FIRST STEP

[saiyan7]

OK The trouble I am having is with the first step in polishing a sportbike frame. The top portion has an anodized coating and the bottom portion has a rough gritty finish. It is taking me forever to get to the point where I can use 400 grit. Once I am at the 400 grit phase its smooth sailing. Some people suggest those sanding cyliders that you put in a drill. Does anyone out there have any suggestions? Also, I plan to use that clear coating stuff when finished. How long does that last and does it affect the look of the mirror finish at all?

[mcaswell]

The cylinders work well - they perform the same function as regular wet and dry paper, but the drill makes the process much faster.

The clear coat won't affect the finish if done properly.

[saiyan7]

what grit cylinder do you suggest?

[mcaswell]

I would get a few course, and a few medium.
See http://www.caswellplating.com/sanding_drums.htm

[saiyan7]

thanks Caswell. The new project starts this weekend. I'll probably have a hundred more questions for you later. I appreciate the help.

[mtlplshr]

i recently polished a pair ofspring hangers that had a very coarse finish on them.i started with 180 grit on a palm sander to get the big areas.a diegrinder w coarse sanding disks got the nooks+crannies,and worked up to 400 grit.in all,it took 14 hours to do 2 hangers(once the sanding was done,the polishing was cake)there are few shortcuts when it comes to polishing,but the diegrinder really works well on coarse aluminum.i have seen a couple try's at clearcoating,but #1 i dont like how it looks,and#2 it doesn't hold up very well.i prefer to just keep on re-polishing,once you get something buffed out,it dosent take much to keep it up

[saiyan7]

Thanks MTLPLSHR,
What are these hangers you speak of? and How did you get the nooks and crannies? I'm using a dremel after the grinding cyliders for the nooks. The most trouble is being caused by welds that do not allow the cylinder to reach the end on the piece. I then have to grind along the weld with the dremel. What's your method?

[mtlplshr]

the hangers are part of the air-ride suspention on a big rig.they are on the frame between the back tires.most of the grinding/sanding was done with flat,round pads that mounted on a bit that fit a air operated die grinder.i would think a dremel tool would have a bit to get in where you have to.i went to a sears store and they have a large assortment of various sanding stuff.just keep looking till you find something that fits.what are you polishing with?a small spiral sewn wheel w/emery(black)rouge can fit some prity tite spots and cuts really well.hope it helps