A simple finish that gets second looks
There is no magic to obtain this finishing method, but it
does require a little patience if it's going on a show piece.
This is just a rack for my anvils so it's a little skimpy. I'm
sure you have noticed sanding type finishes on art or buildings.
It has all kinds of swirls and gives a nice texture. Very
pleasing to the eye. I look at this as an alternative to "engine
turning".
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I don't use a sanding disc though. I have had better luck
with 3M pads. They come in different grits and I think give off
a better finish. I just bounce the disc in repetitive pattern
and hope for the best.
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After I finish going one way, I'll switch directions and
bounce it back to give it a cross hatch look. I have
experimented with all kinds of patterns and they all look pretty
good. You can do curved textures, etc., etc. One word of advice,
do it all at the same time. I spent a couple of hours developing
a pattern for my fuel tank. (Practice on the side you are not
going to use.) Anyway, I closed up shop and when I came back the
next day, I couldn't duplicate the same exact pattern. There is
a definite tempo and maybe it was the music I was listening too,
but all I could do is come close. Different grades of the 3M
wheel will also affect the finished look. After discovering how
simple it is, I can't resist putting a finish on items I build.
Another side benefit is it will also cover up blemishes. It can
also look a lot better than the job I did here.
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Here is the finished product. A coat of clear will finish it
off. I'll do that when I paint the wheel.
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Handy place to store my soft wheel. It's a cut down forklift
tire.
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Alternative Chuck Key
If you need to run your jaws in and out, out and in, use an
electric screwdriver. I have a socket adaptor that fits into my
driver and chuck. Nothing special. It will give your wrists a
break and get it done a lot faster.
IMPORTANT: You need to remember
to tighten the chuck with the regular chuck key when your part
is in position.
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Torque Multiplier
I couldn't get enough bite with the Allen wrench I had for my
tool post, so it needed to be a little longer. I had some 1" bar
laying around and it looked about right. The Allen wrench is not
very smooth by design and this also helps with the grip. I bored
it a few thousands smaller than the measurement across the
corners of the wrench. It's a good time to get some practice
with your knurling. Put some on it with a couple of grooves at
each end. A full radius on the end will make it easier on the
hands. You should be able to tap it onto the Allen wrench. Mine
has been on for 15 years, so i guess it works.
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-- Dick
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