Aluminum Enclosure Sanding
Hi guys. I'm starting to etch aluminum enclosures and I've seen, after extensive research, that it's a must to perfectly sand the face that will be etched.
So I've run into a few problems/questions, and as I didn't found answers elsewhere I've came here to ask you veterans. =)
1- How do you achieve a perfectly flat surface? Do you use sanding blocks, orbital sanders, etc.? How long does it takes?
2- Is wetsanding better than drysanding for aluminum enclosures? Why?
3- How do you get a reflective finish like this one below?
Any other recommendations will be very much appreciated. Thanks!
So I've run into a few problems/questions, and as I didn't found answers elsewhere I've came here to ask you veterans. =)
1- How do you achieve a perfectly flat surface? Do you use sanding blocks, orbital sanders, etc.? How long does it takes?
2- Is wetsanding better than drysanding for aluminum enclosures? Why?
3- How do you get a reflective finish like this one below?
Any other recommendations will be very much appreciated. Thanks!
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Looks good, but I can tell you it wont stay like that long unless it is clear coated afterwards. (it is on a motorcycle and open to the elements) and a guitar pedal will oxidize but slower.benobo wrote:3- How do you get a reflective finish like this one below?
http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_4491972_polis ... inish.html
It's fairly straight forward, if you want to start it , press start. You can work out the rest of the controls for yourself !
No silicon heaven ? preposterous ! Where would all the calculators go ?
No silicon heaven ? preposterous ! Where would all the calculators go ?
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Old thread but since I made the example above I wanted to answer.
It's hand sanded, 320, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1500 grit and then polished with Autosol. It's crucial to change sanding direction when going to the next grit. In that way you will see when you're done (no scratches in the previous direction).
It's hand sanded, 320, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1500 grit and then polished with Autosol. It's crucial to change sanding direction when going to the next grit. In that way you will see when you're done (no scratches in the previous direction).