Need help with cleaning not-to-be-painted aluminum parts

[barsymes]

So I've done a lot of reading about getting the alox off the parts not to be painted such as the fence and aluminum table. I've gotten my table to an acceptable place using some very fine sand paper and very fine steel wool, but am now feeling this was probably too abrasive and would like to try a different a approach to the rest of the parts.

It seems most people use a very fine solid brass wire wheel for this job and I just had some specific questions about this as I am a complete noob:

1. Where do you find a fine brass wire wheel. I've looke at most of the hardware stores in my area with luck, I thought I had found some on Amazon and ordered them, however, upon further inspection these turned about to brass-coated steel and after using them appear to be a little too abrasive?

2. My 2nd question is about set up. Right now I have an 4.5" angle grinder that was given to me clamped to my table in a vertical position, and I'm running the piece across it in as straight of a line as I can, but you can imagine I'm getting some direction changes. Do most of you guys have a bench grinder, chuck into a hand drill or are you using SS? Just need some advice on how to wire wheel in a straight line as what I'm doing does not seem to be the best way.

I will post some pics later to show you what I've done so far.

Thanks again for all your help thus far.

[JPG]

So I've done a lot of reading about getting the alox off the parts not to be painted such as the fence and aluminum table. I've gotten my table to an acceptable place using some very fine sand paper and very fine steel wool, but am now feeling this was probably too abrasive and would like to try a different a approach to the rest of the parts.

It seems most people use a very fine solid brass wire wheel for this job and I just had some specific questions about this as I am a complete noob:

1. Where do you find a fine brass wire wheel. I've looke at most of the hardware stores in my area with luck, I thought I had found some on Amazon and ordered them, however, upon further inspection these turned about to brass-coated steel and after using them appear to be a little too abrasive?

2. My 2nd question is about set up. Right now I have an 4.5" angle grinder that was given to me clamped to my table in a vertical position, and I'm running the piece across it in as straight of a line as I can, but you can imagine I'm getting some direction changes. Do most of you guys have a bench grinder, chuck into a hand drill or are you using SS? Just need some advice on how to wire wheel in a straight line as what I'm doing does not seem to be the best way.

I will post some pics later to show you what I've done so far.

Thanks again for all your help thus far.

Brass wire wheels are not easy to find in yer typical hd/lowes type stores. I was fortunate to obtain one with a 10E acquisition. Perhaps someplace that sell polishing wheels etc. will have them(probably not a 'local' store.

Actually a fine steel wheel works almost as well. Got mine the same way as the brass one.

One thing to be aware of, as the crud gets removed, the alox will tend to polish. Any remaining debris(oil,grease...) will work against you. Increased pressure will break through the polished alox and create a lighter colored matte finish. Thus it is possible to acquire a mottled look due to localized break through. The 'fix' for that is to break through over the entire surface. Also direction of brush movement will produce different reflection patterns.

In any event, after finishing with the wheel, wax them(after cleaning off any remaining residue/oxide- acetone). The wax will reduce the shine a little.

[shipwright]

This works well but cover up including a face shield. Those little wires do get loose and turn into little darts.

[ATTACH]9841[/ATTACH]

Paul M

[JPG]

This works well but cover up including a face shield. Those little wires do get loose and turn into little darts.

[ATTACH]9841[/ATTACH]

Paul M

They also like to embed them selves in the bottom of yer feet if ya walk barefoot(or with socks) through the area prior to vacuuming them up. Yes, that is from first hand experience(s).

[barsymes]

This works well but cover up including a face shield. Those little wires do get loose and turn into little darts.

[ATTACH]9841[/ATTACH]

Paul M

Haha,

Yeah, I found a few of those little darts sticking out from my jeans after using my wire wheel, and shortly thereafter upgraded from protective goggles to faceshield.

Question? In your picture, what kind of wire wheel are you using? The piece you are working on is similar to the one I'm currently working on.

Thanks

[shipwright]

It's a cheap wire wheel you can buy anywhere. My results were great by my standards - the grot came off and the finish was shiny and uniform. Maybe too coarse a look for some?

Paul M

[JPG]

Paul: Is that a router mounted to the 10R table to your right and back?

BTW That looks like a piece on angle iron to me.

Are you using side washers on that wheel, or did it come that way?

Like that stove!

[JPG]

It's a cheap wire wheel you can buy anywhere. My results were great by my standards - the grot came off and the finish was shiny and uniform. Maybe too coarse a look for some?

Paul M

Grot? Is that salt sea air induced crud?

[beeg]

They also like to embed them selves in the bottom of yer feet if ya walk barefoot(or with socks) through the area prior to vacuuming them up. Yes, that is from first hand experience(s).

So quit walking on your hands.

[JPG]

So quit walking on your hands.

If only I could!:( When one of them varmits takes up residence, walking on hands would be a good 'workaround'!:rolleyes: Elsewhere that is!