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techtalk:ref:svcproc45 [2024/01/22 21:45]
hippysmack
techtalk:ref:svcproc45 [2024/01/23 01:14] (current)
hippysmack
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 ====== Smoothing out scratches and pits ====== ====== Smoothing out scratches and pits ======
-If the piece has never been polished, then you should start with a course grade of abrasive and sand through the different stages progressing to a finer and finer grade as you go. ((piniongear of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​p=2779433)) \\+If the piece has never been polished, then you should start with a course grade of abrasive and sand through the different stages progressing to a finer and finer grade as you go. ((piniongear of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/​ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/​101191-polishing-aluminum/​page3#​post2104990)) \\
  
 Turn the piece and let each successive grade of abrasive cross the previous by 90°. \\ Turn the piece and let each successive grade of abrasive cross the previous by 90°. \\
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 **Sand blasting or bead blasting** will work on carbon or stainless steel to remove rust and first layers. \\ **Sand blasting or bead blasting** will work on carbon or stainless steel to remove rust and first layers. \\
 However, blasting aluminum will make lots of pits and change the appearance of the casting. \\ However, blasting aluminum will make lots of pits and change the appearance of the casting. \\
-It will also take longer to get all the media out of the crevices and any tiny place in a part. ((Wooley of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=925547&​page=2)) \\+It will also take longer to get all the media out of the crevices and any tiny place in a part. ((Wooley of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/​ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/​104558-aluminum-polishing-new-method-for-badly-oxidized-parts/​page2?​t=925547&​page=2)) \\ 
 ===== Buffing / polishing wheels ===== ===== Buffing / polishing wheels =====
 See more on [[techtalk:​ref:​tools156#​wheels_pads|Wheels and Pads]] in the Sportsterpedia. \\ See more on [[techtalk:​ref:​tools156#​wheels_pads|Wheels and Pads]] in the Sportsterpedia. \\
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 ====== Polishing Technique ====== ====== Polishing Technique ======
- 
 **There are two basic buffing motions**: ((https://​www.caswellplating.com/​buffman.htm#​)) **There are two basic buffing motions**: ((https://​www.caswellplating.com/​buffman.htm#​))
  
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 ===== Swirls ===== ===== Swirls =====
- +  ​* Circular swirls cannot be generated if you use straight line movement (as in sanding wood along the grain) instead of circles or ovals. ((Graywolf of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-styles/​sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/​194649-metal-polishing/​page2?​t=2070932&​page=2))
-  ​* Circular swirls cannot be generated if you use straight line movement (as in sanding wood along the grain) instead of circles or ovals. ((Graywolf of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=2070932&​page=2))+
   * Wheel or pad choice, technique, amount and type of compound, choice of machines and speeds, working material and etc. will all play a part in the finish (including swirls). ​   * Wheel or pad choice, technique, amount and type of compound, choice of machines and speeds, working material and etc. will all play a part in the finish (including swirls). ​
     * Try running the wheel / pad at slower speeds if it is still leaving swirls. ​     * Try running the wheel / pad at slower speeds if it is still leaving swirls. ​
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 ====== Buffing to the final finish ====== ====== Buffing to the final finish ======
- 
 Keep the wheel moving, periodically wipe off the wax smudge and look at the progress. \\ Keep the wheel moving, periodically wipe off the wax smudge and look at the progress. \\
 Spending too much time in one spot can discolor the area. \\ Spending too much time in one spot can discolor the area. \\
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 ====== Knowing when your done ====== ====== Knowing when your done ======
- 
 When are you done? \\ When are you done? \\
 That's entirely up to what finish you are wanting to achieve. \\ That's entirely up to what finish you are wanting to achieve. \\
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 {{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polishing_stainless_19_by_hippysmack.jpg?​direct&​200|}} {{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polishing_stainless_82_by_hippysmack.jpg?​direct&​200|}} ((photos by Hippysmack[[techtalk:​ref:​svcproc46]])) \\ {{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polishing_stainless_19_by_hippysmack.jpg?​direct&​200|}} {{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polishing_stainless_82_by_hippysmack.jpg?​direct&​200|}} ((photos by Hippysmack[[techtalk:​ref:​svcproc46]])) \\
  
