Polishing Advice for a Project

**NavyGator** · 08-04-2009, 10:37 PM

Hi,

I am new to polishing and have a project that I am wanting to get started. I have seven 5in steel powder cans that are about 2.75 inches tall I am wanting to polish and then have laser engraved. Currently they have a light coat of oil on them to prevent anymore corrosion, some have light rust and visible tool marks from when they were first cut to size before I got a hold of them. I took them to my machine shop to face and chamfer. I would like to begin polishing them but after reading the Intro to Buffing and Polishing I would like to get my procedure set before purchasing any needed supplies. The goal is to use them as Christmas presents this year so I have some time to work on them.

I have attached pictures below.

I am planning on using my 1/5 horsepower 6 inch bench grinder that runs at a no load speed of about 3500 rpm. It is a bit underpowered but I think it will work okay.

What preparation do I need to do before beginning polishing? ie. is rust removal necessary and how so as not to remove good metal

6 inch diameter wheels 1 inch thick?

Should I begin with the spiral sewn and white compound and only go to the sisal and black compound if necessary?

Blue or red compound with loose wheel for final polish?

How to polish the inside?

Protective coating after finishing?

Thanks for your help in advance. I will probably have more questions as I go.