Wire wheel used - any way to salvage?

[Sci85]

I see. I didn't realize you had to go so fine. I guess I got bad info on only needing to go to 400. So basically your saying it has to be already smooth before you buff? What is the purpose of the cutting compounds?

I will try again on another piece that's not so badly scratched to start with.

Thanks!

Sci85

[cowboyup3371]

The cutting compound will take out the scratches left by the higher grit paper so you don't see them when you get to the polishing compound.

[Sci85]

Ok. So after getting to 1000grit, there will still be some fine scratches left and the cutting compound is used to take those out correct? And before polishing with white or red, the piece should have no visible marks?

Thanks again guys,

Sci85

[GateKeeper]

^^^^

Correct,,,,the buffing only makes the part shine like a mirror, it does not remove scratches.......

those are removed by the finer and finer sandpapers.....and cutting compounds

your part will have a dull shine, no scratches visible, it's then ready to hit the buffing wheel

[oldtimer]

In the future (if you run in to this again), you can save a lot time and misery by getting the part glass bead blasted. You will end up with a smooth part already at the 600 grit stage.
I have some pics of this bit I can no longer post photos. My IP took away the 20 meg of space I got with each of my four email addresses. So now they give me 5 gig of space. You say WOW! Now I can even post videos and large photo essays. The draw back is it's by invitation only. I can no longer post up a single link to a photo. I guess I need to get on Photo Bucket or something so I can post pics again.
What services do you guys use?

[Agemax]

bead blasting is a lot rougher than 600 grit. for a better easier to manage finish you need vapour blasting. but you need to do a whole lot of elbow grease before you get to that stage to get rid of scratches and scuffs

[Sci85]

Ahhh, it's never easy is it? I have been experiminting with the CR80 dirt bike I'm rebuilding and I'm getting better. I have learned that smoother is better before any buffing. It seems to me that cutting down the scratches takes a lot more time on metal than on wood. I like the look though so I think I will ask for a dedicated buffing machine and stand from Santa :-)

Sci85

[Hoosier Daddy]

Atta boy! That's using your head. Although the best tool is PATIENCE. The more you put into it now, the better the final outcome.

And yes, a lot more work to sanding aluminum smooth than wood.

I went down to 600 or even 800 before buffing these.

[1074cm3]

WOW!

[nvr2old]

I've always started with at least 180, wet, then moved on to 400, 600, 800, 1,000, and then finally 2,000. The aluminum buffs right up with nothing more than a wool pad in a drill and Mother's Aluminum Wheel Polish. I've even used 80 grit to remove gouges and deep scratches. Using a lot of different, progressive grits makes getting the sand scratches out a piece of cake.

[Sci85]

Amazing Hoosier Daddy! Dang it man, you just set the bar! I would never have believed you could get something so worn to look so good if I didn't see it for real. I hope I can get that good someday.

Oh, and guess I'll be picking up some Mothers tomorrow

Sci85

[oldrookie]

Very helpful thread! Thanks to the original poster for asking and for all contributors for answering.

I'm in the beginning stages of getting the oxidation off my bike and wasn't real sure of how I ought to proceed. This really helped me get a grasp on the process.

[oldrookie]

Just flat out impressive, HD.

Atta boy! That's using your head. Although the best tool is PATIENCE. The more you put into it now, the better the final outcome.

And yes, a lot more work to sanding aluminum smooth than wood.

I went down to 600 or even 800 before buffing these.

[Hoosier Daddy]

Wow, thanks guys. It's far from perfect and I can still see the slight remains of some pits on the sides of the stator cover between the bolt bosses. But all and all they turned out pretty well.

[2BRacing]

That is just about the most impressive "before" and "after" photos I have ever seen! Well done in achieving such great results and showing all of us that it can be done!