[Heathkit] Polishing aluminum part of SB-series escutcheon

[Garey Barrell]

Chris -

Nevr-Dull produces a mirror finish if you polish long enough.  The 
solvent in Nevr-Dull might also be strong enough.  The wadding turns 
black pretty quickly when rubbed on clean looking aluminum, long before 
polishing to a mirror finish occurs.It's been a long time since I've 
seen a Heath escutcheon, but I think I recall what you are describing. 

I'm assuming the problem with yours is not just a cleaning project.  An 
aggressive cleaner with a caustic base might be sufficient.  The solvent 
in Nevr-Dull might also be strong enough.  The wadding turns black 
pretty quickly when rubbed on clean looking aluminum, long before 
polishing to a mirror finish occurs.

A smooth, grained finish on aluminum can be gotten with a solution of 
lye, even Drano.  Certainly gloves are in order, and some sort of 
masking, (perhaps "red rubber" mask,) painted over the painted 
surfaces.  Although the dangers of reasonable concentrations of lye (or 
Drano) are vastly overblown, probably for liability reasons, you 
certainly don't want to get it in your eyes!

If more is needed, I guess I'd try a brass or even fiber wheel on a Dremel.

73, Garey - K4OAH
Atlanta

Drake 2-B, 4-B & C-Line Service CDs
<www.k4oah.com>



Chris Codella, W2PA wrote:
> Garey,
>
> I'll try it - but let me be a bit more specific.  You've probably seen 
> the SB-series dial.  It's not a mirror finish.  It's a brushed 
> aluminum kind of look, with the "grain" running horizontally.  Will 
> "Nevr-Dull" do it?  Or is it more for getting a completely polished look?
>
> Thanks,
> Chris
>
> Garey Barrell wrote:
>> OK.
>>
>> "Nevr-Dull" 'Magic Wadding Polish' will do a terrific job at 
>> polishing a metal surface.  I don't know if you can apply enough 
>> pressure with this cotton wadding twisted on a stick like a Q-Tip, 
>> but might work.
>>