-It all depends on what look you are going for in deciding how you want to polish it. ((xlc06sportster of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?t=925547)) \\ +It all depends on what look you are going for in deciding how you want to polish it. ((xlc06sportster of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/​ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/​104558-aluminum-polishing-new-method-for-badly-oxidized-parts?t=925547)) \\ 
 If you want to go to a mirror finish you need to take your time with it. \\ If you want to go to a mirror finish you need to take your time with it. \\
 Take it to an ultra fine finish then get a cotton/ flannel wheel on a grinder and use metal rouge on a buff to a mirror finish. \\ Take it to an ultra fine finish then get a cotton/ flannel wheel on a grinder and use metal rouge on a buff to a mirror finish. \\
 It takes time and practice to get the correct results but you can finish any metal (even carbon steel) to look like chrome. \\ It takes time and practice to get the correct results but you can finish any metal (even carbon steel) to look like chrome. \\
 +
 ====== Applying the final sheen ====== ====== Applying the final sheen ======
-You can wax the parts when you got them polished like you want them to keep them shiny longer. ((bsporty of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=494417&​page=2)) \\+You can wax the parts when you got them polished like you want them to keep them shiny longer. ((bsporty of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/​ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/​72042-i-hate-aluminum-polishing-content/​page2?​t=494417&​page=2)) \\
  
-You can also follow up with some NevrDull, Mother'​s,​ 3M or most any liquid type polish for a quality shine. ((ReddTigger of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=494417&​page=3)) \\+You can also follow up with some NevrDull, Mother'​s,​ 3M or most any liquid type polish for a quality shine. ((ReddTigger of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/​ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/​72042-i-hate-aluminum-polishing-content/​page3?​t=494417&​page=3)) \\
  
 ====== Keeping the Shine ====== ====== Keeping the Shine ======
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 Parts can be clear coating, as the factory did, but the finish won't last forever. \\  Parts can be clear coating, as the factory did, but the finish won't last forever. \\ 
  
-Instead of painting after polishing, you can simply polish it again every so often with a cotton cloth and a good polish. ((PetesPonies of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=925547&​page=3)).+Instead of painting after polishing, you can simply polish it again every so often with a cotton cloth and a good polish. ((PetesPonies of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/​ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/​104558-aluminum-polishing-new-method-for-badly-oxidized-parts/​page3?​t=925547&​page=3)). 
 ====== Examples of Polished Parts from the XLFORUM ====== ====== Examples of Polished Parts from the XLFORUM ======
 See also [[techtalk:​ref:​svcproc46|Trying to Get a Mirror Finish on Stainless Steel]] in the Sportsterpedia. \\ See also [[techtalk:​ref:​svcproc46|Trying to Get a Mirror Finish on Stainless Steel]] in the Sportsterpedia. \\
 +
 ===== Headlights ===== ===== Headlights =====
 The headlight mounting block and the brackets to bolt the headlight to the springer are fabbed from stainless steel. \\ The headlight mounting block and the brackets to bolt the headlight to the springer are fabbed from stainless steel. \\
 They were polished with a Dremil tool and hard compound specifically for stainless steel. \\  They were polished with a Dremil tool and hard compound specifically for stainless steel. \\ 
 |{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polishing_headlight_bracket_by_graywolf.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polishing_headlight_bracket_2_by_graywolf.jpg?​direct&​300|}}| |{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polishing_headlight_bracket_by_graywolf.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polishing_headlight_bracket_2_by_graywolf.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|
-|  Stainless headlight mounting hardware ((photo by Graywolf of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=2070932)) ((http://​xlforum.net/​forums/​showthread.php?​t=1920839)) ​ ||+|  Stainless headlight mounting hardware ((photo by Graywolf of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-styles/​sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/​194649-metal-polishing?​t=2070932))+((http://​xlforum.net/​forums/​showthread.php?​t=1920839)) ​ ||
 ===== Rocker Boxes ===== ===== Rocker Boxes =====
  
