Powerball can only do so much...

I

imported_StudyBuddy

New member
Let me start off by saying I have a set of cast aluminum Axis wheels with a pretty deep lip. I used Aircraft stripper to remove the clear from them over a year ago and now it is time to polish them up again. The last time I polished them I only used a Powerball and Mag & Aluminum polish. It really didn't get under my wheel spokes like I wanted so this time I would like to try something different.



What machines should I be looking at, angle sanders or rotarys?? I could also use a good recommendation on what kind of pad I should use, preferably something that is sturdy around the edges so I can apply pressure. Also, I just got an air compressor and if it is possible I would like to use it with the right machine to do this job.



I've included a pic of the wheels to give an idea of the angles I will be working with. You can sort of see how the wheel spoke is pushed out, leaving an area that can't be reached easily underneath. Thanks in advance for the help!



angleside2.jpg
 
the mini powerball is great for wheels like that. I also have a decent set of other long brushes that can bend and mold into tight places like that. The regualer powerball really isn't all the useful unless your just working on large flat surfaces. I doubt you'd get to far with a rotary in there. Just to big and cumbersome to get into the nooks and cranies of the wheels.
 
I meant to mention that the powerball I used was a mini. It was alright for the outside of the lip and the middle parts, but wouldn't fit under the spokes. I want something that works with my air compressor also for more power than a battery powered drill can provide.
 
At first the Dremel idea sounded crazy... but now that I'm looking at bits I'm starting to change my mind. I needed to invest in one anyway and now I have an excuse to. :xyxthumbs



I think I'll give this a try and report back.
 
StudyBuddy said:
At first the Dremel idea sounded crazy... but now that I'm looking at bits I'm starting to change my mind. I needed to invest in one anyway and now I have an excuse to. :xyxthumbs



I think I'll give this a try and report back.
Click to expand...





I thought you wanted a air powered tool

that's why I said a die grinder



do you know that a die grinder is basically a air powered dremel?
 
BigJimZ28 said:
I thought you wanted a air powered tool

that's why I said a die grinder



do you know that a die grinder is basically a air powered dremel?
Click to expand...



Die grinder is just bigger and has a bigger chuck. I would go with a die grinder. Nice wide variety of bits available for you...
 
I don't have much experience with air tools and only got a little bit of info on die grinders from searching the web.



When you say they come in all sizes, are they handheld or just stationary for a work bench?



Should I just go to Sears and start looking or does anyone have a link I can follow to read up on this more?
 
May I suggest the wool polishing ball that autogeek sells? I use it with a corded drill and its great for areas that my rotary cant get to, or really deep rims like the back wheels of my dually.



but if you can at all costs get a rotary and wool pad to fit where you need it to, use that.
 
Die grinder would be a heck of alot easier than a dremel. A dremel is an awesome tool and if you don't have one, get one, but for this application it'll take forever! A good die grinder with some buffs will make your life a lot easier. And for God's sake, don't buy a piece of crap at Harbor freight, buy a real tool. It'll work better, last longer, and be cheaper in the long run. Just my opinion, but tools are not the place to cheap out. Here's a link to some buffs that won't fall aprt the first time you use them. https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/p-14478-17988.aspx
 
Try a corded drill with good power, you can get cotton like wheels that work well. youll also need this tool that unclogs the wheel of polish it has two handles and metal teeth. Let me know If you want some pics of my setup. good luck kerwin
 
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