Carding Wheel from Brownells

[Tim]

This is a question for the guys that use a wire wheel to card their barrels.
Do I need the 2 row or the 4 row carding wheel that Brownells sells?
They just got the 2 row wheel back in stock.

Tim

[B.Habermehl]

I use a wire wheel, mine is just a fine wire wheel I bought at a local hardware store. Not anything exotic like the ones at brownells.

[helwood]

Greetings,
Check out Rio Grande:   Part No.338222 -- Brush, Steel Wire,4" Diameter, 4Rows.  Very Good, I bought several and have been using them for some time.
Good Luck.        Hank

[David Rase]

Like BJH, I also use a hardware store variety fine wire wheel.   In fact I just bought a replacement .006" wire wheel today at a garage sale for $2.00.  I mount my wheel on a threaded rod and chuck it up in my variable speed Jet 12" wood lathe.  Best slow speed motor I have in the shop.

To answer your question, I have had a 4 row .0025" Brownells wheel sitting in my shop for probably 20 years and never used it.  Looking at it, and this is just my opinion, I think a 2 row wheel would be too soft.  I think the additional 2 rows in the 4 row wheel adds a bit of needed rigidity.  I should probably mount it up sometime and give it a try. 
David

[snapper]

I have the 4 row from Brownells and would buy it again.

Never tried the 2 row.

Fleener

[45-110]

I have used the Brownells wheel for years on many barrels and it works fine.  You just need to figure out what is the  best rpm for your rust/blue endeavor. Every so often spray it with brake cleaner to keep it clean.
kw

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I bought the carding wheel from Brownell's many years ago, and made the mistake right off the start, of putting it on my bench grinder.  TOO FAST!!  It threw a few of it's bristles before I got it stopped.
But now I just put it on my drill press at 500 rpm, and it works well. It gives a lovely burnish to a rust bled barrel.

[jerrywh]

I prefer the 4 row and I use it on my drill press as Taylor does. I run it at below 1200rpm

[Roger B]

I've always used oil free steel wool or Scotchbrite pads. What is the advantage of a wheel?
Roger B.

[Tim]

I appreciate all of the great information you guys shared with me.
The wheel from Rio Grande sounds like a winner as I also need some
Sterling silver for my inlays and I can get both at Rio Grande.
You guys are the best!

Tim

[jerrywh]

The type of wheel is important. Brownells wheels are made of wire that is .003 in diameter. Tat is important because they will not damage the barrel.  courser wire might do damage. Rio Grande doesn't have a 6" wheel. I prefer the 6" wheel because it give a softer brush. and won;t take the brown off of the corners

[David Rase]

I've always used oil free steel wool or Scotchbrite pads. What is the advantage of a wheel?
Roger B.

Roger,
I like a wheel over steel wool because a wheel removes all the built up surface rust and leaves you with a smooth metal surface with only the color showing in lieu of a crust.  The first couple of times you card off the brown with a wire wheel you will lose most of your color.  Subsequent applications and cardings will show more color.  I continue to apply and card until the corners of the flats remain colored then I apply one more coat and card.  I figure when the wire wheel will not remove the color, normal wear and tear will not either.
David

[Roger B]

Thanks! I learned something!
Roger B.

[smallpatch]

Dave,
I have always used the Drixell scratch wheel that Brownells sells.  Like Jerry said, only removes the scale and surface rust.  Leaves a nice smooth surface without breaking through the edges.
They are 1" wide, so you can run with the flat instead of across.