Polishing Aluminum

firefinder · Post by **firefinder** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 5:49 pm

I have a couple of vibratory tumblers I use for cleaning brass for reloading, and was thinking of trying some of the smaller parts like the handles for the locks, etc. in one of them with crushed walnut and cleaning compound, and one with crushed corn cob and cleaning compound.

It does an excellent job on tarnished brass cases, or nickel plated cases. I expect it should do a good job on the SS parts.

Anyone restoring a vintage SS tried a tumbler to clean the small aluminum pieces?

iaokie · Post by **iaokie** » Sat Jul 30, 2011 7:54 pm

Yes tryed it last week and it didn't seem to make a big differance
I didn't leave it in overnight though just for about 3 or 4 hours

robinson46176 · Post by **robinson46176** » Sat Jul 30, 2011 8:43 pm

I like a fairly fine bristled wire wheel about 6" in dia. It will clean out the knurled areas and the like pretty well. I kind of like the brushed finish. I have used a buffing wheel on some of the stuff but it will not clean out the textured surfaces well. For coarser cleaning I really like the 3M type BBQ "D" handled pads from Wally World. I also get a lot of use from really coarse steel wool and prefer those two over sanding to break the glaze on the old paint before repainting.

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