Polishing cast iron

[DismalduncParticipant @dismaldunc]

   Hi again folks, Well I have completed my stuart 10V as my first ever project and it runs! (ok it did take a replacement cylinder and 3 attempts at making the crankshaft) But although I am happy with the machined finish on the cast iron ( i did iddy-biddy tiny finishing cuts) It still looks dull, now piccys I’ve seen online are so shiny they look almost chrome plated.

How is this acheived ???  is it real or is it photo-shop ?

 

once again thanks in advance for your time

 

Duncan 

[DismalduncParticipant @dismaldunc]

[Nicholas FarrParticipant @nicholasfarr14254]

Hi Duncan, fine grade wet-n-dry will bring cast to a shine, and then finish with a metal polish.

 

Regards Nick.

Edited By Nicholas Farr on 03/01/2011 12:26:54

[DismalduncParticipant @dismaldunc]

blummin heck.. thanks Nick I though there would be some high tech trickery to this, right then, Where is that pre-war tin of brasso ?

Dunc

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Just work through finer abrasives, better to use oil with the Wet and dry than water but I find you don’t really need it wet.

 

Jason

[Ian S CParticipant @iansc]

And before you go inside from the workshop, wash your hands.  The black leaves a mess everywear.  ian S C

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

> 3 attempts at making the crankshaft

 

Is that all – I still manage to screw up crankshafts after several engines!!! Though I must confess I managed the cylinder first time!

 

Neil

[DismalduncParticipant @dismaldunc]

Hi Neil, Yup I was really miffed, bored out the cylinder spot on, faced the ends just loverly, drilled the exhust hole spot on plus one of the steam ways. Then managed to drill through into the correct place on the second steamway but gave it a bit more stright into the other port bummer !

[Ian S CParticipant @iansc]

    Anothere thing you can polish with is toothpaste,  have used it for polishing samples of steel and cast iron for study under the microscope.  The stuff I’v got is those little tubes you get along with a brush on airlines–tastes awful. Ian S C

[Nicholas FarrParticipant @nicholasfarr14254]

Hi Ian, sounds logical, as I beleive one ingreedient of toothpaste is sand, milled into a fine powder.

 

Perhaps its the best use for your supply, being as it is in bad taste.

 

Regards Nick.

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