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techtalk:ref:tools156 [2019/10/19 02:12]
– [Roloc Discs] hippysmack |
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techtalk:ref:tools156 [2024/01/24 22:35] (current)
– hippysmack |
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| ====== Buffing Machines ====== |
| See also [[techtalk:ref:svcproc45#polishing_aluminum_and_stainless_steel|Polishing Aluminum and Stainless Steel]] in the Sportsterpedia. |
===== Using a Benchtop Buffer ===== |
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| ===== Using a Benchtop Buffer ===== |
| A bench buffer is great if you can take the part to it. That does limit it's use somewhat however. \\ |
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| Apply the polishing compound onto the wheel. It doesn't take much. \\ |
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You can tell when you need to apply more from how clean the polish surface starts becoming. ((biknut of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/72042-i-hate-aluminum-polishing-content/page2?t=494417&page=2)) \\ |
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| |{{:techtalk:ref:tools:bench_top_buffer_by_biknut.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ref:tools:bench_top_buffer_2_by_biknut.jpg?direct&300|}}| |
| Polishing a rocker box top with a benchtop buffer ((photos by biknut of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/72042-i-hate-aluminum-polishing-content?t=494417)) ((httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.php?p=2624171sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/96095-ali-polishing#post1999217)) || |
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| ===== Using a Bench Grinder ===== |
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| Work in multiple directions. Then polish with jeweler's rouge soap and finish with a wool buff on drill and chrome polish. \\ |
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{{:techtalk:ref:tools:benchtop_polisher_1_by_aussiegazza.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by AussieGazza of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-motor-engine/sportster-motorcycle-engine-conversions/87710-aussiegazzas-rebuild/page3?t=692835&page=3)) \\ |
| ===== Using a Hand Buffer ===== |
| |{{:techtalk:ref:tools:hand_buffer_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&300|}}| |
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| The smaller pads can run at faster speeds. Most of the pads come in either 3/8" or 7/8" OD. \\ |
| Obviously the 7/8" pads last much longer if you run them at the right speed. \\ |
Top speed on them wouldn't be much over about 15,000 RPMs or the wool polishing wheels will start flying apart on you. ((Graywolf of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-styles/sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/194649-metal-polishing?t=2070932)) |
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These are nice for getting into small areas but they can leave swirlies that have to be rubbed out. ((ReddTigger of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/72042-i-hate-aluminum-polishing-content/page3?t=494417&page=3)) \\ |
| You can control the swirls if you use the wool polishing pads and the buffing compound. \\ |
| Try running it at little slower speed if it is still leaving swirls. Keep the pressure real light. \\ |
| Let the compound do the work. Move slowly back and forth with the pads. \\ |
Straight line movement just like sanding wood grain and there should not be any swirls at all. ((Graywolf of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-styles/sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/194649-metal-polishing/page2?t=2070932&page=2)) \\ |
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| The 1" buffing bits will fit most places and the small 3/8" felt bullet shapes fit into most screw recesses. ((https://www.chuckhawks.com/harley_polish.htm)) \\ |
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| |{{:techtalk:ref:tools:dremil_and_sander_by_graywolf.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ref:tools:high_speed_grinder_and_hard_felt_wheel_by_piniongear.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ref:tools:polishing_stainless_76._by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&300|}}| |
| Dremil rotary tool and palm sander ((photo by Graywolf of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-styles/sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/194649-metal-polishing?t=2070932)) | High speed grinder and hard felt wheel ((photo by piniongear of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.php?p=2779433sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/101191-polishing-aluminum/page3#post2104990)) | Dremil tool cut and polish action ((photo by Hippysmack)) | |
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| ===== Using an Electric Drill ===== |
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| Those wheels won't fit into all the little spaces, so this is also limiting. \\ |
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A felt buffing pad works well (better than a thumb and wider than a dremel, so no little swirls). ((ReddTigger of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/72042-i-hate-aluminum-polishing-content/page3?t=494417&page=3)) \\ |
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| |{{:techtalk:ref:tools:flexible_drill_attachment_by_biknut.jpg?direct&300|}}| |
| Flexible drill attachment ((photo by biknut of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/101191-polishing-aluminum/page2?t=875462&page=2)) | |
