Hi,

I've struggled with the same problem. I have hand sanded with emery,
wet and dry (done wet with a little detergent added) and plain old sand
paper. Working through grits to remove the inevitable deeper
scratches/gouges.

I have also use random orbit sander, that works quite well.

IU have used 3 grades of Scotchbrite pads, maroon, grey, and white. The
white is too fine (doh).

But the problem i have had is what to do with the surface after getting
the finish you desire. I couldn't afford on my projects to have the Al
anodised, and I haven't found a laquer that will work on Al.

If you don't treat the surface you'll always get black marks from the
Al. Maybe that's not a problem for you.

Alistair

'82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94
http://www.members.shaw.ca/albell/

On 11-Mar-05, at 2:36 PM, Jeffrey Earl wrote:

> Thought I'd pose this to the all-knowing list, as I
> know we count many experienced metal-workers among our
> ranks. This project has nothing to do with Vanagons
> other than the fact that once I finish it, I will
> again be allowed to go Westy camping.
>
> I have some 1x1x48" aluminum 90-degree angle stock,
> purchased from the local hardware store, to which I
> want to apply a brushed-metal finish such as that
> commonly seen on stainless steel, rather than it's
> normal dull gray surface. I've considered building a
> small jig or guide to be attached to my drill press,
> to allow me to slide the 48"-long stock against a wire
> wheel or similar.
>
> Common hardware-store choices include:
> Brass wire wheel
> Steel (stainless?) wire wheel
> Sandpaper-flap wheel
> Sandpaper drum
> 3M-type Scotch-Brite abrasive plastic wheel
> etc.
>
> It needs to be something affordable and commonly
> available to the home user.
>
> Would appreciate any and all comments or suggestions.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Jeffrey Earl
> 1983 diesel Westfalia "Vanasazi"
> http://www.vanthology.com/
>
>
>
>
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