proper \"polishing\" tool

Hi Guys,

I've been looking over some past threads and am trying to figure out if there is a particular "polishing tool" (in addition to the proper pads, etc...) that i should pick up....

i have a rechargable drill as well as a battery operated Dremel type tool (Black and Decker).

can i get by with simply buying a proper set of bits for my drill? or should i spring for another type of tool (though i'm not sure what kind to get)...?

thanks...

also, someone at a Pepboys mentioned a sand paper type "flapper" device that fits on the end of the drill and "slaps" the piece to be polished with little tags of sand paper....

has anyone heard of this?? does it make sense??

thanks...

- prime

Yes, I've seen such a thing. Usually used with air tools, and your description is pretty good. It looks a bit like a sandpaper propeller except that there's no air gap between the pieces.

I'm not sure where to buy them other than your friendly neighborhood auto paint shop. They'll know what you're talking about.

I don't know if I'd use it for polishing, though. I haven't tried anything other than wetsanding + elbow grease, but I've gotten decent results. You just have to be willing to put in the time and effort.

Depends on what size parts you are polishing and if they are on or off the bike. If they are off the bike the easiest and best method is a polishing wheel on a bench grinder. I can polish an old piece of aluminum to an almost mirror finish in about 3 min.

well, some things will be done "off the bike", but others (like the fins) will stay on....

i guess a tooth brush (and sand paper) will have to do the trick!

Chet, do you use water when wet sanding the aluminum parts? And also, what grit paper do you use. I am about to polish some of the aluminum parts and am still undecided how to go about it.

Mark

oldcuda68 wrote:

Chet, do you use water when wet sanding the aluminum parts?
Mark

Maybe Im taking this the wrong way, but it put a smile on my face after a suddenly crabby day began after getting home.

Here's my input on this. You can find lots of discussion in the archives. Just search for 'Engine Cleaning' in the topics.
Here's an old post that shows my 'before & after'.

kzrider.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=22011

DanOz7Five0 wrote:

oldcuda68 wrote:

Chet, do you use water when wet sanding the aluminum parts?
Mark

Maybe Im taking this the wrong way, but it put a smile on my face after a suddenly crabby day began after getting home.

Maybe I should have further explained that I have used other liquids such as kerosene, etc. I got a chuckle just now when I read this!!!!:lol:

oldcuda68 wrote:

DanOz7Five0 wrote:

oldcuda68 wrote:

Chet, do you use water when wet sanding the aluminum parts?
Mark

Maybe Im taking this the wrong way, but it put a smile on my face after a suddenly crabby day began after getting home.

Maybe I should have further explained that I have used other liquids such as kerosene, etc. I got a chuckle just now when I read this!!!!:lol:

Good or I thought we were going to have to give you the number for 911 also :silly:

Had a long day yesterday. Could have been the fog between my ears..really tired.:side:

Hey...

thanks for that link to the archive!

really clears up alot for me...

ok,

i understand most, but what "mothers" product would i use (i found their site, but WAY too many options!)...

www.mothers.com/


I've seen the "scotch-brite" pads before (see link)
but am curious if they come in different "fine-ness" (if that is even a word!)

www.3m.com/intl/za/scotch_brite_hand_pads.html


finally,
this cratex thing looks QUITE useful....
do they also come in different "fine-nesses" (again with taht word!)

www.cratex.com/rubblock.htm


thanks...