Ryobi 6 PC. Metal Cleaning Compound Set

Polishing and maintaining the sheen on metals and plastics can be a meticulous task, demanding a selection of compounds that cater to different materials and stages of the process. The Ryobi 6 PC. Metal Cleaning Compound Set (Model A92601) promises a comprehensive solution for these needs, offering six distinct compounds designed to clean and polish a variety of surfaces. After spending some time with this set, I've gathered my thoughts on its performance and usability.

The Ryobi set includes the following compounds:
- Emery (black) for cleaning hard metals
- Tripoli (brown) for cleaning soft metals
- White Rouge (white) for shining plastics and providing a final shine on most metals
- Stainless Steel (yellow) for cleaning and shining hard and plated metals
- Jewelers Rouge (red) for shining solid and plated silver and gold
- Blue Rouge (blue) for final shining on all metals and plastics

Each stick is conveniently color-coded, which makes it easy to identify the compound you need for a specific task. The compact size of the sticks—2 1/8 inches long—makes them easy to store and handle. However, their small size might be a drawback if you have large-scale projects, as they might not last long under heavy use.

Ease of Use

The first thing I noticed when using these compound sticks was the ease of application. The flat side of each stick made it simple to apply the compound to a spinning buffing wheel without the stick rolling away. This is particularly useful in maintaining control and precision when applying the compound. However, the small size of the sticks means that handling them can be a bit tricky, especially if you're wearing gloves for safety.

The set comes with a helpful application chart, which is a great addition for beginners or anyone unfamiliar with the types of compounds. This chart provides clear guidance on which compound to use for different metals and plastics, ensuring that you get the best results.

Performance

In terms of performance, the Ryobi set delivers mixed results. For small-scale projects like model trains, jewelry, and tools, the compounds work well. The Emery and Tripoli compounds, in particular, were effective at cleaning and prepping the metal surfaces. The White and Blue Rouge compounds provided a nice final polish, leaving a smooth and shiny finish.

However, the performance varied significantly when it came to polishing harder materials like stainless steel. Despite following the guidelines, I found that the Stainless Steel compound did not deliver the desired shine. It required multiple applications and a considerable amount of time to achieve a satisfactory result. This was somewhat disappointing, as I had hoped for a more efficient process.

Craftsmanship and Durability

The craftsmanship of the compounds is a mixed bag. While they are effective in certain applications, the overall durability of the sticks leaves room for improvement. Some users might find that the compounds break into crumbs easily, especially if they are not handled with care. This can be frustrating and lead to wastage, which is not ideal given the small size of the sticks.

Additionally, the compounds seemed to dry out quickly, making them harder and less effective over time. This can be a significant drawback if you don't use them frequently and need them to last over multiple projects.

Safety Considerations

Using these compounds with a buffing wheel generates some heat, so it's essential to take appropriate safety measures. Wearing finger and hand protection is crucial to avoid burns. Additionally, working in a well-ventilated space is necessary to prevent inhalation of any dust or particles generated during the polishing process. These safety considerations are standard for any polishing task but are worth mentioning to ensure a safe working environment.

Final Thoughts

The Ryobi 6 PC. Metal Cleaning Compound Set offers a diverse range of compounds for various cleaning and polishing tasks. For small projects and occasional use, this set can be quite handy. The color-coded sticks and application chart are user-friendly features that simplify the process, especially for those new to metal and plastic polishing.

However, the small size and varying performance of the compounds make them less suitable for larger or more demanding projects. If you need a polishing solution for heavy-duty use, you might find this set lacking in durability and effectiveness, particularly with harder metals like stainless steel.

In conclusion, I would recommend the Ryobi 6 PC. Metal Cleaning Compound Set for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts who need a versatile set of compounds for smaller projects. The ease of use and variety of compounds make it a practical addition to any tool kit. However, for professionals or those with more extensive polishing needs, investing in larger, more durable compounds might be a better option.