Polishing Aluminum
Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 11:09 am
I posted this a long time ago (1996) in rec.motorcycles describing my experience with a Yamaha XS 650 I did a frame up rebuild on.
I hope the info is useful to someone.
Polishing of Aluminum Motorcycle Parts
Preface:
My experience with this is based on years of working in the restaurant equipment fabrication ( s/s ) business where I had access to all the tools, equipment and chemicals commonly used. Undertaking this sort of project without these items is questionable.
An alternative is to seek out this sort of company and more importantly a key person there, ply them with beer and sexual favors as may be required, in order to gain access to the facility, the tools, the supplies and the expertise of those within it. Good luck!!
( btw these places are the best source for experienced tig welders )
Theory:
Polishing is essentially grinding but on a finer scale. Tools and techniques are very similar. The object is to remove excess material from the item such that the surface is as smooth as humanly possible, making it reflect light as opposed to refracting light. At the molecular level there are all manner of inconsistancies in surface condition. The objective is to minimize these.
Note:
This is all based on an out of frame total rebuild. Beware that once you start this it will become addictive and you will want every item on your bike to sparkle and it can… but when reinstalled will just make the rest look pitiful in comparison. For this reason I recommend doing this only as part of a rebuild job along with painting the frame, tank, etc for contrast effect.
Tools & Supplies :
MOST important is a commercial grade pedestal (or bench) grinder.
3 hp minimum, 220 volt, (3 ph if possible), 5000 rpm, with an 8 inch diameter buff wheel capacity, and securely bolted to floor.
Second is an end grinder. 6 amp motor, ( Milwaukee makes the best ) with a 5 inch diameter buff wheel capacity.
General & Misc.
A good quality face shield and work gloves.
Coveralls (unless you don’t mind looking like a coal miner when done).
GOOD lighting (no such thing as too much) fluorescents work well.
Storage table(s) and shelves to lay the assorted bits on.
Solvents and pans for cleaning bits prior to polishing (and afterward).
Paint Remover (the thick orange “aircraftâ€ÂÂ
I hope the info is useful to someone.
Polishing of Aluminum Motorcycle Parts
Preface:
My experience with this is based on years of working in the restaurant equipment fabrication ( s/s ) business where I had access to all the tools, equipment and chemicals commonly used. Undertaking this sort of project without these items is questionable.
An alternative is to seek out this sort of company and more importantly a key person there, ply them with beer and sexual favors as may be required, in order to gain access to the facility, the tools, the supplies and the expertise of those within it. Good luck!!
( btw these places are the best source for experienced tig welders )
Theory:
Polishing is essentially grinding but on a finer scale. Tools and techniques are very similar. The object is to remove excess material from the item such that the surface is as smooth as humanly possible, making it reflect light as opposed to refracting light. At the molecular level there are all manner of inconsistancies in surface condition. The objective is to minimize these.
Note:
This is all based on an out of frame total rebuild. Beware that once you start this it will become addictive and you will want every item on your bike to sparkle and it can… but when reinstalled will just make the rest look pitiful in comparison. For this reason I recommend doing this only as part of a rebuild job along with painting the frame, tank, etc for contrast effect.
Tools & Supplies :
MOST important is a commercial grade pedestal (or bench) grinder.
3 hp minimum, 220 volt, (3 ph if possible), 5000 rpm, with an 8 inch diameter buff wheel capacity, and securely bolted to floor.
Second is an end grinder. 6 amp motor, ( Milwaukee makes the best ) with a 5 inch diameter buff wheel capacity.
General & Misc.
A good quality face shield and work gloves.
Coveralls (unless you don’t mind looking like a coal miner when done).
GOOD lighting (no such thing as too much) fluorescents work well.
Storage table(s) and shelves to lay the assorted bits on.
Solvents and pans for cleaning bits prior to polishing (and afterward).
Paint Remover (the thick orange “aircraftâ€ÂÂ