 |{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​rocker_top_before_buffing_by_biknut.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​rocker_top_after_buffing_by_biknut.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​89_rocker_box_top_by_engine.jpg?​direct&​300|}}| |{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​rocker_top_before_buffing_by_biknut.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​rocker_top_after_buffing_by_biknut.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​89_rocker_box_top_by_engine.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|
-|  Before - Removing oxidation - After ((photos by biknut of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=494417)) ​ ||After much scotch wheel, dry & wet sanding, \\ Scotchbrite and steel wool ((photo by engine of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?t=22604))| +|  Before - Removing oxidation - After ((photos by biknut of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/​ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/​72042-i-hate-aluminum-polishing-content?​t=494417)) ​ ||After much scotch wheel, dry & wet sanding, \\ Scotchbrite and steel wool ((photo by engine of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-styles/​sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/​13525-my-cleaned-up-rocker-boxes?t=22604))|
  
 |{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polishing_rocker_boxes_by_homer308.jpg?​direct&​300|}}| |{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polishing_rocker_boxes_by_homer308.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|
-|Ultra fine Scotchbrite on one side, \\ followed by aluminum polish on the other: ((photo by HOMER308 of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​threadid=925547))| +|Ultra fine Scotchbrite on one side, \\ followed by aluminum polish on the other: ((photo by HOMER308 of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/​ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/​104558-aluminum-polishing-new-method-for-badly-oxidized-parts?​threadid=925547))|
-===== Primary Covers =====+
  
 +===== Primary Covers =====
 |{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​primary_cover_polished_with_ultrafine_scotchbrite_by_homer308.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​primary_cover_polished_w_aluminum_polish_by_homer308.jpg?​direct&​300|}}| |{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​primary_cover_polished_with_ultrafine_scotchbrite_by_homer308.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​primary_cover_polished_w_aluminum_polish_by_homer308.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|
-|Primary cover polished w/ Scotchbrite and dishwater, \\ then with aluminum polish ((photos by HOMER308 of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​threadid=925547))||+|Primary cover polished w/ Scotchbrite and dishwater, \\ then with aluminum polish ((photos by HOMER308 of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/​ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/​104558-aluminum-polishing-new-method-for-badly-oxidized-parts?​threadid=925547))||
  
 This is an aluminum Evo derby cover, not chrome, but shined up nice. \\ This is an aluminum Evo derby cover, not chrome, but shined up nice. \\
-{{:​techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polishing_derby_cover_1_by_aussiegazza.jpg?​direct&​300|}} ((photo by AussieGazza of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=692835&​page=3)) {{:​techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polishing_derby_cover_2_by_aussiegazza.jpg?​direct&​300|}} ((photo by AussieGazza of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=692835&​page=3)) \\+{{:​techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polishing_derby_cover_1_by_aussiegazza.jpg?​direct&​300|}} ((photo by AussieGazza of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-motor-engine/​sportster-motorcycle-engine-conversions/​87710-aussiegazzas-rebuild/​page3?​t=692835&​page=3)) {{:​techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polishing_derby_cover_2_by_aussiegazza.jpg?​direct&​300|}} ((photo by AussieGazza of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-motor-engine/​sportster-motorcycle-engine-conversions/​87710-aussiegazzas-rebuild/​page3?​t=692835&​page=3)) \\
  
 ===== Cam / Gearcase Covers ===== ===== Cam / Gearcase Covers =====
 +This is also aluminum, not chrome but shines up nicely. \\
 +{{:​techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polishing_cam_cover_by_aussigazza.jpg?​direct&​300|}} ((photo by AussieGazza of the XLFORUM https://​www.xlforum.net/​forum/​sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-motor-engine/​sportster-motorcycle-engine-conversions/​87710-aussiegazzas-rebuild/​page3?​t=692835&​page=3)) \\
  
