ENG: DIY polishing small parts with a dremel

[TypeG]

don't expect to be good at polishing your first few times, you have to get a feel for it and train your eyes to see imperfections.
things you'll need:
dremel tool
sand paper (320g, 400, 600, 1000)...........you'll want a dust mask and latex gloves
metal polish
scissors & tape
cotton cloth
drill & buffing wheels
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db32b3127cce8936edbeb49700000016108Aas2zFi1buK
this is to show you how to give tiny and complex pieces a detailed polishing. you could use the dremel to polish big things, but it isn't very practical. in my opinion, it is good for detailed work that can't be done with an electric sander.
another thread on polishing (http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=13459&highlight=polishing+valve+cover)
in the pic below, you have the basic tools that come with a dremel, 2 barrel sanders and the felt polishing bit.....the other is a small metal rod that i made to fit the dremel (this piece is important for the fine details).
note: the sanding drums that come with the dremel are to course to polish with
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db32b3127cce8936e0a6f41100000016108Aas2zFi1buK
this is what the part looks like to start.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db32b3127cce8936d5ad35a800000016108Aas2zFi1buK
first, take a piece of 320g sand paper and cut it about this big (see below).
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db32b3127cce8936f418f4a500000016108Aas2zFi1buK
roll it on in a directional way (like in the pic) so it won't fly off the first time you touch it to the metal.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db32b3127cce8936edc4b4ed00000016108Aas2zFi1buK
then secure it with tape. wrapping it to in a directional way.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db32b3127cce89360a74758600000016108Aas2zFi1buK
on with the sanding. don't let the dremel sit still while sanding, keep it moving you can deform the metal or eat pits into it.
use the slowest speed it's fast enough
use the dremel just like you would a pencil in art class shading in a shadow....in a back and fourth even motion.
here is what it looks like after all pits are sanded out with 320g (note: the end is not sanded because it will be covered by a hose.)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db32b3127cce8936e8db755800000016108Aas2zFi1buK
to put sand paper on the rod, put a little piece of tape to hold it steady, then wrap it on and tape it down.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db32b3127cce89360a57f49500000016108Aas2zFi1buK
later.

[TypeG]

now sand with the 400, this is what it will look liike after
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db32b3127cce8936e52cb40100000016108Aas2zFi1buK
don't forget to use the different size drums with each step.
now 600...and what it should look like
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db32b3127cce8936f45975d400000016108Aas2zFi1buK
and finally the 1000g (the more time you spend on this step the better)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db32b3127cce8936efffb4d700000016108Aas2zFi1buK
on to buffing with metal polish (lots of buffing time is the key)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db32b3127cce8936e4bef40b00000016108Aas2zFi1buK
i use every buffing wheel i have for any advantages one may have over another
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db32b3127cce8936fe3c75b400000016108Aas2zFi1buK
tape a piece of cotton cloth to the little rod and use it to buff in areas the wheels couldn't reach
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db32b3127cce8936e085750200000016108Aas2zFi1buK
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db32b3127cce8936e184b4ab00000016108Aas2zFi1buK
later.

[TypeG]

after buffing this piece six ways to sunday, this is what i got:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db32b3127cce8936e4c4f47100000016108Aas2zFi1buK
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db32b3127cce8936ff5c354c00000016108Aas2zFi1buK
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db32b3127cce8936f06375ec00000016108Aas2zFi1buK
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db32b3127cce8936f46ef4d300000016108Aas2zFi1buK
different piece
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf23b3127cce957ab5d01a4400000026108Aas2zFi1buK
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf23b3127cce957ab5bb9b1f00000016108Aas2zFi1buK
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db30b3127cce8918756a44c400000016108Aas2zFi1buK
a starter i did using the dremel method and an orbital sander (below)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db30b3127cce8918775344fc00000016108Aas2zFi1buK
the power steering pump
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db38b3127cce89f63f7540cc00000016108Aas2zFi1buK
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6db02b3127cce898e47ad2dfa00000016108Aas2zFi1buK
later.

[ghettogeddy]

thats cool i will def have to start doing this no that im getting my polished valve cover, that and i have my water outlet done alredy as well

[carotman]

wow!

Nice work!

[gfrg88]

nice work, i think i might try and start polishing some of my parts too

[thegreatdane]

someone sure does have a lot of patience, they look absolutely spotless! great job

[reanimator420]

lots of hard work probally. how long did it take?

[aerokid1987]

WOW that is amazing!! I'm definitely trying that one dude... You rock

[Sporno]

ya know type-g i saw you on CB& tuner and saw your tutorials... i appreicate what you ae doing .. but what led you to 3geez?

[Baveara]

does it matter i think i may try that later anyway very sexy.

[AccordEpicenter]

excellent work and good write up!!

[bobafett]

do you have any suggestions on how to keep the metal looking like that? could a gloss coat of clear help? or do you just need to keep putting in elbow grease?

[speedpenguin]

That looks excellent! I'll have to remember that.
BTW your car is impressive.

[TypeG]

lots of hard work probally. how long did it take?
a few hours per piece. you will get a little dirty.

ya know type-g i saw you on CB& tuner and saw your tutorials... i appreicate what you ae doing .. but what led you to 3geez?
i just like hondas.

do you have any suggestions on how to keep the metal looking like that? could a gloss coat of clear help? or do you just need to keep putting in elbow grease?
just polish it with metal polish once in a while.
if you could get clear coat to stick, it would probably turn a yellowish-brown, but a clear powder coat may not be a bad idea.
thanks guys. later.

[lostforawhile]

do you have any suggestions on how to keep the metal looking like that? could a gloss coat of clear help? or do you just need to keep putting in elbow grease?
there is a product called Zoop seal,better automotive companies like the eastwood company carry it. I believe you seal eithier every six months or once a year,can't remember. it's not a polish,the part has to be polished first,but it protects polished surfaces. a lot of guys who have bikes use it. be warned it's not cheap at all. for that amount of work though,it's worth the money.

[lostforawhile]

here you go
http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=5158&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=ZOOP

[Gemini2003]

Wow, That's amazing... Thank you for the very informative write-up on this I think this should get a sticky! They look great.... I have lots of time to do that right now too! Thanx again!:) :) :)

[TheWatcher]

Damn, that's nice, but a lot of hard work.

I don't think I would have the patience to do that myself.

Peace.

[HondaBoy]

i've been slowly getting these wheels polished out in the same manner with a rotorly tool. i just havent gotten around to finishing them all up since they were so deteriorated from oxidation. lots of pitting and a lot of surface to make mirror finish. i think it'll be well worth the work when they are done. nice job on the engine parts. they look really nice and well done.
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v260/HondaBoySi87/th_d0ccc035.jpghttp://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v260/HondaBoySi87/th_ff0987c0.jpghttp://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v260/HondaBoySi87/th_0a6fc8c8.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/HondaBoySi87/d0ccc035.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/HondaBoySi87/ff0987c0.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/HondaBoySi87/0a6fc8c8.jpg

[Gemini2003]

I have some time on my hands here... If I undertake this for some of my parts how long will the shine last??? I'm looking at least 6-10 months of shine....

[TypeG]

the shine would take a long time to dull. it would never go back to the way it was cause you are sanding all the casting texture off. it would just haze up over time. just keep salt water and harsh chemicals away from it. polishing it once every six months should be fine, i just like to do mine more often. later.

[Gemini2003]

Thanks :-) That's good to know :-)

[Cheeseburger]

fucking sweet maN!