Topic: polishing metal....

[xsmooth69x]

ok i want to polish up some stuff.... but i have no freakin idea what im doing.....

chrome aluminum stainless......

cutting buffing pads, cotton buffing wheels

and from what i understand you have to use different compounds for aluminum and chrome.....

how can you tell the diff between aluminum and chrome?

what are the buttom forks? is that chrome aluminum or just some kind of meta?

also the engine what is that?

i have an angle grinder and i was thinking about getting the

https://www.zephyrpro40.com/s2/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=557

so i can use my angle grinder to buff my engine.

but they have so many different pads i dont know which one to use. they all say they have this cutting agent in them

https://www.zephyrpro40.com/s2/Scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=78

so from what i understand you grind down any parts, then use the buffing pad, then use the cotton buffing pad to finish the shine?

is there any solutions im supposed to use?

[david 750f]

Good info here.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=30463.0

[wildcatmahone]

Just so ya know it's not metal "polishing" your after but metal "buffing". You need to get over to the  Caswell Plating website and read their buffing tutorial. Go get some supplies and start it's fun but f*ckin dirty as hell.
My setup includes 1) Craftsman Professional 8" variable speed grinder. 2) Craftsman cast iron grinder stand. 3) Caswell grinder shaft extensions
Works too good, (ideally you want the parts OFF the bike first).
An angle grinder spins WAY too fast to buff any kinda thing...

-Wildcat

[Tintop]

+1 on Caswell, lots of good stuff there.

Nice job on the rim wildcat, I've got a couple for you.

[xsmooth69x]

well i dont want to do the bench grinder/polisher because im not going to lift the engine or take it apart to polish.....

and the rims i can do on the bike.... thats about all i need polishing


thanks for all the links and good info

[Tintop]

Caswell can supply small diameter buffing wheels you can use on a drill. 

[splitt]

Here's some polishing info for you.

http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/buffman.htm

http://www.pjtool.com/polishing-abrasives.aspx

I buy most of my polishing supplies from both places.

[xsmooth69x]

ya ive seen those electric drill wheels.... they actually work...

[socalenduro]

how can you tell the diff between aluminum and chrome?

Put a magnet on it... if it doesnt stick its aluminum... if it does its some kind of steel or blended alloy (cro-mo)

[xsmooth69x]

owwww magnet !