[A2Carat]

I read through the handbook from Caswell three times, and went through the posts here.

This is what I am using.
80,120,180,240,400 grit greaseless compounds
Black compound
Brown compound
High-lustre compound for aluminum.

I use a separate sprial sewn wheel (4")for each of the compounds, then a loose cotton wheel (6") for the high lustre compound.

Problem is, I went through the process and the wheel isn't as shiny as it is suppose to be. The aluminum is smooth and reflective, but the reflections in the metal are 'blurred' .. so not the mirror finish I am looking for.

I use my pneumatic die grinder and an arbor to mount the different wheels. I do get a little burning when I am using the greaseless compounds, so I should go lighter on the pressure ..

My question is, what am I doing wrong to not have the aluminum shining like a mirror? Am I missing something? Or do I need to practice?

.. I can't polish in more than one direction (polishing just the lip of a wheel) as I don't have much room to play ..

If anyone can offer my some advice, I would very much greatly appreciate it!