Guys, I just got the pitman arm for my vega box - the pete & jakes, cut one. Obviously a decent piece, but it looks like ***, new-*** that is. Everything is perfect 90 degrees, hard corners, etc. Is it a big deal to blend some on this with a flap disc? Just to take some of the "Hey, I'm a brand new part!" look away... No major carving, just a gentle blend.
I cut my factory 57 for p arm, and bent it and rewelded it, I guess it's ok as long as it's not cast! you should be fine!
"Gentle blend'...???? Wasn't that a bear in a movie a while ago???? Anyways, smoothing off the edges won't hurt it at all.
Unless you reduce the cross-section area, and weaken the part, it's more likely that you may reduce stress-risers (sharp edges, tight corners, abrupt changes)...always a good thing.
Like Pitman said, cracks generally start at sharp edges so smoothing them will actually make the part stronger.
On my coupe vega arm I heated , pressed flat , smoothed , and drilled 3 lightning holes ! no problem yet !
Smoothing and polishing any metal will reduce stress risers and make the part more reliable. Just don't go crazy trying for a sculptured piece of artwork and you'll be OIK. Frank
Hell, you do that here in Australia and you need an engineers report on it before they will let it on the street!
my paycheck says engineering on it every week but I really havent figured out why yet? Thats no bull **** either ... At least i know im prolly certified to **** stuff up now Dave