Polishing stainless steel after fabrication

[sarabande]

How practical is it to polish to a reasonably decent shine by hand, pls ?

I have various linishing wheels for the variable speed polisher, but there are many nooks and crannies near welds and crossovers that will look out of place if I can't make them shiny.

What kit (abrasives, rouges, etc) will I need ?

 

[coopec]

How practical is it to polish to a reasonably decent shine by hand, pls ?

I have various linishing wheels for the variable speed polisher, but there are many nooks and crannies near welds and crossovers that will look out of place if I can't make them shiny.

What kit (abrasives, rouges, etc) will I need ?

I'm sure you would get a decent job without too much trouble but it would depend a lot on what tools you have. I've done lots of polishing work as the metal used in fabrication is normally satin finish.

If you have lots of nooks and crannies a dremel would be handy. (I use a die grinder but then I have a 15 cu ft compressor)

 

[PCUK]

Recent PBO article covered all you need to know! Google Abracs stainless finishing wheels for use on mini grinder. also hard polishing mops for use with mini grinder.

 

[lw395]

Depends what state it's in to start with.
You may want to start with a file!
Very often, working down through a few grades of w&D paper is a good method if you don't have a high powered bench polisher.
I have a stitched fabric wheel on a standard bench grinder for finishing off, using a blue soap compound.
Seems OK for most things.
Felt heads on a dremel are good for intricate bits.

 

[Graham376]

Pickling gel for welds (nasty stuff, some need antidote handy) and then buffing wheel on drill or Dremmel.

 

[Yngmar]

Floppy buffing wheel (no backing) that spins to shape at high rpm, and a big stick of polishing compound. It'll take on any shape and go around corners. That's how the very experienced stainless manufacturer did the welds on my stern arch and they're at all kinds of tight angles - the floppy disc just gets right in there and does the job. Makes an epic mess in the workshop, but it's quick and thorough.

 

[ctva]

I’ve polished quite a lot of fittings for the boat and used Metal Polishing Supplies UK Ltd . Good advice and kit for all polishing machines.