Does anyone use the expander wheel?

[87_ttop_stang]

Hello all!

I purchased a new bench grinder this weekend (sears had a nice sale fri-sat), so I am also going to order some buffing supplies.

I've had my eye on the expander wheel for some time to help me with some of the larger "under the hood" pieces I want to work on.

Does anyone here use it, and if so, what are your thoughts? Good. Bad. Okay. Can you recommend a better way of handling things like valve covers and large brackets?

All comments welcome.

Thanks!

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by 87_ttop_stang

Hello all!

I purchased a new bench grinder this weekend (sears had a nice sale fri-sat), so I am also going to order some buffing supplies.

I've had my eye on the expander wheel for some time to help me with some of the larger "under the hood" pieces I want to work on.

Does anyone here use it, and if so, what are your thoughts? Good. Bad. Okay. Can you recommend a better way of handling things like valve covers and large brackets?

All comments welcome.

Thanks!

It's a good tool for smaller items, but on stuff like valve covers I've discovered that my manual skills aren't sufficient to use it. It's only about 1-1/2" wide and it's tough to make multiple passes on a surface without the edges digging in and leaving marks. That's on aluminum...it's better on stainless (like brake rotors) 'cause the material is harder.

All that said, they are a great tool and quick to change grits if used properly.

BTW they are subject to direction of rotation and rpm's so make sure your motor is suitable.

[jimcarry]

For the best results on valve covers I use a die grinder ans surface preparation pads the can be bought in different grits from course to fine and work great cutting your prep time in half the also work great for removing light pitting on pot metal this tool requires a good air compressor and the pads will even remove the stubborn stretch marks on steel valve covers