[jrow]

Qmyster,

First off did you clean the aluminum with Acetone, and wash with Dawn Dish washing liquid mixed in hot water, prior to changing from Emory to Tripoli?
It is not necessary to sand up 2000 grit. If the aluminum doesn't have scratches in it "Buff It". If it has scratches in it sand with 220 grit wet and dry and progress up to 400 grit wet and dry and then buff. You may need to go to 600 grit but not likely. Dip you wet and dry paper in your dawn mixture it makes it easier to sand!
Did you "rake" your buffs often and not apply to much compound when you are buffing?
Yep, your right it will eat up drill motors in a hurry. If your not going to make a profession out of polishing then thats the least expensive way to go!

John