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I have a old pancake compressor I used for work as a carpenter. Yeah it runs down but by that time I need a break anyway. I use a siphon style sand blaster gun. It works fine. I'm going to buy some silica sand at HD when I get a chance. In the mean time I've been straining sand with a piece of screen. It works but is a little coarse.
Steve

missionkz wrote: Rather then dump $300 into a bead, soda or vapor blasting... I'd feel better about selling off my Craftsman compressor, buying a big ass compressor with a 100g tank and enjoying it's use for years to come.

This is my line of reasoning for most things. If you cant trust people to do the work right, buy the tools to do it yourself.

Try a Nyalox wheel brush made by Dico.
dicoproducts.com/nyalox.html
Most hardware/home improvement stores carry them. I normally use the Blue (240/fine), but you may need to start with the Orange (120/medium). The 4' wheel gets in between most fins. They make 4 or 5 different styles that will get into most other areas. As you use them. you'll notice the brush will turn black with build-up and the surface finish will start to dull. Spray the brush with brake cleaner and dry with towel to restore. They actually give a slight sheen closer to vapor blasting. You're going to spend a few hours, but the results will be worth it.

Here's a before / after picture of a Z1B engine I did using Nyalox brushes.

I'll stop by the local Home Depot or Lowe's and see if they have these.
Thanks

MDZ1rider wrote: Try a Nyalox wheel brush made by Dico.
dicoproducts.com/nyalox.html
Most hardware/home improvement stores carry them. I normally use the Blue (240/fine), but you may need to start with the Orange (120/medium). The 4' wheel gets in between most fins. They make 4 or 5 different styles that will get into most other areas. As you use them. you'll notice the brush will turn black with build-up and the surface finish will start to dull. Spray the brush with brake cleaner and dry with towel to restore. They actually give a slight sheen closer to vapor blasting. You're going to spend a few hours, but the results will be worth it.

Here's a before / after picture of a Z1B engine I did using Nyalox brushes.

Wow that is impressive. looks like it polished it a bit as well. Did you remove the engine from the frame? I have a 750 twin engine i don't want to break down that i was going to soda blast then polish. i may just try one of these wheels you speak of. Nice work.

Hey MDZ that looks pretty sharp ...... I've seen these at farm and Fleet and almost picked up one......... My oil pan and case could use a little shining up and have the engine on the bench .......might pick up a 2 and a half inch blue cup and give it a try ..... will a cordless drill spin it fast enough and did you use polishing compound on it or just run it dry ?

Will probably leave the head alone and my block is painted black so like I said mainly the case. Thanks.

I don't want to mislead everyone into thinking the Nyaloc brushes are."instant shine" You're going to spend some time with a drill. The open areas clean up quickly. Getting in all the nooks and crannies is what eats up the time. I've done it a few times and developed my technique. I'd estimate 2 hours. on head, which are the worst IMO. Your first try may be a little slower until you get the feel.
I used a variety of techniques on that engine. The engine was completely disassembled. Parts like the covers and camshaft cover ends where polished on a buffing wheel. I started with paint stripper on the cases, cylinder and head, then used the Nyaloc brushes for the finish you see.. The nice part is there no media to worry about like there is with any type of blasting. You can also get very aggressive with the speed/pressure without harming the metal.
The engine really needs to be out of the frame. You'll need room for your drill and access from all angles to get everywhere..
I've used a cordless drill, but the higher rpms of an A/C cord drill works better. The cordless just takes more time..

Anybody know what the max RPM the wheels brushes are rated at?
I see the cup brushes at 12,500 RPM.... my 120v drills are way way slower, my battery drills are stupid slow but my die grinder is closer to 23,000-25,000 RPM.
That would probably disintegrate the wheel brushes and me with it.

OK found the 4", blue and orange ones at the local Ace Hardware store.
I'll give it a try before the weekend is over.
Max RPM is listed at 2500rpm.
So that means battery and 120v drill motors.

missionkz wrote: OK found the 4", blue and orange ones at the local Ace Hardware store.
I'll give it a try before the weekend is over.
Max RPM is listed at 2500rpm.
So that means battery and 120v drill motors.

Cool. Id like to see your results.

DoctoRot wrote:

missionkz wrote: OK found the 4", blue and orange ones at the local Ace Hardware store.
I'll give it a try before the weekend is over.
Max RPM is listed at 2500rpm.
So that means battery and 120v drill motors.

Cool. Id like to see your results.

OK I spent close to two hours on this with an orange wheel and the blue wheel.
I think it is coming along.
Compared to a few weeks ago:
www.kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/598299-my...ugly?start=20#676842

After this, I would attempt to take a couple more hours and hit it with my little soda blaster and get that old school sheen back!!

Much better.
Steve