Polishing metal (quicker)

[Daverw]

A couple of years ago I went into a stainless fabrication shop and saw them use some sort of electric wand device for cleaning their stainless welds, not sure what it was but worked so quick, they say they never pickle anymore

 

[DownWest]

A couple of years ago I went into a stainless fabrication shop and saw them use some sort of electric wand device for cleaning their stainless welds, not sure what it was but worked so quick, they say they never pickle anymore

Electro polishing.

 

[rogerthebodger]

Electro polishing.

Electro polishing does not get the level of shine as mechanical polishing does but is easier.

 

[RunAgroundHard]

Electropolishing is a chemical bath polishing process, not an electrical wand. Electro wand cleaning machine looks like a small MMA welder with a wand that cleans stainless welds and avoids chemical baths but uses a chemical. Perhaps this is what was witnessed.

Electro Polishing

Electro Wand Polishing

 

[rogerthebodger]

Electropolishing is a chemical bath polishing process, not an electrical wand. Electro wand cleaning machine looks like a small MMA welder with a wand that cleans stainless welds and avoids chemical baths but uses a chemical. Perhaps this is what was witnessed.

Electro Polishing

Electro Wand Polishing

Yes but both do use some type of chemical and sone type of electrical supply as in the name of the process.

The chemical I use I apply with a brush without any electrical connection

Electro Wand Polisher

Electropolisher Stainless Steel Cleaning Machine

 

[PCUK]

A couple of years ago I went into a stainless fabrication shop and saw them use some sort of electric wand device for cleaning their stainless welds, not sure what it was but worked so quick, they say they never pickle anymore

That's OK for cleaning but it doesn't polish. Incidentally there are several You Tube videos showing how to make a simple DIY set-up that does work. Tried it but not suitable for my needs.

 

[PCUK]

Electro polishing does not get the level of shine as mechanical polishing does but is easier.

To be honest Roger if it is run long enough it will give a blemish free high polish finish, but it is a dangerous process due to the strong acids used so not something I could either afford or would want to dabble in.
I think the best product for stainless polishing is a bottle of high strength Elbow-Grease!

 

[rogerthebodger]

To be honest Roger if it is run long enough it will give a blemish free high polish finish, but it is a dangerous process due to the strong acids used so not something I could either afford or would want to dabble in.
I think the best product for stainless polishing is a bottle of high strength Elbow-Grease!

I fully agree with you and it's the mechanical polishing I do and still think is the best. and time

Having gone through numerus polishing tools and processed like to ensure a flat surface you I still stick to mechanical polishing using the kit it posted early and several heavy-duty angle grinders.

I moved on from using 50mm flap wheels to 5 inch flat flap pads.

I have some polishing of some 3 mm thk plat plate with flanges bent thus leaving bend marks to be removed.

Once I get it polished, I may post some pictures

 

[PCUK]

I don't think there's any right or wrong way to sand and polish stainless. It's what we each find the best and easiest. However we do it we can both agree (as you said) it takes time and the longer the time the bette the finish!

 

[cherod]

I don't think there's any right or wrong way to sand and polish stainless. It's what we each find the best and easiest. However we do it we can both agree (as you said) it takes time and the longer the time the bette the finish!

Well actually there is a wrong way and if not done properly it will not just loose its shine but also can rust up pretty darn quickly

 

[PCUK]

You'll have to enlighten me on how to cause stainless to rust through polishing. Not something I've managed yet.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I would also like to know how polished stainless steel of a marine grade can rust after polishing as a film of chromium oxide forms in the presence of oxygen very quickly after polishing.

I generally use only 316 even above the waterline

 

[Gustywinds]

I would also like to know how polished stainless steel of a marine grade can rust after polishing as a film of chromium oxide forms in the presence of oxygen very quickly after polishing.

I generally use only 316 even above the waterline

Any lower grade like 303 or 308 will deteriorate in salt water and spray. I remember building a tooling system which used a huge number of Parker quick disconnects and the whole lot seized up after a couple of months. Turned out the supplier had delivered 308 rather than 316.

 

[rogerthebodger]

Any lower grade like 303 or 308 will deteriorate in salt water and spray. I remember building a tooling system which used a huge number of Parker quick disconnects and the whole lot seized up after a couple of months. Turned out the supplier had delivered 308 rather than 316.

It's like any design the designer must use specify the correct material comment with cost.

All my as cock ball valves or 316 3-piece construction so they can be dismantled for inspection

As is say it's all about the detailed design and as a Detailed Design Engineer for many years I think I know a little

I would consider using stainless steel for the plating of my hull if it was cost effective

Tere was a metal bost some tme ago tht was built od cupronickel metal MIG welded. No painting or antifouling needed the only downside was cost or the metal

Cu-Ni Boat Hulls are Free of Fouling

 

[Gustywinds]

It's like any design the designer must use specify the correct material comment with cost.

Oh, we had specified and paid for the 316 ones but supplier had made a mistake with delivery. When we checked into it the batch numbers on the units and the COC’s didn’t match.

 

[rogerthebodger]

Oh, we had specified and paid for the 316 ones but supplier had made a mistake with delivery. When we checked into it the batch numbers on the units and the COC’s didn’t match.

Yes, I had that happen sometimes when the company buyer ordered a cheaper and lower grade item

 

[thinwater]

The people that i have worked with previously have always had the good common sense to treat it with due respect but maybe the time has come to add the “ do not drink “ label .

You didn't read the post? The warning was that a splash of more than a few square centimeters of HF is well known to be potentially fatal, and this has happened far more than once? This is no joke, this is not a TV thing, and all of the posters that have used it in industry KNOW this to be true.

No one talked about drinking it. And laugh all you want. The concerns were heart felt and real.

Dilute, probably not that dangerous with suitable precautions. Personally, the new ASTM method uses citric acid (I'm pickling some welds as I write this) so I'm done with it.

In actual fact, I don't care that much about shiny stainless on a boat. I know how to treat metals and to get the appearance that is sought after, I'm just not that girly about shiny things. I'd rather sail.

 

[cherod]

You didn't read the post? The warning was that a splash of more than a few square centimeters of HF is well known to be potentially fatal, and this has happened far more than once? This is no joke, this is not a TV thing, and all of the posters that have used it in industry KNOW this to be true.

No one talked about drinking it. And laugh all you want. The concerns were heart felt and real.

Dilute, probably not that dangerous with suitable precautions. Personally, the new ASTM method uses citric acid (I'm pickling some welds as I write this) so I'm done with it.

In actual fact, I don't care that much about shiny stainless on a boat. I know how to treat metals and to get the appearance that is sought after, I'm just not that girly about shiny things. I'd rather sail.

Sure most of us would rather be sailing than polishing but the thread is about polishing , and yes sure under certain circumstances the chemicals involved can be dangerous ( they are acids after all , but , again , the thread is about use in the cleaning and polishing of SS not some / many / any other scenarios . To the best if my recollection no person has died or even been hurt in this use of this product so no need for any concern if used with some common sense , Ty

 

[PCUK]

I would also like to know how polished stainless steel of a marine grade can rust after polishing as a film of chromium oxide forms in the presence of oxygen very quickly after polishing.

I generally use only 316 even above the waterline

I'm more of a cheapskate and use 304 above the WL. No problems so far but it's no bad thing to over-specify.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I'm more of a cheapskate and use 304 above the WL. No problems so far but it's no bad thing to over-specify.

Yes I have used 304 for above the water line but don't mind the extra cost when it only for me

It like when people how much building boat cost. My answer id "I don't wish to know" so I have no idea.