Surface Decoration

[Carl Klamut]

I just finished a project made of aluminum plate. It turned out quite well and I would like to shine up the surface with those brite circles you see on fine instruments. I tried using steel wool on a wood dowel, but that didn't work too well. I would appreciate if anyone can provide a reference, sketch,or just a written description.
Thanks.

[Powerpooche]

If you're talking about "Engine turning" try a pencil eraser and valve grinding compound or rubbing compound. Be very systematic with your pattern because one little error will really stand out. Brownell's might offer some kind of kit to do this.

P.O.

[Tin Falcon]

Carl:
There are several variations on this. The article in projects in metal book suggests using createx sticks. These are rubber sicks embeded with abrasive and come in variouse diameters and grits. These are available from MSC, enco McMastercarr etc. The other method is a wooden dowel with somesort of abrasive paste such as lapping compound.I have had decent results using metal polish. There are probly some other favorite methods as well.
TIN

[greywynd]

With aluminum I would be cautious using real hard abrasives, they may embed and turn the surface dark grey. I would be tempted to get some fine sandpaper (3-400 grit, maybe finer?) and glue a disc of that to your dowel. I would use a piece of scrap to experiment though before you go at the finished part.

Let us know waht ends up working best, I'd be interested in knowing for sure. (Pics are always welcome too!!!)

Mark

[SGW]

Brownell's www.brownells.com has -- or at least had, several years ago -- a couple of ways of doing this. Besides the ones already mentioned, they also sold small steel bristle brushes on an arbor, with a small O-ring to put around the bristles to stiffen them. The idea was to apply some lapping compound of suitable grit, and bring the rotating brush down on the workpiece.

[Powerpooche]

Eastwoods (www.eastwoodco.com) also has a kit. Search "engine turning"


P.O.