Greaseless or abrasive ahesive system?????

[chaotik]

OK.... I do alot of polishing on semis and most of the areas I can get to with a 5" random orbit sander.

But..on the rear drive wheels of a semi...because of the huge backspacing on them, its hard to get a sander into the back area where the horizontal lip of the rim meets the vertical rear face. This area doesnt see alot of road debris damage, but it is the place were all the **** from the road (calcium chloride, lime from quarrys, etc.) likes to accumulate and does some damage to the rim.

I was thinking either the greaseless or the Caswell system of the abrasive adhesive and then you roll the tacky cement thru the abrasive grit of choice. I like this idea because yo can use whatever wheel, bob, etc. that you feel good with getting in there.

I was wondering if anyone has used the system and how long an application lasts....I dont want to have to buy 15 bobs so I can do 4 drive wheels before having to stop and redo all the bobs with the abrasive, then wait for it to cure, etc.

Plus what are your thoughts on using the greaseless for this?? Never used this either so I am trying to weigh my options....

THANKS for the help...LOVE it here!!

MIKE

[mpierich]

I've found the adhesive/abrasive setup to be extremely harsh - good for hogging off rough areas but not so good for just polishing. The glue is extremely hard after it cures. On a 6 or 8" wheel it will have some give to it though, and grinder's grease will make it less harsh. Put it on a felt bob and you might as well use a stone grinding point, it's that hard. Also, the rpm's can't be too high or you'll have pieces of it flying off (but this is also true of the greaseless compounds). Also, I don't think the loose abrasive comes any finer than 120, although that might've changed.

In other words, it is useful, but in very limited circumstances.

I would say in your application, if the junk is too much for emery compound and a stiff wheel or bob, you'll have to suck it up and make up a bunch of bobs/wheels with the greaseless. BTW, a hair dryer can really speed that up (but it's still a pain in the arse).

Hopefully others will chime in with their experience with Cratex wheels and bobs. I was told by an old pro that they work OK but don't hold up very well...but I have not tried them myself yet.

[chaotik]

Hmm... sounds like greaseless so far then!!

Yeah...its not so much as build up of stuff in the back of the rim as it is the small pox marks and staining of the aluminum that cant be taken out without sanding. I always acid wash the wheels before starting...this helps, but doesnt totally clean it all out

MIKE

[alabama_lowlife]

i'm loving the greaseless on a spiral sewn wheel for aluminum. i'm working on a valve cover and it is taking the casting texture off with minimal effort. i'm sure that it would work well on aluminum wheels.

[chaotik]

Thanks Alalbama. Might hane to give the greaseless a try.

One other question....When I self taught myself to polish, I learned using treated airways. But, as theu lose diameter, they get softer and lose their cutting action. I recently had purchased some spiral sewn from caswell to try and gave them a go this weekend. I like them better...they seem to give a more even cut. But...as they wear down, what happens, do they just eat thru the layer of spiral stitching or what??

THANKS
MIKE

[alabama_lowlife]

yeah, they just kinda shink and leave strings everywhere. particularly when you rake them. i have one that was 6 inch but is now about 3 inches, but i was putting it through some tough stuff working on a semi and really abused it. but i think i got my money's worth out of it. i'm gonna opt for treated buffs next time to see how much longer they last.

[crip75]

Id like to know if they hold out better
keep us posted

[alabama_lowlife]

well, my initial impression of the treated ones is that they are great! they are much more firm than untreated but not insanely agressive like a sisal. only time will tell on the wear pattern, but initially they don't seem to "shed" as much. so far i think it's worth the $2 difference.