I have some .625" diameter aluminum bar stock that I need to do some kind of
surface finish/treatment to.

The stock has fine longitudinal striations (I'm guessing from being
extruded) that I would like to eliminate or at least reduce. I don't need a
superfine or polished finish- I just want to get rid of the "unfinished"
look. A fine, brushed finish would be perfectly acceptable.

Now, here's the problem. I only have access to typical homeowner tools and
no way to secure the stock in a fixture other than my own hands. I have a
big vise but can't use it because the jaws will mar the stock. I do have a
good bench grinder but I think it'll be way too aggressive. I also have a
belt sander and a random orbit finishing sander that might work. What do you
think? And what type of abrasive /grits should I look for?

Thanks!

Start with the random orbit sander using 220 paper. If the paper
is not aggressive enough, you might consider moving to 180/120. I
would not go much coarser than that. Keep the sander moving.
This should give you a uniform dull satin type finish.

If you prefer a brushed finish you can buy some good wire wheels
to put on a Harbor Freight cheapy grinder. Trap the pipe in your
vise wrapped in leather (tops of some old boots), rubber (inner
tube) , or rags. Here again keep the tool moving to avoid digging
in a pattern. You will need to continually move the pipe in the
vise.

You might also like the effect of using plumber's sanding cloth
wrapped around the pipe and pulled back and forth a bit like
working an old shoe shining rag. You will need to keep changing
the setting of the pipe in the vise.

(top posted for your convenience)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Keep the whole world singing . . . .
DanG (remove the sevens)




"John Smith" wrote in message
ink.net...
I have some .625" diameter aluminum bar stock that I need to do
some kind of
surface finish/treatment to.

The stock has fine longitudinal striations (I'm guessing from
being
extruded) that I would like to eliminate or at least reduce. I
don't need a
superfine or polished finish- I just want to get rid of the
"unfinished"
look. A fine, brushed finish would be perfectly acceptable.

Now, here's the problem. I only have access to typical homeowner
tools and
no way to secure the stock in a fixture other than my own hands.
I have a
big vise but can't use it because the jaws will mar the stock. I
do have a
good bench grinder but I think it'll be way too aggressive. I
also have a
belt sander and a random orbit finishing sander that might work.
What do you
think? And what type of abrasive /grits should I look for?

Thanks!

In article . net, John
Smith wrote:

I have some .625" diameter aluminum bar stock that I need to do some kind of
surface finish/treatment to.

The stock has fine longitudinal striations (I'm guessing from being
extruded) that I would like to eliminate or at least reduce. I don't need a
superfine or polished finish- I just want to get rid of the "unfinished"
look. A fine, brushed finish would be perfectly acceptable.

Now, here's the problem. I only have access to typical homeowner tools and
no way to secure the stock in a fixture other than my own hands. I have a
big vise but can't use it because the jaws will mar the stock. I do have a
good bench grinder but I think it'll be way too aggressive. I also have a
belt sander and a random orbit finishing sander that might work. What do you
think? And what type of abrasive /grits should I look for?

Thanks!





I did a linear brush on aboput 200 feet of 1-1/4" aluminum tube for
store fixtures.
I used a pedestal grinder with a 6" diamter x 2" thick scotchbrite
wheel.
While the wheel was spinning I carved a depression in the wheel that
fit the tube shape.
It took 3 passes per tube to brush all the way around.
Each pass did about 1/3 of the circumference.
Mind you I was brushing 18" lengths, So I could flip the ends.
It did cover my whole shop in a fine layer of aluminum dust.
Glad I wore a respirator.

Try getting some abrasive nylon... Sold by McMaster Carr relatively cheap
and delivered to your door...

But buy some soap first as the black residue that comes off aluminum when
using this product is about as bad as graphite.

Start with course and work your way down until you get the desired finish.

Joe in Northern, NJ
V#8013 '86 VN750

Ride a motorcycle in or near NJ?
http://tinyurl.com/4zkw8
http://www.youthelate.com

Young Life? eMail me!

Born once - Die twice. Born twice - Die only once. Your choice...


"John Smith" wrote in message
ink.net...
I have some .625" diameter aluminum bar stock that I need to do some kind
of
surface finish/treatment to.

The stock has fine longitudinal striations (I'm guessing from being
extruded) that I would like to eliminate or at least reduce. I don't need
a
superfine or polished finish- I just want to get rid of the "unfinished"
look. A fine, brushed finish would be perfectly acceptable.

Now, here's the problem. I only have access to typical homeowner tools and
no way to secure the stock in a fixture other than my own hands. I have a
big vise but can't use it because the jaws will mar the stock. I do have a
good bench grinder but I think it'll be way too aggressive. I also have a
belt sander and a random orbit finishing sander that might work. What do
you
think? And what type of abrasive /grits should I look for?

Thanks!

On Fri, 25 Mar 2005 03:39:33 GMT, "John Smith"
wrote:

I have some .625" diameter aluminum bar stock that I need to do some kind of
surface finish/treatment to.

The stock has fine longitudinal striations (I'm guessing from being
extruded) that I would like to eliminate or at least reduce. I don't need a
superfine or polished finish- I just want to get rid of the "unfinished"
look. A fine, brushed finish would be perfectly acceptable.

Now, here's the problem. I only have access to typical homeowner tools and
no way to secure the stock in a fixture other than my own hands. I have a
big vise but can't use it because the jaws will mar the stock. I do have a
good bench grinder but I think it'll be way too aggressive. I also have a
belt sander and a random orbit finishing sander that might work. What do you
think? And what type of abrasive /grits should I look for?

Thanks!



Fine Red Scotchbrite pad.

Gunner



Lathe Dementia. Recognized as one of the major sub-strains of the
all-consuming virus, Packratitis. Usual symptoms easily recognized
and normally is contracted for life. Can be very contagious.
michael

"John Smith" wrote in message
ink.net...
I have some .625" diameter aluminum bar stock that I need to do some kind
of
surface finish/treatment to.

Now, here's the problem. I only have access to typical homeowner tools and
no way to secure the stock in a fixture other than my own hands. I have a
big vise but can't use it because the jaws will mar the stock.

Make some soft jaws for your bar out of wood. - drill a .625 hole and then
saw the block of wood in two.

jtaylor wrote:
"John Smith" wrote in message
ink.net...
I have some .625" diameter aluminum bar stock that I need to do some
kind of surface finish/treatment to.

Now, here's the problem. I only have access to typical homeowner
tools and no way to secure the stock in a fixture other than my own
hands. I have a big vise but can't use it because the jaws will mar
the stock.

Make some soft jaws for your bar out of wood. - drill a .625 hole and
then saw the block of wood in two.
Keep your abrasive media wet/flooded with WD40 or it will load up right
quick.
Naturally this doesn't apply if a machine is used unless you enjoy a oily
shower.

Ken.

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