Caswell Inc. Metal Finishing Forums http://forum.caswellplating.com/ en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:42:33 GMT vBulletin 60 http://forum.caswellplating.com/images/misc/rss.jpg Caswell Inc. Metal Finishing Forums http://forum.caswellplating.com/ Aluminum Restoration for 1969 Honda CB750 http://forum.caswellplating.com/metal-polishing-questions/10785-aluminum-restoration-1969-honda-cb750.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:33:22 GMT Hi,

This is my first post, so let me introduce myself. I'm Blake from Georgia. I've been lurking, reading, and experimenting for a little while now. Thanks to all you guys who have been so generous with your experiences and opinions, and to Caswell for hosting the forum.

I've had some success with basic aluminum polishing, so now I want to get down to business. I'm restoring a 1969 Honda CB750 and I want to get the aluminum engine covers as close to factory spec as possible. At that time Honda was producing more bikes in a month than most manufactures were producing in a year. So a very basic satin / brushed finished was used. The finishers didn't even knock off all the casting marks or bother to get in the crevices or bolt recesses. They just hit the visible areas with some type of abrasive tool and then clear coated the piece. But they were working with a freshly cast part, so the finish was nice none the less. Below is a picture of a perfect example of a CB750 rear wheel. You can see the brushed finish marks running in different directions on different areas and the "bumpy" rough cast areas as well. Even though it was a quick process, the piece came out nice and bright. Fast forward to today, I want to achieve the same finish, but I now have to deal with 40 years of oxidation and corrosion in every nook and cranny. I know it can be done because I’ve seen other very nicely restored bikes. The key is to not “over restore”. My main goals are to do it right and to do it myself. If any of you pros out there would share how you would approach this project if it were brought to your shop, I would greatly appreciate it.

Tools that I have readily available are:
1 hp, 1800 rpm buffer w/pedestal
Expander wheel with 3M Trizact belts of various grits
Sisal, Spiral Sewn, and Loose buffs, 10" & 12"
Emory, Tripoli, and White compounds
Large ultrasonic cleaner w/ Bransonic buffing compound removal solution
¼” die grinder

I’m open to buying new tools or supplies to do the job right, so let the suggestions fly.
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]]> Metal Polishing Questions blake255 http://forum.caswellplating.com/metal-polishing-questions/10785-aluminum-restoration-1969-honda-cb750.html napa battery acid http://forum.caswellplating.com/anodizing-questions/10784-napa-battery-acid.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:37:38 GMT I tried calling them but can't figure out what weight it is.


93 7 is what I heard you wanted. Am I right?

What is the NAPA battery acid? ]]> Anodizing Questions pyroracing85 http://forum.caswellplating.com/anodizing-questions/10784-napa-battery-acid.html AC cobra, exhaust, http://forum.caswellplating.com/powder-coating-questions/10783-ac-cobra-exhaust.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:28:31 GMT Greetings, have been touring the site for a few weeks, lots of good info. Just built an oven, ready to use it. Tons of questions to start with. 1. can a person sand or use other method than aluminum oxide blasting, if sanding how fine to the sand scratches have to be for the product to... Greetings, have been touring the site for a few weeks, lots of good info.

Just built an oven, ready to use it.

Tons of questions to start with.

1. can a person sand or use other method than aluminum oxide blasting, if sanding how fine to the sand scratches have to be for the product to bridge them. My side exhaust will not fit into my blasting cabinet.

2. What color of silver powder coating is about the same as the chromex ceramic coating for headers and exhaust. (I am not going to polish the chromex, I want a satin look, as well as for brackets and pulleys) maybe I should just use the ceramic on everything in the engine bay.

3. For heat insulation is the ceramic the best thing to use, on this cobra the foot box is only inches away from the headers.

4. How smooth is too smooth for something to be coated, can a once highly polished aluminum piece be blasted and then that be rough enough to provide tooth tooth for the powder or ceramic to bite into.

5. on my test fire I could only get the oven to 650 degrees, will this be close enough to cure ceramic.

here is a link to my clubcobra forum on the built if you are interested
Owner built on a budget; - Club Cobra

here is a link to photos of lots of the stuff I will need coated, plus just maybe a tip for some of you on prep work.
Flickr: maxraygreen's Photostream

I will search this site more for some of the answers, ]]> Powder Coating Questions HRay http://forum.caswellplating.com/powder-coating-questions/10783-ac-cobra-exhaust.html Question about pre-treatment http://forum.caswellplating.com/powder-coating-questions/10782-question-about-pre-treatment.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:37:33 GMT I am going to powder coat some mild steel parts. During machining, cutting oil was used on the parts. I have cleaned the parts with Lab Metal solvent and carburetor cleaner and have them in the kiln to preheat at 600F for an hour and a half. Hopefully then they will be clean and ready to coat. ... I am going to powder coat some mild steel parts. During machining, cutting oil was used on the parts. I have cleaned the parts with Lab Metal solvent and carburetor cleaner and have them in the kiln to preheat at 600F for an hour and a half. Hopefully then they will be clean and ready to coat.

