
plating, anodizing, & finishing Q&As since 1989
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Lathe polishing of motorcycle rims
2001
RFQ: Looking for semi-automatic wheel polishing lathe to polish automotive and motorcycle wheels in high volume.
I would appreciate any help.
Thanks,
Tony Pena- Miami, Florida
Ed. note: Sorry, this RFQ for private contact is now outdated, but public technical replies are still welcome. No public brand/source suggestions please ( huh? why?)
Q. I have taken on the task of polishing solid aluminum rims for motorcycles. I have a polishing lathe but find doing them by hand with various buffs and rouges works the best. Hoping someone had advice on how to polish on a variable speed lathe, to a mirror finish.
Greg Mendoza- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
A. Doing them by hand sounds the best way to shorten process time get 3M in, call the local rep; and use a belt sequence using trizact belts these go down as fine as 2400# and can be used dry you get the belts to do the hard work and then finally use a mop to give optical polish depending on the surface finish of the casting say start with 120# then use A110(180#) then A80 (240#) then A60 (360#) then A30 (800#) finally mop with finishing compo polish with a clean duster and use talcum powder to remove grease marks from the polishing
Regards,
- Gloucestershire, England

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