Deburring wheel to prep cast aluminum?

[WoodMotorsports]

Have any of you used a deburing wheel like the 3m Scotchbrite EX2 or Norton Bear Tex to prep cast aluminum for polishing? I'm waiting on my stuff to arrive from Caswell so I can start working on the intake manifold for my 6.1 Hemi. I get these deburring wheels for free, and the cut pretty good without making scratches like sandpaper. I can also order the 3m stuff to fit in my die grinder. Just wondering if any of you had tried these.

[mpierich]

If it works, use it. Let us know.

[jrow]

WoodMotorsports,

From the information I see the 3m Scotchbrite EX2 is a hard wheel which would load up if used on aluminum. The Norton Bear Tex would be a better option as would flap wheels.

John

[baz]

the ex2 i hav not tried but from what i read on it i would never try that on aluminium .like jrow says its a hard wheel and it will load up. plus being that hard
will probably do more wrong than good on aluminium.
bear tex on the other hand i have used and i still use in some cases ,
they do wear down quite quickly but if you get them for free ,then it s not a problem .

i have one of those 6.1 intake to do next week, and from the last one i did i know thy take
lots of work to do but they have a very nice shine once done .
word of advice :
the casting on those is rough so you have a good quantity of material to remove
but if you remove too much then the porosity will start to show so when the rough surface is smoothed out , stop there and don t over do it ,

[WoodMotorsports]

Thanks all for the info. I got my first order from Caswell today, and another arrives on Friday. (ordered to soon without studying enough)

I've got greaseless compounds so I'll go that route and sandpaper rather than using the 3m wheels. I've already been practicing on just about anything aluminum with what I had on hand, so all my old air tools are gleaming right now.

[baz]

Thanks all for the info. I got my first order from Caswell today, and another arrives on Friday. (ordered to soon without studying enough)

I've got greaseless compounds so I'll go that route and sandpaper rather than using the 3m wheels. I've already been practicing on just about anything aluminum with what I had on hand, so all my old air tools are gleaming right now.

if you get that beartex free you should still practice with it it is good stuff ,
and also when trying to get a brushed or satin finish on aluminium and stainless steel it is very good