Handbook of American Daguerrotype | Page 5

unable to detect any peculiar advantage in the use of the wheel except in the facility of
the operation; no doubt, however, but there is a saving of time, particularly in the
preparation of the larger plates. For general use, we have not seen a wheel better adapted
for this purpose than the one patented by Messrs. Lewis.
It is generally well to use a hand-buff before placing the plate on the wheel; this is in
order to prevent, as far as possible, the dust or other substance that may be on the surface

of the plate from coming in contact with the cover of the wheel. I will here follow out the
use of the hand-buffs (two are necessary) as they are mostly used.
In the morning, before using the buffs, brush both as clean as possible, in order to free
them from dust; then with the blade of a pair of shears, held perpendicular, rub the buffs
from end to end; then knock them both together in order to free them from all dust or
other substances, occasionally exposing them to the sun or to the fire.
With one of the buffs (reserving the finest and softest for the last operation), powder its
face with fine rouge and brush off slightly, leaving only the finest particles in it. Every
operator should have two plate-holders; one for cleaning and one for buffing the plate; for
when using only one, the rotten stone is liable to get on the buff and scratch the plate.
Rest the fingers of the left hand on the back of the buff, near the farther end, with about
the same pressure as in cleaning, while with the right you bear on the handle to
correspond, and give the buff a free, easy, horizontal motion, passing it very nearly the
whole length over the plate each time. Continue this operation in such a manner that the
plate will on all parts of its surface have received an equal amount of polish. This buff
once well filled with polish, add but little after, say a small quantity once in two or three
plates. The polish as well as the buffs must be kept perfectly dry.
The second buff should always be in the best order, and if this is the case, but little polish
after the first need be used. Much depends upon the last finish of the surface of the plate,
and as a fine impression is desired in the same ratio, the operator must exercise care and
skill in this operation. Some buff the smaller plates on the hands, by resting them on the
fingers in such a manner that the buff cannot touch them; some by holding the edges with
thumb and little finger, with the remaining fingers under, or on the back; and others buff
on the holder. When this last method is adopted, it requires the greatest caution to prevent
the dust from getting on the buff. The holder should be wiped clean.
The plate frequently slips off or around, and the buff comes in contact with the bed of the
holder. When, however, the operator is so unfortunate as to meet with this mishap, the
utmost care must be observed in thoroughly cleaning the buff cover before further
buffing. In this last buffing it may be continued as before, except without the application
of polish powder to the last buff. Examine the surface occasionally, and buff more lightly
towards the close of the operation, using at last the mere weight of the buff. This last
buffing should occupy as long a time as the first.
The point to be aimed at is, the production of a surface of such exquisite polish as to be
itself invisible, like the surface of a mirror. The secret of producing pictures discernible in
any light, lies in this: the more dark, deep and mirror-like the surface of the plate, the
more nearly do we approach to perfection.
In all cases, very light and long continued buffing is productive of the greater success,
since by that means a more perfect polish can be obtained.
The question is often asked, why is it that the plates receive the coating so unevenly? I
will answer by saying that it may arise from two causes: the first and most general cause

is that those parts of the plate's surface which will receive the heaviest coating have been
more thoroughly polished, and the consequence is that it is more sensitive to the chemical
operation. second. and might perhaps be considered a part of the first, the heat of the
plate may not be equal in all its parts; this may arise from the heat caused by the friction
in buffing. It is a well known fact, with which every observing practitioner is