A couple members asked what my procedure was to get this finish so I'll try to explain the best I can.
All the sanding was done by hand with wet and dry sandpaper and a wooden block.
I used my own version of hobo oil ( synthetic oil and powdered teflon ) as the lubricant.
I started first with 600, then 1500 grit sandpaper.
As I stated I put a couple scratches in the tang while buffing it so ended up starting over.
I blocked out the scratches on the tang with 600 then did the entire action over again first with 1000 grit then 1500, 2000 and finally 2500 using the lube the entire time to keep it wet.
You can tell when each grit has done its job because the lube will no longer be dark black as it is no longer taking metal off.
I then buffed it with a bench grinder with a stitched buffing wheel attached.
I started with brown rouge first then green.
I did the final buff with Wenal polish designed for aluminum wheels etc.
I used this on my Bougets motorcycle back in the old days.
After buffing I rinsed it with brake cleaner to get all the residue off.
Then to finalize it I used just a dab of Wenal on a paper towel to clean it up and then buffed it with a soft terry cloth.
Total time sanding was about 3 + hrs, could have shorter if I hadn't started over.
Total buffing time was 30-40 min.
I may end up redoing my new Borden drop port when I get it back from Ronnie Long, that way I'll at least look good when I go to the line even if I don't finish well.
Lol....
All the sanding was done by hand with wet and dry sandpaper and a wooden block.
I used my own version of hobo oil ( synthetic oil and powdered teflon ) as the lubricant.
I started first with 600, then 1500 grit sandpaper.
As I stated I put a couple scratches in the tang while buffing it so ended up starting over.
I blocked out the scratches on the tang with 600 then did the entire action over again first with 1000 grit then 1500, 2000 and finally 2500 using the lube the entire time to keep it wet.
You can tell when each grit has done its job because the lube will no longer be dark black as it is no longer taking metal off.
I then buffed it with a bench grinder with a stitched buffing wheel attached.
I started with brown rouge first then green.
I did the final buff with Wenal polish designed for aluminum wheels etc.
I used this on my Bougets motorcycle back in the old days.
After buffing I rinsed it with brake cleaner to get all the residue off.
Then to finalize it I used just a dab of Wenal on a paper towel to clean it up and then buffed it with a soft terry cloth.
Total time sanding was about 3 + hrs, could have shorter if I hadn't started over.
Total buffing time was 30-40 min.
I may end up redoing my new Borden drop port when I get it back from Ronnie Long, that way I'll at least look good when I go to the line even if I don't finish well.
Lol....
