Topic: Tips and tools that make aluminum polishing easier??

[rocs]

Wanted to see what techniques and tools everyone uses to make polishing aluminum engine covers easier. Please post up what steps you usually take from start to finish. Also, love finding new tools/buffing pads etc people use as well.

Currently i am using a 6 inch buffer. Its not all that easy to find 6 buffing wheels so i found this kit on amazon and love it.


https://www.amazon.com/Enkay-156-6K-6-Inch-Buffer-Polishing/dp/B001QXI9VW/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1474214653&sr=8-7&keywords=6+inch+buffing+wheel

I plan on getting this next from harbor freight.
http://www.harborfreight.com/14-piece-aluminum-polishing-kit-98707.html

[rocs]

Great write up from Cafe Racer TV.

Tech Tip: Aluminum Polishing 101 w/ Herm from Dime City Cycles   
http://caferacertv.com/tech-talk/aluminum-polishing-101/


I liked the beginning steps for prepping the covers for polishing

• Use very fine steel wool to scrub the covers to break through the clear coat. This will allow the stripper to break through to the surface easier

• Put rubber gloves on and apply aircraft stripper to the parts

• Wait 5-15 minutes for the striper work. Use the steel wool again to remove all the old clear coat.

• Wash part clean and begin the sanding process

[przjohn]

Do you have a buffing wheel set up?

Also try this site they have everything you need and some great tips.

swmetal.com

[754]

Horsepower  and several rouges.....

[alacrity]

Go look on Caswells site. I remember RT downloading a really helpful PDF back in the day from there

[754]

Just in case you dont know yet the offshore 1/2 horse grinders are often not up to the job..more like 1/8 hp.
 But there are some reasonable buffer machines out there.

[jaytee-nz]

No matter what final polishing method / types you use, you have to put some elbow grease in to sanding the surfaces with gradually finer grades of paper. I usually start by filing the worst scratches off (don't worry - even deep scratches can be removed) and then start with about a 180 grit paper, then move to a 250 grit, then 400. 600 and finally finish with a 1000.
Keep sanding in the same direction (internal corners can make it hard sometimes) and use wet and dry paper (wet).

JT

[rocs]

No matter what final polishing method / types you use, you have to put some elbow grease in to sanding the surfaces with gradually finer grades of paper. I usually start by filing the worst scratches off (don't worry - even deep scratches can be removed) and then start with about a 180 grit paper, then move to a 250 grit, then 400. 600 and finally finish with a 1000.
Keep sanding in the same direction (internal corners can make it hard sometimes) and use wet and dry paper (wet).

JT

Great suggestion.

Do you use water or WD-40 when wet sanding? If neither, what do you use?

[jaytee-nz]

I've only ever used water when sanding. WD40 may be ok but never tired it during the sanding process.
I do use WD40 to clean up the surface prior to sanding though.

[Gene]

This will allow the stripper to break through to the surface easier

But this is by far the most important part. NOBODY wants to keep a stripper from breaking through the surface.

[jonda500]

This will allow the stripper to break through to the surface easier

But this is by far the most important part. NOBODY wants to keep a stripper from breaking through the surface.

lol 

[Steve_K]

I like to use gloves when using my buffer.  The parts can be quite warm.
 
Remember,  the buffing wheel can pull the part out of your hands, if you are not paying attention.  Watch out as you get close to an edge.  Hitting the floor will ding it up.  Trust me on that.

Eye protection is a must.
Steve

[rocs]

I like to use gloves when using my buffer.  The parts can be quite warm.
 
Remember,  the buffing wheel can pull the part out of your hands, if you are not paying attention.  Watch out as you get close to an edge.  Hitting the floor will ding it up.  Trust me on that.

Eye protection is a must.
Steve

Great suggestions!

Also, a respirator is also an absolute must.