[Elecraft] Black Widow Paddle

[Paul Meier]

I build and repair 1911 semi-auto pistols.  All the internal parts are hand 
polished and they are much harder than brass.  You can do this while 
watching TV if you want as it's rather mind numbing.  Depending on the 
surface roughness start with the 600 and progress up by 200 gr each sheet. 
1000 should give you a pretty good surface finish.  As Don says if you want 
more shine go on up to 1600.  I've even gone to 2000 but really didn't see 
the benefit.  A power sander will roll the edges plus can cause other 
problems, really fast!

When I'm in the shop I use a marble tile to work on, 3/4" thick so it won't 
move.  In the house watching TV I use a board in my lap with a piece of 
glass on it.  Put the sand paper on the surface, wet it and go to polishing. 
I prefer to use oil on metals, the puddle lasts longer.  If you change your 
oil in your car then you have what it takes.  I've been using synthetic 
motor oil for years so this is what I use for the polishing media as I 
always have it on hand.

Pour a puddle of oil and go to it.  With the 600 and 800 you are trying to 
knock off the high points or rough cuts so polishing in a circle is ok.  You 
last few cuts of paper make sure you polish the long direction as it will 
leave a grain direction in the final product.  Taking out a swirl will drive 
you crazy.  This process will give you a bright as you want surface then 
remember with brass you have to coat it or it will tarnish.  A brass coat 
works, I've used clear epoxy spray or even car wax works.

As you can see it's an easy job just takes time.  Also using the oil I've 
never had to tape or glue the sand paper down.  Once it's wet on a flat 
surface it doesn't move.

Paul K7PM