The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Brushed aluminum panels

2005

Any suggestions on procedure for following: want to get a waxed(thinking of using a liquid industrial water emulsion wax that we use on oxidized steel) or matte spray finish(clear)over 6061 and 63 aluminum precision cut plates that will be precision drilled and tapped to be assembled with butt joints for a kind of cubby hole unit. Some 3/8" pieces are 15" x 126" others 15 x 24" . 1/4" pieces are 12 x 12" and 15 x 24"

I was concerned about running uncut plate through sander or brush wheel stationary unit as it will likely get scratched being moved around CNC saw. However some of the cut pieces are rather small for a run through on stationary machine. Also as I want crisp tight joints I don't want sander to round of edges or if not a dead accurate machine to taper a bit at edges. Above would be subbed out.

I have found it difficult in my limited experience with raw aluminum to get an even smudge proof result. It seems no matter how much you sand etc and solvent clean there is always something coming off on the rag. As this is actually a clothes cubby I want a clean finish.

Alternatively I could(reluctantly) hand belt sand with belts and subsequently Scotchbrite belts and finish with our hand held shop made stack wheel brush sander.

Thank you

Undecided

Norm

Norm Stavin
- Amaganseett, New York

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For the best results you need a belt type system and preferably a pass through. Another problem is that unless you coat the end product, you will continue to get oxidation residue, no matter how clean you work the material.

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
2005