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| ====== Wheels / Pads ====== |
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| They twist onto the shaft like a nut on a bolt. \\ |
| The shaft doesn't go all the way through the pad. \\ |
Eventually and after heavy use, the pads will split down the middle or twist the center out and fly apart. ((Graywolf of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-styles/sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/194649-metal-polishing?t=2070932)) \\ |
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| |{{:techtalk:ref:tools:dremil_polishing_pad_1_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ref:tools:dremil_polishing_pad_2_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&300|}}| |
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| Alternately, you can save all the worn out and broken shafts from Dremel rasps and small grinding disks. \\ |
| Then, re-use them as a mount for the wool polishing pads using epoxy to keep them on. \\ |
The old grinding disk axles can be pushed all the way through the polishing pads and they don't split down the middle so bad. ((Graywolf of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-styles/sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/194649-metal-polishing?t=2070932)) \\ |
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| Once the pad is worn out, just install another one on it. \\ |
To make the pads last longer, you can use JB Weld epoxy to mount them on the original shafts. ((Graywolf of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-styles/sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/194649-metal-polishing?t=2070932)) \\ |
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| **Buying in bulk**: \\ |
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| For about the same price as you pay for 6 of the Dremil pads, you can order a big bag of 100 polishing pads (including a few mandrels) online (Amazon, Ebay and etc.). \\ |
They are the same pads, same quality, and last the same. ((Graywolf of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-styles/sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/194649-metal-polishing?t=2070932)) \\ |
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| Below are some wool polishing pads that were glued to mandrels. \\ |
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| But you need to let them cure over night before use for best results. \\ |
| The two smaller ones laying down behind them are 3/8" pads. \\ |
They are good for getting in tight places. ((Graywolf of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-styles/sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/194649-metal-polishing?t=2070932)) \\ |
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| |{{:techtalk:ref:tools:polishing_wheels_by_graywolf.jpg?direct&300|}}| |
| Polishing wheels for Dremil type tools ((photo by Graywolf of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-styles/sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/194649-metal-polishing?t=2070932)) | |
| ====== Wheel Rake ====== |
| Loading too much polish on the wheel smudges and doesn't help you cut the metal. \\ |
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| Start by wetting the pad with water and dish soap. \\ |
| Go over a given part in one direction for the green pad, rinse thoroughly. \\ |
Then go over the part again at a 90° angle for the next finer grade pad. ((HOMER308 of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/104558-aluminum-polishing-new-method-for-badly-oxidized-parts?threadid=925547)) \\ |
| Repeat until you're satisfied with the finish. \\ |
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| |{{:techtalk:ref:tools:scotch-brite_grades_by_homer308.jpg?direct&400|}}|{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_stainless_24_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&400|}}| |
| Scotch-Brite Grades ((photo by HOMER308 of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/104558-aluminum-polishing-new-method-for-badly-oxidized-parts?threadid=925547)) | Heavy duty Scotch-Brite ((photo by Hippysmack)) | |
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| Here is a general chart with different Scotchbrite grades: \\ |
{{:techtalk:ref:tools:scotchbritefinish2_by_homer308.jpg?direct&700|}} ((photo by HOMER308 of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/104558-aluminum-polishing-new-method-for-badly-oxidized-parts/page2?t=925547&page=2)) |
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| ====== Roloc Surface Conditioning Disc ====== |
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| * Mandrel and rubber backing pad are a separate item to the disks. |
| * Used for deburring, blending, finishing, grinding and surface prep. |
* Also can be used to deepen the valve clearance eyebrows in the heads (if required). ((AussieGazza of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-motor-engine/sportster-motorcycle-engine-conversions/87710-aussiegazzas-rebuild/page3?t=692835&page=3)) |
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{{:techtalk:ref:tools:roloc_disk_1_by_aussigazza.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by AussieGazza of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=692835&page=3)) {{:techtalk:ref:tools:roloc_disk_2_by_aussigazza.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by AussieGazza of the XLFORUM httphttps://www.xlforum.net/forumsforum/showthread.phpsportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-motor-engine/sportster-motorcycle-engine-conversions/87710-aussiegazzas-rebuild/page3?t=692835&page=3)) \\ |
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