Sequence of polishing

[VapRon]

I would like to polish stainless steel. What is the sequence of the buffers and wheels.
I am new to this. I have Dremmel and regular Drill.
I got a practic tube from matt to somewhat shiny with the last part done with neverdull and ellbow grease.
Thats about how far i can get i guess without buffering bars. I would like to get as shiny possible without giving them to a pro hihi.

 

[Scubabatdan]

When I shine SS I start with sand paper, Depending on how many scratches is on it I follow the following order by grit:

400
600
800
1000
1500
2000
3000
4000

And then I use jewlers rouge and dressing wheel to finish it.

Hope this helps.
Dan

 

[VapRon]

Thanks alot Dan. That does help me.

 

[asdaq]

When I shine SS I start with sand paper, Depending on how many scratches is on it I follow the following order by grit:

400
600
800
1000
1500
2000
3000
4000

And then I use jewlers rouge and dressing wheel to finish it.

Hope this helps.
Dan

Dan, where do you get your 3000 & 4000 grit? Locally I can only find as fine as 2000. I've been using the same small piece for about a year and 2 days ago started a fresh piece, but my that old piece is better for shine.

 

[Scubabatdan]

Dan, where do you get your 3000 & 4000 grit? Locally I can only find as fine as 2000. I've been using the same small piece for about a year and 2 days ago started a fresh piece, but my that old piece is better for shine.

I get it from the automotive shops, Autozone, O'Rielys, Advanced Autos etc...

You might like this:
Amazon.com: Micro-Mesh Pen Sanding Kit: Home Improvement

Or these:
http://www.amazon.com/Micro-Mesh-Soft-Touch-Pads/dp/B003ELH7AI/ref=pd_cp_hi_1

Includes 1500, 1800, 2400, 3200, 3500, 4000, 6000, 8000 and 12000 grit pads

Dan

 

[roadkillstewie]

sand in alernating directions also...

up down, then right left... just enough to get rid of all the...lines from the previous.
Personaly I have yet to need to go down to 2k on metal.

 

[Scubabatdan]

sand in alernating directions also...

up down, then right left... just enough to get rid of all the...lines from the previous.
Personaly I have yet to need to go down to 2k on metal.

I do in prototypes that come off the lathe, darn chatter sometimes leave lines that 2k wont remove. In those cases I start with 400. When it is new metal that has not seen the lathe then I start at 1000. Just me.
Dan

 

[VapRon]

Great info guy’s

 

[asdaq]

I've got to get to a a decent auto parts store and have a look. Those pads look good too, but I like wet/dry paper and also use small strips on a needle file or similar.

 

[Scubabatdan]

I've got to get to a a decent auto parts store and have a look. Those pads look good too, but I like wet/dry paper and also use small strips on a needle file or similar.

An automotive paint store should also carry them.
Dan

 

[Foxfur]

For polishing flat pieces, get a piece of 1/4 inch or thicker glass and glue some rubber feet to it. Flip it over and stick your sandpaper on it using adhesive backed papers or spray glue. Your parts come out beautifully. I use 3/4 inch thick leaded glass portholes from Apollo space capsules!
When I want to get really retentive about the final polish, I use 1 micron diamond paste on kraft paper.
Oh yeah. Get a job at a material science research institute so you don't have to buy all this stuff.

 

[Foxfur]

For polishing flat pieces, get a piece of 1/4 inch or thicker glass and glue some rubber feet to it. Flip it over and stick your sandpaper on it using adhesive backed papers or spray glue. Your parts come out beautifully. I use 3/4 inch thick leaded glass portholes from Apollo space capsules!
When I want to get really retentive about the final polish, I use 1 micron diamond paste on kraft paper.
Oh yeah. Get a job at a material science research institute so you don't have to buy all this stuff.

 

[VapRon]

Thanks Foxfur,

Ja well since they want to cut the Mars stuff maybe I can get some from NASA since they won’t need it anymore

And also thanks to ever one else. Great info. I am learning alot.

 

[Str8V8ping]

My method is spiral sewn cotton wheel on the bench grinder/buffer and white rough bar and SS bar .Last i remove the last of the reisidue with Optimum metal polish . Do you guys add a sealer to it when its done or just repolish down the road when necessary . I work in automotive doing custom paintwork and electronics retrofits so my hands are usually dirty while vaping .lol .Dirty hands and polished ss usually is not good over time.

 

[Foxfur]

If it looks anything like a polished Mac wrench with grease all over it, it's sexy in my book.

 

[Str8V8ping]

yup mirror finish is beautiful