Whats the best way to polish and smooth metal ?

nyforester

November 13, 2009 06:59

Hey guys

I am working on an old Ithaca side by side. Some of the parts have rough edges that I want to smooth and polish. I do not want to take any material off, just clean and smooth them out a little.

Any ideas, suggestions ???

Thanks,
Pete

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  WarGames

  November 13, 2009 07:17

  I throw them in my tumbler.
  
  WG

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  OleDuk

  November 13, 2009 08:13

  Which parts, forester? Be careful,if you're talking about internal parts, to not change any angles, engagements, or holes, etc. If the fits get sloppy you might end up with a dangerous gun. That being said, to preserve flats I often use a piece of plate glass or a flat piece of metal on the bench top with a piece of wet-or-dry sand paper (silicon carbide abrasive) on top of the flat plate and carefully hone away the problem. A set of needle files is helpful also.
  Now read the second sentence above another time!!
  
  Good luck,
  
  OleDuk[:)][:)]

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  beantownshootah

  November 13, 2009 12:05

  Dremel.
  Felt bob.
  Jewellers rouge.
  Be CAREFUL.
  
  http://www.hobbytool.com/polishingcompounds.aspx

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  Fatstrat

  November 13, 2009 12:50

  Crocus cloth?

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  nyforester

  November 13, 2009 14:54

  Thank you all. Yes - I am very aware and do not want to make a danderous gun. I am not looking to file anything or take material off. I just want to smooth roughness. I will try an abrasive cloth and see how that does first.
  Thanks,
  Pete

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  nononsense

  November 13, 2009 16:01

  nyforester,
  
  What ever you do, forget using a Dremel or anything similar unless you want to risk ruining your parts. Most folks don't have the dexterity or experience to use one without ruining edges and straight lines.
  
  If you use crocus cloth or some sanding type paper/material, be sure to use a hard flat backing for it to keep the edges nice.
  
  Best.

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  nyforester

  November 14, 2009 05:02

  THANX [:)]

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  rhmc24

  November 14, 2009 09:44

  Some good advice and some less so above. If you have never done any of this before, try some of the ideas on same kind of scrap metal that won't matter how it goes. When you have demonstrated to yourself the skill you need for your job, chances are it will turn out OK. Been there, dozens of times before tackling something new - done that!

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