| Both sides previous revisionPrevious revisionNext revision | Previous revision |
| techtalk:ref:tools156 [2019/10/19 01:59] – [Scotch-Brite Pads] hippysmack | techtalk:ref:tools156 [2024/01/24 22:35] (current) – hippysmack |
|---|
| ====== Buffing Machines ====== | ====== Buffing Machines ====== |
| See also [[techtalk:ref:svcproc45#polishing_aluminum_and_stainless_steel|Polishing Aluminum and Stainless Steel]] in the Sportsterpedia. | See also [[techtalk:ref:svcproc45#polishing_aluminum_and_stainless_steel|Polishing Aluminum and Stainless Steel]] in the Sportsterpedia. |
| ===== Using a Benchtop Buffer ===== | |
| |
| | ===== 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. \\ | A bench buffer is great if you can take the part to it. That does limit it's use somewhat however. \\ |
| |
| Apply the polishing compound onto the wheel. It doesn't take much. \\ | Apply the polishing compound onto the wheel. It doesn't take much. \\ |
| |
| You can tell when you need to apply more from how clean the polish surface starts becoming. ((biknut of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=494417&page=2)) \\ | You can tell when you need to apply more from how clean the polish surface starts becoming. ((biknut of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-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)) \\ |
| |
| |{{:techtalk:ref:tools:bench_top_buffer_by_biknut.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ref:tools:bench_top_buffer_2_by_biknut.jpg?direct&300|}}| | |{{: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 http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=494417)) ((http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?p=2624171)) || | | Polishing a rocker box top with a benchtop buffer ((photos by biknut of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/72042-i-hate-aluminum-polishing-content?t=494417)) ((https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/96095-ali-polishing#post1999217)) || |
| |
| ===== Using a Bench Grinder ===== | ===== Using a Bench Grinder ===== |
| Work in multiple directions. Then polish with jeweler's rouge soap and finish with a wool buff on drill and chrome polish. \\ | Work in multiple directions. Then polish with jeweler's rouge soap and finish with a wool buff on drill and chrome polish. \\ |
| |
| {{:techtalk:ref:tools:benchtop_polisher_1_by_aussiegazza.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by AussieGazza of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=692835&page=3)) \\ | {{:techtalk:ref:tools:benchtop_polisher_1_by_aussiegazza.jpg?direct&300|}} ((photo by AussieGazza of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-motor-engine/sportster-motorcycle-engine-conversions/87710-aussiegazzas-rebuild/page3?t=692835&page=3)) \\ |
| ===== Using a Hand Buffer ===== | ===== Using a Hand Buffer ===== |
| |{{:techtalk:ref:tools:hand_buffer_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&300|}}| | |{{:techtalk:ref:tools:hand_buffer_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&300|}}| |
| The smaller pads can run at faster speeds. Most of the pads come in either 3/8" or 7/8" OD. \\ | 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. \\ | 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 http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2070932)) | 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 https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-styles/sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/194649-metal-polishing?t=2070932)) |
| |
| These are nice for getting into small areas but they can leave swirlies that have to be rubbed out. ((ReddTigger of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=494417&page=3)) \\ | These are nice for getting into small areas but they can leave swirlies that have to be rubbed out. ((ReddTigger of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-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. \\ | 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. \\ | 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. \\ | 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 http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2070932&page=2)) \\ | Straight line movement just like sanding wood grain and there should not be any swirls at all. ((Graywolf of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-styles/sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/194649-metal-polishing/page2?t=2070932&page=2)) \\ |
| |
| 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)) \\ | 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)) \\ |
| |
| |{{: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|}}| | |{{: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 http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2070932)) | High speed grinder and hard felt wheel ((photo by piniongear of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?p=2779433)) | Dremil tool cut and polish action ((photo by Hippysmack)) | | | Dremil rotary tool and palm sander ((photo by Graywolf of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-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 https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-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)) | |
| |
| ===== Using an Electric Drill ===== | ===== Using an Electric Drill ===== |
| Those wheels won't fit into all the little spaces, so this is also limiting. \\ | Those wheels won't fit into all the little spaces, so this is also limiting. \\ |
| |
| A felt buffing pad works well (better than a thumb and wider than a dremel, so no little swirls). ((ReddTigger of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=494417&page=3)) \\ | A felt buffing pad works well (better than a thumb and wider than a dremel, so no little swirls). ((ReddTigger of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-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)) \\ |
| |
| |
| |{{:techtalk:ref:tools:flexible_drill_attachment_by_biknut.jpg?direct&300|}}| | |{{:techtalk:ref:tools:flexible_drill_attachment_by_biknut.jpg?direct&300|}}| |
| | Flexible drill attachment ((photo by biknut of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=875462&page=2)) | | | Flexible drill attachment ((photo by biknut of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/101191-polishing-aluminum/page2?t=875462&page=2)) | |
| |
| ====== Wheels / Pads ====== | ====== Wheels / Pads ====== |
| They twist onto the shaft like a nut on a bolt. \\ | They twist onto the shaft like a nut on a bolt. \\ |
| The shaft doesn't go all the way through the pad. \\ | 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 http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2070932)) \\ | Eventually and after heavy use, the pads will split down the middle or twist the center out and fly apart. ((Graywolf of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-styles/sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/194649-metal-polishing?t=2070932)) \\ |
| |
