Finishing Off Jagged Edges inside boat

[Splash]

Thanks Owen.

This is a reason why I have raised it on this Forum becuasue I do not feel comfortable using the grinder from this point onwards as getting to these hard to get at locations may introduce error and bad consquences..


It is good to gauge how others do it - great key learnings!

Splash.

[Owen]

Splash,
without seeing the area you wish to finish it's hard to say what to use.
The options I'd recommend are.

• What is know as an "AC" disc. It's grinding wheel designed for aluminium and stainless. Won't clog, but wear faster than a standard grinding wheel. They conme in grits 36, 46 & 60 typically. Go for 36 grit. Just ask for a 4 inch AC36 disc at an abrasives shop. They'll be a couple of dollars each.
• A polifan or "flapper disc". These are a disc with many pices of sandpaper glued to them in layers. As one is worn it exposes the next. For stock removal go for a 24 or 26 grit. Ask for zirconia (they'll be blue usually). Dependiing on brand & grit size they'll cost from $4 to $10 each for a 4 inch.
• A power file is a good option as they are so handy for other stuff. Once again ask for zirconia belts. A little tip is to use a bit of soap or wax on them to help reduce clogging (if you aren't going to weld - the wax has to be cleaned off otherwise). Also you can get blocks like erasers that remove the clogging (a piece of hard plastic will work too). Just run the sanding disc or belt and wipe the plastic across it.
• A rotary burr for tight corners. These need a high speed tool or die grinder. If you only have a drill then get a high speed steel burr, not tungsten carbide. Tungsten carbide burrs will fracture their teeth off if you spin them too slow or let them chatter. Pricing from $20 - $60 depending on shape & material.

Forget about rotary stones that are typically sold with "Dremel" tools. They just clog on ally. If you must use one of these tools, go to an abrasive shop with your tool and ask for some Polirolls and/or drum sanding arbors & belts for it.

[Owen]

Have a look at this link for aluminium abrasives & tools.

http://www.rueggeberg.com/html_e/download/praxe_al.pdf

and this one for stainless stuff.

http://www.rueggeberg.com/html_e/download/praxe_es.pdf

should help you decide on what type of tool to use.
Just remember "He who dies with the most toys wins"

[finga]

Those flapper wheels Owen describes are brilliant.
I get them in the box of 20's or 25's.
I rarely use a 'normal' grinding wheel now just because of the dangers Owen describes.
All my 'grinding', or stock reduction, now is done with the flapper
Don't forget the dust mask as well.

[Splash]

Thanks boys - looks liek I have somehomework to do with calls to Bunnings!