-This is also aluminum, not chrome but shines up nicely. \\ 
-{{:​techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polishing_cam_cover_by_aussigazza.jpg?​direct&​300|}} ((photo by AussieGazza of the XLFORUM http://​xlforum.net/​forums/​showthread.php?​t=692835&​page=3)) \\ 
 ===== Foot Controls ===== ===== Foot Controls =====
 ==== Shifter Linkage ==== ==== Shifter Linkage ====
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 The stainless was sanded down smooth to about 400 grit and then polished with Dremel tool and metal polishing compound. ​ \\ The stainless was sanded down smooth to about 400 grit and then polished with Dremel tool and metal polishing compound. ​ \\
 |{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​stainless_knife-shifter_linkage_by_graywolf.jpg?​direct&​300|}}| |{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​stainless_knife-shifter_linkage_by_graywolf.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|
-|  Shifter linkage shaped like a knife ((photo by Graywolf of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=911036&​page=3)) ​ |+|  Shifter linkage shaped like a knife ((photo by Graywolf of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-styles/​chopper-bobber-talk/​103615-sissy-bar-knife-issue/​page3?​t=911036&​page=3)) ​ | 
 ===== Forks ===== ===== Forks =====
- 
 |{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polishing_forks_1_by_flskevin.jpg?​direct&​200|}}|{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polishing_forks_2_by_flskevin.jpg?​direct&​200|}}|{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polishing_forks_3_by_flskevin.jpg?​direct&​200|}}| |{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polishing_forks_1_by_flskevin.jpg?​direct&​200|}}|{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polishing_forks_2_by_flskevin.jpg?​direct&​200|}}|{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polishing_forks_3_by_flskevin.jpg?​direct&​200|}}|
-|  Removing glue gum ((photos by flskevin of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=854678)) ​ ||| +|  Removing glue gum ((photos by flskevin of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-styles/​sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/​99662-polishing-lower-fork-tubes-revisited-w-photos?​t=854678)) ​ |||
  
 ===== Wheels ===== ===== Wheels =====
 The axle spacer tubes for the Rocker wheel are made from stainless steel heavy wall tubing and polished to look like chrome. ​ \\ The axle spacer tubes for the Rocker wheel are made from stainless steel heavy wall tubing and polished to look like chrome. ​ \\
 |{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polished_stainless_axle_spacers_by_graywolf.jpg?​direct&​300|}}| |{{techtalk:​ref:​svcproc:​polished_stainless_axle_spacers_by_graywolf.jpg?​direct&​300|}}|
-|  Polished stainless steel axle spacers ((photo by Graywolf of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=2070932)) ​ |+|  Polished stainless steel axle spacers ((photo by Graywolf of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-styles/​sportster-motorcycle-custom-finishing/​194649-metal-polishing?​t=2070932)) ​ |
  
 ===== Windshield Brackets ===== ===== Windshield Brackets =====
 |{{:​techtalk:​ref:​body:​detachable_windshield_lowering_bracket_3_by_girlsbike.jpg?​direct&​200|}}|{{:​techtalk:​ref:​body:​detachable_windshield_lowering_bracket_4_by_girlsbike.jpg?​direct&​200|}}| |{{:​techtalk:​ref:​body:​detachable_windshield_lowering_bracket_3_by_girlsbike.jpg?​direct&​200|}}|{{:​techtalk:​ref:​body:​detachable_windshield_lowering_bracket_4_by_girlsbike.jpg?​direct&​200|}}|
-|Homemade windshield lowering brackets with a polished brushed finish. ((photos by girlsbike of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=1313996&​page=2)) ||+|Homemade windshield lowering brackets with a polished brushed finish. ((photos by girlsbike of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-accessories/​127764-lowering-the-detachable-hd-windshield-without-cutting-it/​page2?​t=1313996&​page=2)) ||