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Finishing brass stock to mirror finish

2003

I have some 1 x 1/8 inch flat brass stock that I want to polish to a mirror finish. The stock has some roughness to it (extrusion irregularities?). I did a test on a section by sanding with a detail sander using 320, then 400, then 600, 800, & finally 1500 grit wet/dry paper. I sanded wet. I then buffed it using a Dremel [affil link] tool at low speed with a 1-inch cotton buff stating with brown tripoli [affil link], then green compound, then red jeweler's rouge [affil link]. The results were encouraging, but I had orbit marks from the sander. Also, not all of the extrusion irregularities were removed. How do I do this properly? Should I hand sand it first? Use a belt sander? Start with a coarser grit, maybe 220? Any suggestions would be welcomed.

Thank you,

Rich R [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Schenectady, New York

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October 31, 2009

Start with a cut & polish wheel, followed with an EXL deburring wheel. Then just buff it out and your done.

Jonny Grasselli
- Plymouth, Massachusetts