Sandpaper

Andyman · August 27, 2006

Apparently one of my lenses has a small scratch on the front element. I was wondering if it would be a good idea to use sandpaper to smooth the area out?

Thanks.

Khaos · August 27, 2006

Steel wool would probably be better.

TomaS · August 27, 2006

I have had good luck with brushing on some bear fat to fill the scratch and then buffing it with goatskin.

Andyman · August 27, 2006

Thanks, guys. I think I'll set fire to it while I'm at it.

AfterImage · August 27, 2006

I'm not sure sandpaper would give you the desired effect unless you were trying to make your lens into diffraction grating.

Try toothpaste. It has micro-abrasives and will smoothly polish the glass without further scratching it. Make sure you keep the applicator (soft cloth) damp but not dripping wet. Go very very slowly, do not use any pressure and check your work frequently!

Good luck!

claudermilk · August 28, 2006

Nah, if you really want to do it right, get a 4" wire wheel on an angle grinder, then stick that sucker in a vise so you can really lean on it. Get that scratch right out.

Andyman · August 28, 2006

Thanks for your suggestions guys. claudermilk, your idea was tempting, but I decided it would be best to drag it down the highway behind my car. After a few miles, the scratch wasn't noticeable anymore.

claudermilk · August 29, 2006

Glad to hear the scratch is gone.

pathfinder · August 29, 2006

The scatch may be gone, but I'll bet is has a few new rattles!

Swartzy · August 29, 2006

You guys are scarring me....
Wow....toothpaste (any brand?) or Pepsident?, steel wool, angle grinders....I'm backing out of the room quietly to sit down to pontificate whether or not I should ask questions....haha....too funny

Shay Stephens · August 30, 2006

Does the scratch on the lens show up in the print?

Andyman · August 30, 2006

We were just joking around, Stephens. : )

Shay Stephens · August 30, 2006

You got me good

Andyman wrote:

We were just joking around, Stephens. : )

Oh the shame and embarassment I feel at having fallen for your web of lies...oh it's like an itchy itchy rash!

hahahaha

fotodojo · August 30, 2006

Shay Stephens wrote:

Oh the shame and embarassment I feel at having fallen for your web of lies...oh it's like an itchy itchy rash!

hahahaha

Sandpaper will do that to you ..

Sandpaper

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