Polishing Equipment / Polishing Supplies

[Shuriken]

I am aware of the great threads on polishing. I'm wondering if anyone has experience in polishing by conventional elbow-grease methods versus bench buffers and polishing compound?

When I polished my 80g, I got very good results using sand paper and going progressively finer.

However, I think I may be able to really get the mirror shine if I use a bench buffer, the right wheels, and the right compounds.

Should I stick to the sandpaper method and finish with polish or buy a bench buffer, supplies, and polish the removable parts on the 79sf solely with the buffer?

Will the right wheel/compound combo really take out the deep oxidation like sand paper?

I'm really strongly considering getting a ~100$ bench buffer and giving it a try. If I can match the sandpaper method with less elbow grease, I'd fork out the cash.

Presently I don't have time to do a frame up, so I'd be removing parts like valve cover, timing cover, generator cover, clutch cover, carbs/tops, rear peg assemblies, front forks, etc., - whatever is removable.

As for the cylinder/head, I've been using a sponge wrapped in emery cloth with good results between fins. I havent found dremel/drill polishing supplies that are durable enough.

Ben

[prometheus578]

Just spend a week or so resurrecting an '80 xs850 for my brother to ride when he visited last week. That included new paint and polishing the aluminium.
Bought a polisher from harbor freight, as I didn't have the time to do it all by hand as I usually do.

8" grinder/buffer, it was. 3/4 hp, 3600 rpm. Think it was $67.
bought a couple o' buffin' wheels and several grades of compound. Worked great, wheel didn't slow a bit regardless of how much I leaned into it. (Eye protection and breathing mask a must!)
Still... I prefer the gradual sandpaper, steel wool/mother's polish routine for course areas, till smooth. Then shall use the buffer for the final glow.
This buffer machine.... has an elongated shaft on the buffer side to give you more room to move the piece around without hitting the buffer motor housing, etc.
oxidation disappears in a flash.
Lower fork tubes look like chrome.

[Shuriken]

Exactly what I was hoping to hear. I really want the chrome look. Maybe I can use both sandpaper/elbow grease and finish off with the buffer.

Ben

[Buckb]

Hi Ben, This is Buck in Georgia. Polish by hand or polisher with a good chrome/alum polish then us a rubber wheel. The rubber wheels bring the alum to a mirror like finish. We were told about this method by a company near here that specializes in polishing metals. We bought several different size and shape rubber wheels (attach to a drill) at a flea market tool section. Good luck, Buck