| |{{:techtalk:ref:tools:dremil_polishing_pad_1_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ref:tools:dremil_polishing_pad_2_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&300|}}| | |{{:techtalk:ref:tools:dremil_polishing_pad_1_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&300|}}|{{:techtalk:ref:tools:dremil_polishing_pad_2_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&300|}}| |
| Alternately, you can save all the worn out and broken shafts from Dremel rasps and small grinding disks. \\ | 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. \\ | 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 http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2070932)) \\ | 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 https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-styles/sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/194649-metal-polishing?t=2070932)) \\ |
| |
| Once the pad is worn out, just install another one on it. \\ | 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 http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2070932)) \\ | To make the pads last longer, you can use JB Weld epoxy to mount them on the original shafts. ((Graywolf of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-styles/sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/194649-metal-polishing?t=2070932)) \\ |
| |
| **Buying in bulk**: \\ | **Buying in bulk**: \\ |
| |
| 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.). \\ | 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 http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2070932)) \\ | They are the same pads, same quality, and last the same. ((Graywolf of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-styles/sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/194649-metal-polishing?t=2070932)) \\ |
| |
| Below are some wool polishing pads that were glued to mandrels. \\ | Below are some wool polishing pads that were glued to mandrels. \\ |
| But you need to let them cure over night before use for best results. \\ | 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. \\ | The two smaller ones laying down behind them are 3/8" pads. \\ |
| They are good for getting in tight places. ((Graywolf of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2070932)) \\ | They are good for getting in tight places. ((Graywolf of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-styles/sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/194649-metal-polishing?t=2070932)) \\ |
| |
| |{{:techtalk:ref:tools:polishing_wheels_by_graywolf.jpg?direct&300|}}| | |{{:techtalk:ref:tools:polishing_wheels_by_graywolf.jpg?direct&300|}}| |
| | Polishing wheels for Dremil type tools ((photo by Graywolf of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2070932)) | | | Polishing wheels for Dremil type tools ((photo by Graywolf of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-styles/sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/194649-metal-polishing?t=2070932)) | |
| ====== Wheel Rake ====== | ====== Wheel Rake ====== |
| Loading too much polish on the wheel smudges and doesn't help you cut the metal. \\ | Loading too much polish on the wheel smudges and doesn't help you cut the metal. \\ |
| Start by wetting the pad with water and dish soap. \\ | Start by wetting the pad with water and dish soap. \\ |
| Go over a given part in one direction for the green pad, rinse thoroughly. \\ | 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 http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?threadid=925547)) \\ | Then go over the part again at a 90° angle for the next finer grade pad. ((HOMER308 of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-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. \\ | Repeat until you're satisfied with the finish. \\ |
| |
| |
| |{{:techtalk:ref:tools:scotch-brite_grades_by_homer308.jpg?direct&400|}}|{{techtalk:ref:svcproc:polishing_stainless_24_by_hippysmack.jpg?direct&400|}}| | |{{: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 http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?threadid=925547)) | Heavy duty Scotch-Brite ((photo by Hippysmack)) | | | Scotch-Brite Grades ((photo by HOMER308 of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-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)) | |
| |
| Here is a general chart with different Scotchbrite grades: \\ | Here is a general chart with different Scotchbrite grades: \\ |
| {{:techtalk:ref:tools:scotchbritefinish2_by_homer308.jpg?direct&700|}} ((photo by HOMER308 of the XLFORUM http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=925547&page=2)) | {{:techtalk:ref:tools:scotchbritefinish2_by_homer308.jpg?direct&700|}} ((photo by HOMER308 of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-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)) |
| |
| ====== Roloc Discs ====== | ====== Roloc Surface Conditioning Disc ====== |
| Manufacturer: Scotch-Brite. | Manufacturer: Scotch-Brite. |
| * Non-woven disc aggressively deburrs and finishes. ((https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/Scotch-Brite-Roloc-Surface-Conditioning-Disc/?N=5002385+3293241340&rt=rud)) | * Non-woven disc aggressively deburrs and finishes on all metals. ((https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/Scotch-Brite-Roloc-Surface-Conditioning-Disc/?N=5002385+3293241340&rt=rud)) |
| | * Grades: coarse, medium, super fine and very fine. |
| * Combined with Roloc backing, allows for aggressive cutting. | * Combined with Roloc backing, allows for aggressive cutting. |
| * Open-web construction resists loading and runs cool allowing for consistent finishes. | * Open-web construction resists loading and runs cool allowing for consistent finishes. |
| * Silicon carbide is a synthetic mineral that is very sharp and commonly used for low-pressure applications such as paint prep and finishing. \\ While silicon carbide breaks down faster than aluminum oxide, it produces a finer finish. | * Silicon carbide is a synthetic mineral that is very sharp and commonly used for low-pressure applications such as paint prep and finishing. \\ While silicon carbide breaks down faster than aluminum oxide, it produces a finer finish. |
| * Aluminum oxide abrasive: | * Aluminum oxide abrasive: |
| * Aluminum oxide is a hard, blocky mineral that provides high cut-rate and long life. | * Aluminum oxide is a hard, blocky mineral that provides high cut-rate and long life. |
| | * 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 https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-motor-engine/sportster-motorcycle-engine-conversions/87710-aussiegazzas-rebuild/page3?t=692835&page=3)) |
| |
| | {{: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 https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-motor-engine/sportster-motorcycle-engine-conversions/87710-aussiegazzas-rebuild/page3?t=692835&page=3)) \\ |
| |
| \\ | \\ |
| |
| [[:techtalk:menu|{{:techtalk:gototechnicalmenu.jpg|}}]] | [[:techtalk:menu|{{:techtalk:gototechnicalmenu.jpg|}}]] |
