Do I need to use the Sisal wheel?

[mfergel]

I'm doing my first aluminum polishing job....as swing arm from a Buell XB9R. I sanded it down with a palm sander to 800 grit. I'm using the sisal wheel with the black and it seems like it might be actually adding scratches.

Do I need to use it? Might I be better to go up to 1000 grit (or even higher) and just avoid using it? Or should I stick with 800 grit but maybe use the black compound on a spiral sewn wheel instead?

[pickleboy]

Originally Posted by mfergel

Or should I stick with 800 grit but maybe use the black compound on a spiral sewn wheel instead?

that is what i would do. if you have the right wheel speed and pressure you can get a spiral to work just fine. or you can also try using a treated vented buff and emory for even faster cutting but without the scratching of the sisal.

[mfergel]

Do I need to be careful to avoid having the wheel speed too fast?

[chromepl8tr]

No. a sisal wheel is for finishing steel and stainless steel. you need to use a treated buff with a tripoli compound. then final buff with a cotton buff using chrome rouge.