Getting Started...

[dsmack]

I am SO thankful that a friend turned me on to this excellent site! I have some pieces of aluminum that I want to buff to mirror sheen.

I have a brand new \"Sander/Polisher\" that my sons gave me. It has at present a 7\" dia. rubber backing plate with \"hooks\" for velcro type pads, sanding discs. Can this be adapted to use the spiral sewn and sisal buffing wheels you sell? It has a straight shank on which the backing fits, held in place with a recessed bolt and washer. What kind of a mandrel will I need for the buffing wheels? Specs are 1600 RPM, 4 amp motor with variable speed trigger. Is this fast enough to do a good job with buffing wheels and compounds? If my calculations are correct, 1,600RPM is going to need a minimum 8\" wheel, and that will be on the low side of the suggested SFPM. Do you think this has enough \"stones\" to swing an 8\" wheel?

The parts are of formed sheet aluminum and cast aluminum, and have already been worked down to where they look reasonable. Just want to get that last little bit of shine!

Should I start with the Black or Brown compound, and do I need to start with the more aggressive Sisal wheel?

Your suggestions for what I need to order from you are appreciated.

[saiyan7]

That sander/polisher that you have may work with the mandrel on this site, but remember that faster is better. I think 4 amp should be plenty strong to swing that 8\" wheel. You don\'t want to put as much pressure on the tool as to slow it down. Let the compound do the work. I would suggest a sisal wheel with black compound and a sewn cotton with brown. That is as far as I go because I just seem to make it worse when I try all the other final touches listed on this forum. I guess I need more practice. anyway, Good Luck. I\'m sure CASWELL will give you the links to each and every one of the aforementioned items.

[mcaswell]

If I\'m understanding what you have correctly, it probably won\'t work with the kind of supplies we sell.

When buffing with buffing wheels, you use the edge of the wheel, not the face.

The best thing for you to use is a regular electric drill and our Aluminum Polishing Kit.
See http://www.caswellplating.com/alpolkit.htm

[saiyan7]

Well I\'m sure it\'s possible to take that dopey rubber dealy off of that sander and fit a shaft of some sort. But then again, CASWELL does sell an incredible piece of machinery called the handheld polisher. It is unstoppable and will turn almost any size job into an evening hobby. He even gives you an extra set of brushes for the motor just in case it burns out. Which hasn\'t happen to me yet. Just buy that.

[marsfrogie]

A cost effective alternative that I played around with for a while is to go out to lowes and buy a 4\" angle grinder (Typically around $40 for a cheap one) Look for one that offers variable speed if you can find one. I have been able to cram 4\" cotton wheels on it, but haven\'t had any luck with fitting a sisal wheel on. The thing turns at about 10,000 RPM so you can get pretty agressive with it.

[millspec]

But then again, CASWELL does sell an incredible piece of machinery called the handheld polisher. It is unstoppable and will turn almost any size job into an evening hobby. He even gives you an extra set of brushes for the motor just in case it burns out. Which hasn\'t happen to me yet. Just buy that.

I can't find it on the website...is it still available? :roll

[mcaswell]

We don't stock it anymore. Sorry.