[TheForge] finishing aluminum

[Dave Brown]

At 11:16 09/21/03 -0700, you wrote:
>I've just finished a batch of projects made of square aluminum tube.
>So, never having worked much with aluminum, I'm wondering how to have it
>looking really nice when I deliver it- am trying a stainless wire brush- is
>that the best way?
>Any suggestions welcome-
>Thanks!
>Andy G.

Andy,

The s/s wire brush will be good for the corners and hard to get to 
parts.  But if and where you can use one of those sandpaper flap wheels 
that you can put into the chuck of a drill.  Maintain a steady hand and run 
it lengthwise along the tubes.  It'll give you a nice brushed look.  You 
could probably use a small diameter s/s wire wheel, if you can find one, in 
your drill.  Use the s/s brush for the tight spots.

I haven't done this on aluminum, only on stainless tube and bar.  It works 
well there, so I figure it should work on the aluminum too.  Just don't 
bear down too hard and don't let the spinning flap sit in one spot too long.


Dave Brown
Heritage Smithing
Green Bay, WI
ABANA, UMBA, GoM, MODA, ARG