Before covering, these are to be padded with two or three thicknesses of Canton flannel.

The buff should not be too hard, but padded with flannel, so that by drawing it over the plate, it may touch across the surface.

The only proper material for buffs is prepared buckskin; and if prepared in a proper manner, this needs nothing but to be tacked upon the stick.

There are several varieties of wheels employed; the one most generally adopted is Lewis' patent, which consists of several varieties of wheels.

Any operator can make a suitable wheel on the same plan of a turning lathe.
To Clean Buckskins .-- When the operator is compelled to purchase an unprepared buckskin, the following is a good process for cleaning it: There is always in the buckskin leather that is purchased, more or less of an oily matter, which is acquired in its preparation, sometimes even amounting, to a third of its weight.