Bullet-shaped wheels have a pointed tip that's perfect for accessing tight spaces, corners, grooves, and intricate details. Cylinder-shaped wheels have a flat end that's ideal for polishing flat surfaces, edges, and larger areas. Many professionals keep both shapes on hand to handle different polishing scenarios - using bullet shapes for detailed work and cylinder shapes for general polishing.

Absolutely! Felt wheels work exceptionally well with polishing compounds. In fact, using the right polishing compound is key to achieving mirror finishes. Apply a small amount of compound to the felt wheel before starting, and occasionally reapply during extended polishing sessions. Different compounds are available for various materials - choose one specifically designed for your workpiece material (metal, plastic, glass, etc.).

The right shank size depends on your tools: 2.35mm is the standard size for most rotary tools, engravers, and nail drills. 3.0mm is used in some professional and industrial tools. Check your tool's specifications to determine the correct shank size. If you're unsure, 2.35mm is the more common size and will fit most standard rotary tools available to consumers and professionals.

To clean felt wheels, you can use a specialized wheel rake or a stiff brush to remove embedded compound and debris. For more thorough cleaning, some professionals gently wash felt wheels in warm soapy water, then allow them to dry completely before reuse. Store wheels in a clean, dry place to prevent contamination. With proper care, felt wheels can be used multiple times before needing replacement.

For general purpose work, we recommend starting with 6mm or 8mm wheels as they offer a good balance between precision and coverage. Smaller wheels (3mm-5mm) are perfect for detailed work and tight spaces, while larger wheels (10mm-12mm) are ideal for bigger surfaces where you need more coverage. Many professionals maintain an assortment of sizes to handle different projects effectively.