[Milsurplus] Mirror finishing aluminum

[J. Forster]

Someone asked about mirror finishing aluminum, but the message seems to have
vanished.

Getting a mirror finish is quite easy. Make a trip to Home Depot. They sell
cloth wheels and arbors for a drill or drill press (easier) and some polishing
compound.  It comes in sticks about 1" diameter and 5" long. The package has a
grit chart. If the material is rough, you may need a course and fine grit. A
wheel per grit is not a bad idea.

Chuck up the wheel, apply some polish to it, and go at the aluminum. About a 6"
diameter wheel works well at about 1000 to 2000 rpm. You can get a mirror finish
on aluminum (and stainless) quite easily. You will need to experiment a bit with
pressure, etc.

Note: Do not wear loose clothing, long hair, rings, etc. GLASSES ARE A MUST. The
work can also fly out of your hands. BTW, the process is also pretty messy.

Good luck,
-John