My question is, after I go to the barn and take them out of the kiln I have to hike them back to the shop where my PC equipment is. Will I incur any significant moisture en route (and back) that will screw up my firing? It is not raining (duh) but the humidity is kinda up there.

Thanks for your comments. ]]> Powder Coating Questions kent_in_kc http://forum.caswellplating.com/powder-coating-questions/10782-question-about-pre-treatment.html Oven/Coating station cabinet - Power question. http://forum.caswellplating.com/oven-building-forum/10781-oven-coating-station-cabinet-power-question.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:32:33 GMT I have a double over/under residential oven and plan to build a cabinet around it. On the side, there will be an extention with storage below and a three-sided coating station above that. My question is about the best way to route power to the oven, lighting, powder gun and small compressor. ... I have a double over/under residential oven and plan to build a cabinet around it. On the side, there will be an extention with storage below and a three-sided coating station above that.

My question is about the best way to route power to the oven, lighting, powder gun and small compressor.

The unit will be wheel mounted. I'd like to minimize the power cords running from the unit.

I'm thinking of using a 220v cord into a small breaker panel and taking 220 and 110 from there to the oven and a couple of outlets for the lighing and other things built into the cabinet.

Any thoughts? ]]> Oven Building Forum AnotherDano http://forum.caswellplating.com/oven-building-forum/10781-oven-coating-station-cabinet-power-question.html im new help????? http://forum.caswellplating.com/powder-coating-questions/10780-im-new-help.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:45:26 GMT hello im a newb to this. thinking of getting into this fun stuf i was wondering how much can you spray with 1lb of this stuff how much would it take to a 10 speed frame or motorcycle frame:confused: hello im a newb to this. thinking of getting into this fun stuf i was wondering how much can you spray with 1lb of this stuff how much would it take to a 10 speed frame or motorcycle frame:confused: ]]> Powder Coating Questions gandgcustoms http://forum.caswellplating.com/powder-coating-questions/10780-im-new-help.html should I get a gas BBQ grill for outgas? http://forum.caswellplating.com/powder-coating-questions/10779-should-i-get-gas-bbq-grill-outgas.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:46:27 GMT I am thinking I don't want to use my "dedicated" PC oven for outgasing because I think maybe the fumes make the oven very dirty.

A propane gas grill will get up to 500 in a few minutes and possibly even hotter to outgas those aluminum valve cover and intake manifolds. I don't need the precise temperature control for outgas process anyway. Is it a good idea if I can find one for cheap/free? ]]> Powder Coating Questions PoorOwner http://forum.caswellplating.com/powder-coating-questions/10779-should-i-get-gas-bbq-grill-outgas.html the best choice of relay for my application http://forum.caswellplating.com/oven-building-forum/10778-best-choice-relay-my-application.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:59:22 GMT Hello dears, I have a temperature controller and using that I want to activate a load including a power resistor and a voltage supply.my voltage is DC less than 8volt and up to 100A rating current.my power resistor is not selected but just consider it can tolerate up to 100ampcurrent. which... Hello dears,

I have a temperature controller and using that I want to activate a load including a power resistor and a voltage supply.my voltage is DC less than 8volt and up to 100A rating current.my power resistor is not selected but just consider it can tolerate up to 100ampcurrent. which relay u suggest? DC SSR? mechanical relay? suppose that I have this option to have any kind of controller output as a dc volt less than 5, current 4-20ma DC or time proportional pulse.

