Machine Polished Lip?

[pikkashoe]

I just finished polishing my lips of my wheels, the lips are aluminum. I noticed that the manufacturer of the wheels states the lips are machine polished? What does this mean.

Also, I started my project off with spiral sewn wheel with white bar, using a handheld drill (1800 rmps and six inch wheels). Second I went with the loose cotten and white and then finished off with red rouge and canton flannel.

I noticed that going from spiral sewn to cotton did nothing. also the red with canton did nothing. IT made no difference. Something I found interesting was that after i polished, I applied some carnuba wax and while buffing the wax off, it appeared the buffing created some scratches that where visible. Should I just forego the wax part and leave it at just white bar and spiral sewn?

[jrow]

Originally Posted by pikkashoe

I just finished polishing my lips of my wheels, the lips are aluminum. I noticed that the manufacturer of the wheels states the lips are machine polished? What does this mean.

I believe that manufacturer of the wheels had a use specific piece of equipment made just for polishing the lips of the wheels that they produce! Probably electric or pneumatic.

Originally Posted by pikkashoe

Also, I started my project off with spiral sewn wheel with white bar, using a handheld drill (1800 rmps and six inch wheels). Second I went with the loose cotten and white and then finished off with red rouge and canton flannel.

Start by sanding with 320 grit up to 400 or 600 grit sandpaper, that would depend on how your finish looks after you use the 400 grit. Depending on your surface you may have to start with 220 grit. If your lips don't have any deep scratches or pits you can try wet sanding with 600 grit and then polishing. I wet sand my last sanding.
Start with a spiral sewn buff with emery, progressing to spiral and tripoli or white and then as you indicated. A 4" wheel would be easier to control than a 6" wheel. Clean your buffing wheels often.
Your buffing grits run like this: Emery, Stainless, Tripoli, White, ETC. with Emery being the coarsest ETC.

Originally Posted by pikkashoe

I noticed that going from spiral sewn to cotton did nothing. also the red with canton did nothing. IT made no difference. Something I found interesting was that after i polished, I applied some carnuba wax and while buffing the wax off, it appeared the buffing created some scratches that where visible. Should I just forego the wax part and leave it at just white bar and spiral sewn?

I believe the scratches you are seeing are from your previous buffing, you didn't get all the scratches out! It's tough buffing with a drill motor, but it can be done. Just take your time. After you get to the finish you like you are going to want to seal the aluminum. Either powder coat, ZoopSeal or a clear spray for bare metal and of course wax. Some of the guys use Flitz, I believe that's what its called. I've never used it so I can't speak to it.

John

[pikkashoe]

Hey John thanks for your help.

When I started with the lips, they came from the factory polished, just the normal wear and tear made them less shiny over time, therefore I did not do any dry or wet sanding, I just wanted to get that mirror look on them.

I know the scratches are from the prior step, in this case white bar with spiral sewn, but when i go up to loose cotton with white, nothing happens, i work it for a while but nothing happens.

Also what are you thoughts on the wax and causing more scratching and now what looks like clouding or haziness. I used a carnuba paste wax. I might just forego this step and just finish at canton flannel with red rouge.

[jrow]

Originally Posted by pikkashoe

Also what are you thoughts on the wax and causing more scratching and now what looks like clouding or haziness. I used a carnuba paste wax. I might just forego this step and just finish at canton flannel with red rouge.

A good wax shouldn't cause scratches! Try using brake cleaner or acetone to clean the aluminum prior to applying the wax. The haze could also be caused by not enough temperature in the aluminum when buffing.

John