Adding Bling - buffing the gear

[Dave S]

Hi John,

Polished aluminum on planes is a real eyecatcher and neat detail to set one's craft apart.

I don't have polished aluminum on my plane but I admire those who have because it is a neat a look and I know how much work goes into it.

FYI - we have two 50's vintage aluminum skinned planes at our field that are kept polished all the time. A person does need to invest time to keep that shine up.

Also have a person with a new kitfox build at the field with polished gear legs.

I don't know how much metal polishing work like this you have done before so if I ask a stupid question - just forgive me. Question is this - what kind of polishing compound do you have to use with the wheel? What kind of RPM do you have on the wheel?

I think you are on the right track - it's just a matter of working the surface with one grade of material before going to the next finer grade.

Sincerely,
Dave S
KF7 Trigear

Dave

[szicree]

Has anybody called grove to find out how they polish them??

[jdmcbean]

Has anybody called grove to find out how they polish them??

Grove does not polish them.... Elbow grease and patience.

[inzersv]

I just tried to call Grove, but they close at 1600 Pacific Time. I will call in the morning and let everyone know what I find out. I don't want to paint mine.

[szicree]

Thanks John. I just figured they'd have done it at least a few times to show off their product.

[Esser]

This article may help you out John
http://www.russellw.com/planes/ryan/polishing.htm

[War Eagle]

I used an air sander and 400 grit wet/dry paper, then I went to 600 grit and got all the swirls out of the gear. Then I used Flitz Aluminum polish to get the shine.Probably put about 10+ hours behind the air sander and about 4 hours with the Flitz.Without some power tools the job would be a killer.