Stupid question.

I've got an aluminum intake and valve covers that I would like to polish. I also have a blast cabinet. I've read some threads on polishing and it sounds a little labor intensive. Is it possible by using different blast media to obtain a polished look, or at least skip some of the steps?
Thanks for any suggestions.

 

i dont think there is any media that would make anything polished, buy some sand paper and get started, a couple of evenings and your there, by the time you tried a bunch of different easy ways that didnt work you could of been finished 5 times over.

 

Polishing is super easy. Clean, degrease and bead blast the parts. Then, place them in the the back of the truck for 5-10 minutes (depending on location, your time may vary), while you drive to the local polishing shop. Pick up when done. Super easy.

 

Got to agree with your two responses, How much effort or money will determine the outcome,,,,Sam

 

Just depends on how bad you want it polished, i usually do my polishing projects an hour at a time once a day till there done cuz you will get burnt out on them quick. But like everything else patience is key!!!

 

I spent hours polishing some flat aluminum panels....those are much easier than doing a cast intake...I swore I'd never do it again. It's tedious work and cramps up my hands.

Find a shop to do it...some things are worth paying for.

 

Make sure you wear a respirator!

 

Send them to:

Custom Metal Finishing IN
9705 State Road 38
Hagerstown, IN 47346

866-489-4089

I'll get em done within a week. Polishing metal is easy when you have thousands of hours of practice and don't mind getting dirty.


To answer the bead blast question: no, but there are tumblers used for polishing pieces production style (many at a time,) but I don't know anyone with one, let alone anyone with one and willing to throw used pieces in it.

 

If you have the right equipment and materials its not so bad but unless your going into business its cheaper to send it out and do something else constructive while your waiting for the shinny parts to return.

 

Get a dremal!!

 

Blast- HPC? $???

 

Any suggestions in dealing with minor (and major) pitting in an aluminum? I've got an air cleaner ***embly that is in need of some help.

 

Was always taught, "There's No Such Thing As A Stupid Question", but then what do I know