Metal Polishing help!

[steve2k7]

Hi guys n gals,

I've started a project which is turning out to be a messy affair. I wanted to strip some anodised aluminium back to the metal and then polish it to a mirrored finish. So far I've been using a combination of oven cleaner (to strip off the anodised layer, then heavy sandpaper to light sandpaper. It's a very messy process and most of all its very time consuming.

So my question is what is the quickest way to do it? I was going to invest in a metal buffer/polisher but I'm not sure what's the best to go for then what I need in terms of accessories such as polishing mops/cutting compounds etc. I'd like to do this as cheap as possible but looking at all options really.

Thanks
Steve

 

[kevplumb]

I wanted to strip some anodised aluminium back to the metal and then polish it to a mirrored finish.

it will tarnish that fast your feet won't touch

 

[Belle427]

may be worth taking it to a metal polishers by the time you have bought all the gear,have a look in your yellow pages

 

[hogster]

Have to say I agree with ch427,try a local polishers,those home kits aren't up to much,plus you'll end up sha*ging your electric drill in the process,I might be wrong, but a polisher will just polish off the anodising as part of the job,may be worth getting the item lacquered though unless you have shares in solvo autosol

 

[crazycanuck]

anodizing is a process of electric changing of the aluminum surface creating a hard or soft surface depending on the power and time used.
try in a small area first liquid plummer or other liquid drain cleaner be careful caustic (wear glasses and gloves) after it sits for a few minutes wipe clean and rinse well if left to long aluminum will etech.
good luck