i really appreciate any suggestion or guide from u,

thanks,
ela ]]> Oven Building Forum elahetal http://forum.caswellplating.com/oven-building-forum/10778-best-choice-relay-my-application.html am I being ripped off. http://forum.caswellplating.com/anodizing-questions/10777-am-i-being-ripped-off.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:02:28 GMT I need some advise. I work as a graphic design. Im also into paintball and needed my gun reaodized. I made a logo out of standard vinyl from my plotter and asked If he could put the log on when it goes for ano. He said it can be done but wants to charge me 50.00 to do it. Is this hard work. do you... I need some advise. I work as a graphic design. Im also into paintball and needed my gun reaodized. I made a logo out of standard vinyl from my plotter and asked If he could put the log on when it goes for ano. He said it can be done but wants to charge me 50.00 to do it. Is this hard work. do you have to mask the gun or do you just apply the logo between the ano bath and colour bath. I will be getting a 2 colours done. green dust with black accents+logo. ]]> Anodizing Questions Ken_C http://forum.caswellplating.com/anodizing-questions/10777-am-i-being-ripped-off.html anodizing chain http://forum.caswellplating.com/anodizing-questions/10776-anodizing-chain.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:38:56 GMT hello, does anyone know if it's possible to anodize aluminium chain?
or of any metal finishing technique that can color aluminium chain?
thanx in advance ]]> Anodizing Questions nooni http://forum.caswellplating.com/anodizing-questions/10776-anodizing-chain.html Thin Cathode http://forum.caswellplating.com/anodizing-questions/10775-thin-cathode.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:12:38 GMT I found a piece of Aluminum siding that I trimmed up to fit into my ano tank to use as my cathode, I cleaned and sanded it to remove the coating on both sides. It is REALLY thin though, is there any problem with that? Or should I find some thicker stuff that I know exactly what alloy it is? Lead... I found a piece of Aluminum siding that I trimmed up to fit into my ano tank to use as my cathode, I cleaned and sanded it to remove the coating on both sides. It is REALLY thin though, is there any problem with that? Or should I find some thicker stuff that I know exactly what alloy it is? Lead would be ideal but hard to find around here :( ]]> Anodizing Questions VillainMotorsports http://forum.caswellplating.com/anodizing-questions/10775-thin-cathode.html How to start anodizing - Help http://forum.caswellplating.com/anodizing-questions/10774-how-start-anodizing-help.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:15:16 GMT I am interested in learning hoe to anodize. I want to anodize paintball guns. I have a few older guns I can play with before doing any of my more expensive guns. I have done a little reading on how anodize aluminum, and watched a few youtube videos, but if someone could give me step by step... I am interested in learning hoe to anodize. I want to anodize paintball guns. I have a few older guns I can play with before doing any of my more expensive guns.

I have done a little reading on how anodize aluminum, and watched a few youtube videos, but if someone could give me step by step instructions and an exact list of materials need i would greatly appropriate it!

Thank You,
Kory ]]> Anodizing Questions korykendrick http://forum.caswellplating.com/anodizing-questions/10774-how-start-anodizing-help.html Did I ask it the wrong way? http://forum.caswellplating.com/powder-coating-questions/10773-did-i-ask-wrong-way.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:38:49 GMT Hi, I'm a new guy here. I make custom motorcycle exhaust and am going to use Chromex ceramic and high-temp powder. So far, since I bought my supplies and joined this forum, I've asked a few questions and emailed a couple folks direct. To date, I've not gotten a single reply.

Is it my breath? Have I been impolite?

Seriously, if someone could shoot me some info I'd sure appreciate it. Here's the gist of what I'd like to know:

In my application, high temp headers, is there any significant advantage to coating with either HT powder or ceramic? I know ceramic is a bit of a thermal insulator. Otherwise, any major diffs in durability, gloss, ease of application, etc? I've got one friend that swears HT PC will eventually peel and blister. I think that is a matter of surface prep, but I dunno.

I would like a thick, maybe somewhat pebbly finish to mask minor surface imperfections. How would I achieve that?

If I shoot Chromex then buff it out with steel wool or whatever but then DON'T clear coat it, I understand it will eventually oxidize. How bad is that? Is there any reason why that couldn't be resolved by polishing the pipes occasionally with a chrome or metal polish? I might like to skip the clear coat to keep the bright 'chromey' look.

Finally, is iron phosphate a good undercoat for ceramic as well as powder?

Thanks, fellas, for your time. I know what a pain us newbies can be, but I'm trying to pay attention. I appreciate your help. ]]> Powder Coating Questions kent_in_kc http://forum.caswellplating.com/powder-coating-questions/10773-did-i-ask-wrong-way.html <![CDATA[2" 1/4" shank wheels]]> http://forum.caswellplating.com/metal-polishing-questions/10772-2-1-4-shank-wheels.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:40:35 GMT Hey where can I find some smaller wheels in a decent quantity? Preferable 1.5-2" with a 1/4" shank? Checked caswell, found 3" but nuttin' smaller. ]]> Metal Polishing Questions woodjames http://forum.caswellplating.com/metal-polishing-questions/10772-2-1-4-shank-wheels.html Powder over Ceramic http://forum.caswellplating.com/powder-coating-questions/10771-powder-over-ceramic.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:32:26 GMT I was just sitting here and wondering, can you apply powder over a previously ceramic coated set of headers so some sort of color can be added for special effects? I was just sitting here and wondering, can you apply powder over a previously ceramic coated set of headers so some sort of color can be added for special effects? ]]> Powder Coating Questions GAWnCA http://forum.caswellplating.com/powder-coating-questions/10771-powder-over-ceramic.html