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Right machines for polishing aluminum?

 

I am interested in what folks recommend in the way of -other-than-elbow-grease powered equipment to polish aluminum as is used on tractor trailers. What's best, little Dremel ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] or side grinders or buffers; what speeds; what size wheels? Big tanks seem to require big heads while the angles and tight spaces around lug nuts require small ones. Am I talking more than one machine as the answer? There has to be something better than an index finger and a terrycloth towel!

Also, I heard once that after polishing aluminum one can really enhance the finish by removing the black residue with something like plain flour or baby powder or something similar. Anybody know what or if true- it seems to make sense.

Thanks,

B Wilson
- Wilmington, North Carolina

When I finish Using the *"airway cutting Pads on aluminum fuel tanks and wheel,i wipe it down with my ballbusters best aluminum polish,then I take the polish off with flour on a rag.it dries it up and helps pull the residue out of the pores. thanks Rick

richard Masculine
Polish Shop - montgomery, New York