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Brushing stainless steel bar stock

August 27, 2008

My company makes custom cabinets and millwork. In the process I often buy brushed stainless steel for trim (typical pieces are 1/4" x 3/4" by ~8 ft. The local metal fabricators charge about $10/ft for such product - obviously I could buy just the bar stock for less than 1/4 of the price if I could finish it myself. What would be a good way to put on a #6 brushed finish (I probably buy 2000/ft yr). I spend so much money on this product I wouldn't have issue with spending up to 5K on equipment if it were to enable me to brush the stainless myself quickly

Bob Crane
buyer - Houston, Texas

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Hi, Bob. Brush finishes are usually done with a large belt sander, often called a Timesaver because that's a common brand name. You can probably get a good used one within your budget, but you may spend a lot of time and effort learning the craft. Automated equipment which produces such a finish without skilled craftspeople would cost far beyond your budget and would only be sensible for very high production.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
August 28, 2008

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I agree somewhat with Ted; however, he may not know that Timesaver does make an 8" wide belt system. Using a non-woven belt should get you consistent results you are looking for, if you run and control the proper pressure and belt life.

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
September 2, 2008

 

I've used zirconia belts recently on a hand held sander for medium size projects and find it very labor and belt supply intensive. Is this the best abrasive for brushing stainless 304? Are carbide or diamond belts available? Would they be more efficient?

Adam Baker
- Calabasas, California
December 1, 2008

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September 23, 2009

Just to clarify a #6 finish is specified as a 'matte' surface finish. #4 is a standard brush finish. Anyhow, if you are talking about a brushed finish
Cheap and manually, for straight pieces, you can construct a wood channel (wide enough to hold a belt-sander in between), fasten the part to be "grained" to a stationary solid surface in between the wood channel, run a belt sander along the entire length of the metal surface. The key is DO NOT contact the round drive/follow belt rollers on the part by tilting the belt sander up/down! only contact the stainless with the flat part of the sander. A bit of practice will help. Try different combinations of different grit abrasives to get the desired "brush" finish.
36 grit to remove the mill-scale followed by 120 or 220 is a good start. Finish with a red scotchbrite belt to deburr and blend.
Electropolishing will also brighten, deburr, clean and increase corrosion resistance.
If you are inclined you can design and build your own "Timesaver" for 5-10k

Cliff Kusch
electropolishing shop - North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada