What Finish should I expect to see polishing Cast Aluminum

[lowpsi]

I am working a set of Victory Vegas Motorcycle wheels. These wheels are a cast aluminum wheel with a machined face. I have removed all rough cast and have sanded all surfaces up to 800 grit. I am using my hand held angle grinder(10,000 rpm) and a 6" spiral sewn wheel with Emery. Then I am going to 6" loose cotton with white. I am able to build good heat and am getting a pretty good finish. MY problem is after buffing with white I still see minor scratching (very light). The wheel looks awsome when on the ground and at pretty much all angles. But when you get right up on it, it just doesn't look new. I have tried to use Rouge compound but that didn't really seem to help matters. I guess my real question here is; Will polished cast aluminum appear to be scratch free when you are right up on it or is it normal to see the small scratches? Any help would be great.

[mpierich]

Re: What Finish should I expect to see polishing Cast Aluminum

I am working a set of Victory Vegas Motorcycle wheels. These wheels are a cast aluminum wheel with a machined face. I have removed all rough cast and have sanded all surfaces up to 800 grit. I am using my hand held angle grinder(10,000 rpm) and a 6" spiral sewn wheel with Emery. Then I am going to 6" loose cotton with white. I am able to build good heat and am getting a pretty good finish. MY problem is after buffing with white I still see minor scratching (very light). The wheel looks awsome when on the ground and at pretty much all angles. But when you get right up on it, it just doesn't look new. I have tried to use Rouge compound but that didn't really seem to help matters. I guess my real question here is; Will polished cast aluminum appear to be scratch free when you are right up on it or is it normal to see the small scratches? Any help would be great.

IMHO 10,000 rpm is too high for a 6" wheel...but if it hasn't flown apart yet I guess you're OK. The wrong speed _can_ produce scratches.

I have yet to get a piece "perfect" myself, but people are still happy to pay me for the work. And most of the time when someone tells me they do attain perfection....they don't. Unless your wheels are going to be in a judged competition, I wouldn't worry about it.

[kxed]

Re: What Finish should I expect to see polishing Cast Aluminum

that bike should look sweet with the wheel's polished i think my next bike will be a Victory Vegas. back to the subject im polishing my first set of wheels and i also have the light scratches in the fluorescent light but it looks great out side i have heard that you can use talc powder to help reduce the cut marks but i haven't tried it maybe the masters will clue us in

[lowpsi]

Re: What Finish should I expect to see polishing Cast Aluminum

Well unfortunatly the bike will be judged. So scratching is going to be a factor. After reading some post here, I have learned that fluorescent lighting can play tricks with your finish. I will take outside this morning to inspect in natural light. I know that the lighting at most indoor shows is somewhat dull and high in the air. I have shown vehicles in the past that haven't meet my satisfaction in my garage but have won there class at indoor shows so it very well could be me trying to attain perfection.

[pickleboy]

Re: What Finish should I expect to see polishing Cast Aluminum

one thing you didnt mention is how often you rake the wheel. i have found for me that about every 3 times you add compound i rake the wheel. this will remove the micro particles of aluminum that the buffing picks up. i have not tried the talc trick but i also have heard it works. try also switching to a fresh wheel and start over with the white. best of luck bro.

[jrow]

Re: What Finish should I expect to see polishing Cast Aluminum

lowpsi,

What are you going to use to protect your wheels after you get them polished?
I would try some good carnuba wax, this may make some of the scratches disappear. If your are going to clearcoat, either by paint or powder coating then the scratches shouldn't show!

I'd try working in again with some white and loose buff and see if more of the scratches will come out.

John

[mpierich]

Re: What Finish should I expect to see polishing Cast Aluminum

Well unfortunatly the bike will be judged. So scratching is going to be a factor. After reading some post here, I have learned that fluorescent lighting can play tricks with your finish. I will take outside this morning to inspect in natural light. I know that the lighting at most indoor shows is somewhat dull and high in the air. I have shown vehicles in the past that haven't meet my satisfaction in my garage but have won there class at indoor shows so it very well could be me trying to attain perfection.

The micro-scratches I'm talking about, you have to be purposely looking for to see, and I suspect that's the level you're talking about too. And you're right - the lighting in those places isn't going to highlight those scratches a bit. Only thing is, make sure you don't have any hazy spots - those will show bigtime.

If you go to a show between now and then, look closely and see if any of the polishing is "perfect". I looked at an S&S factory-polished engine the other day, and it wasn't "perfect".

[lowpsi]

Re: What Finish should I expect to see polishing Cast Aluminum

I have been raking almost every time I add compound. I used a new wheel when using the white. I have been able to get it pretty close. There aren't any hazy spots just micro scratches. I looked at them on the ground in daylight and I think they look pretty good. Just not as nice as chrome. I may look into getting them chromed.

[lowpsi]

Re: What Finish should I expect to see polishing Cast Aluminum

Here is a pic of what I am experiencing. These scratches are being caused by the loose cotton and white compound. If I go in different directions the scratchs follow. Will the talc powder and new whell solve tis. Thanx.

[pickleboy]

Re: What Finish should I expect to see polishing Cast Aluminum

if ypu have a clean new spiral try it with the white and a light to medium touch. sometimes the loose will cause more swirl scatches than the spiral.

[mpierich]

Re: What Finish should I expect to see polishing Cast Aluminum

Here is a pic of what I am experiencing. These scratches are being caused by the loose cotton and white compound. If I go in different directions the scratchs follow. Will the talc powder and new whell solve tis. Thanx.

Possibly a new wheel/lighter touch, or even try a canton flannel wheel. I've never had any luck with the powder.

It shouldn't cost much to get them plated, you've done most of the work already. Just make sure they use a good process, not the crappy cheap work you see on most commercial stuff nowadays.