A few questions...
Is it one wheel per q-tip shaft, or can multiple wheels be done with the same one?
Is there anything close to liquid glass performance in a lower price range?
Is bore burnishing (if done) done before or after the polishing/waxing?
I assume burnishing is always with graphite, and with what as the burnishing tool?

Sorry, bore prep is something I am trying to get a handle on.
I think most people use a fresh q-tip shaft for each wheel.

There are a number of vendors that sell Pinewood Derby bore wax. The Scout Store also carries Derby Worx bore wax, I believe. You actually pay more per oz than you would with say, Liquid Glass, but if you only need a little bit, it's cheaper.

When using wax, burnishing is typically done after the waxing step, though I've heard of a few folks burnishing graphite in with the wax.

I've only heard of burnishing with graphite. Typically, you want a smooth, round rod, that is close to the size of your bore. The round end of a #41 drill bit would be a good choice, or a pin gage, or the one-piece axle that comes in Pinecar Kits.
User avatar
race#67
Pine Head
Pine Head
Posts: 90
Joined: Thu Dec 11, 2014 9:05 am
Location: Columbus, OH

Re: What's the most current 'Q-Tip' brand for Wheel Bore Polishing?

Post by race#67 »

Thanks VK!
Post Reply