Polishing Aluminum alloy

[stillnotsmoking]

I'm in then process of polishing my smoktech bolt since nice got bit apart to replace the switch. Anyway, so far I have removed the black paint with 80grit and moved up to 600/wet in steps. I need to go by the Auto parts store for some 1000 grit+ but what should I use for the final polish? I don't have a buffing wheel so I'll be doing this by hand unless you think my electric drill with a buff wheel would do the job?

Just looking for tips and suggestions, thanks.

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[stillnotsmoking]

Hmm, so getting some ideas from another thread of securing a nut/bolt through the 510 connector hole and attaching it to my electric drill will speed the process up, but I've done most of the work already. I'm going to go back through the process with 240 dry / 400 wet / 1000 wet with the drill then get some Aluminum mag wheel polish for the final finish. I'll post pics when I'm done, although I'm sure this is not a new topic here on the forums.

 

[ianferrell]

metal polish compound ought to do it.

 

[asdaq]

The drill with the wheel will help too. I have a dremel buffing set and it does a fair job as well.

 

[bapgood]

Reading threads like this reminds me to appreciate my little harbor freight lathe that I like to complain about.

Good luck....looking good so far.

 

[asdaq]

Hey, my lathe was $13 at a supermarket, 15 if you count the lathe housing. You better appreciate it lol.

 

[gravewolf]

You can use a leather hide if it's available. You just rub the body on the underside of the leather while using some metal polish. It actually polishes softer metals real well.

 

[stillnotsmoking]

Thanks guys, if I can't get the finish I'm after I may run by the local hotrod shop and have them polish it up for me.

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[MT Pockets]

after you finish with the sandpaper, any truck stop or pep boys carry an aluminum polish called blue magic. I use to use it on my wheels and tanks. Brings al. up like chrome.

 

[317Vapers]

mothers mag polish and a micro fiber cloth and polish away. Try sanding down to 2000. Make sure you have FULLY sanded out any previous grits before going to the next grit or you will see the sand scratches. Then polish. (The finer you go with the grit the less elbow grease your going to need polishing with compound) I polished a glock slide on a firearm by hand without even sanding so it can be done and yes it looks like chrome!