Post by txchemist on Aug 5, 2020 10:41:16 GMT -7
There are many different part numbers on different vendors "sand" paper. Try to find out the actual grit size and
then you can cross-reference lots of good advice on polishing. I like to use the micro-mesh MX (silicon carbide) grit when doing Stainless steel. Much faster than 3M paper, but 3M would be just fine if you don't go with MX.
On my new axle, you might first go polish the underside of the head. You can get a feel for it and it's not super critical if you over polish. Then do the two bearing surfaces on the shaft. Take it easy- you do NOT want to over-polish and drop the diameter much.
If you start with a part with a nice shine, you can jump to a 9 micron grit for the first polish.
If ugly and deep tool marks, you may need to start with 25-30 microns. Then step though what you have until down to 2-3 micron. Some like to finish off with a 1 micron polish, but many claim going to Mothers Billet or Cheetah, or your favorite metal polish will take even a 3 micron surface down to less than 1 micron with a super nice shine. Be sure and clean whatever you use last with a super clean window cleaner- I would look for something cleaner than Windex- get no coloring - no perfume stuff. Then blow dry and do your Jig or whatever.
then you can cross-reference lots of good advice on polishing. I like to use the micro-mesh MX (silicon carbide) grit when doing Stainless steel. Much faster than 3M paper, but 3M would be just fine if you don't go with MX.
On my new axle, you might first go polish the underside of the head. You can get a feel for it and it's not super critical if you over polish. Then do the two bearing surfaces on the shaft. Take it easy- you do NOT want to over-polish and drop the diameter much.
If you start with a part with a nice shine, you can jump to a 9 micron grit for the first polish.
If ugly and deep tool marks, you may need to start with 25-30 microns. Then step though what you have until down to 2-3 micron. Some like to finish off with a 1 micron polish, but many claim going to Mothers Billet or Cheetah, or your favorite metal polish will take even a 3 micron surface down to less than 1 micron with a super nice shine. Be sure and clean whatever you use last with a super clean window cleaner- I would look for something cleaner than Windex- get no coloring - no perfume stuff. Then blow dry and do your Jig or whatever.
