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-   -   I need to grind and clean up an aluminum sculpture with a dremel (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=464252)

  • Apr 12, 2010, 11:28 AM
    gypsyjt
    I need to grind and clean up an aluminum sculpture with a dremel
    I have never used my dremel before. What accessory do I use and how do I use it?
  • Apr 12, 2010, 11:32 AM
    tickle

    Use the heave brass burr, but you will have to test and use a few attachments before you find one. Is this for the rough work, and then the polishing ?

    Which Dremel is it. I have two kinds, one small one I use for footcare and the other I use for for my stained glass work.

    Tick

    Tick
  • Apr 12, 2010, 11:42 AM
    Clough
    Hi, gypsyjt!

    How large is your aluminum sculpture and what exactly are you trying to clean up, please?

    I do agree with Tickle. Regardless of the job at hand, it will make a difference as to which Moto-Tool you have. Single speed, adjustable speed, attachments available, etc. I use a Dremel Moto-Tool a lot in some of the work that I do.

    Thanks!
  • Apr 12, 2010, 11:59 AM
    gypsyjt

    I have a Dremel 4000 with variable speeds. I have never used one before. I do not know the names of the attachments. If you can describe it to me it would be great. It is a fairly large, solid aluminum cat that we cast in school.
  • Apr 12, 2010, 12:00 PM
    gypsyjt
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by tickle View Post
    Use the heave brass burr, but you will have to test and use a few attachments before you find one. Is this for the rough work, and then the polishing ?

    Which Dremel is it. I have two kinds, one small one I use for footcare and the other I use for for my stained glass work.

    tick

    tick

    I don't know what a heavy brass burr is. It is a cat, fairly large, solid alumnium.
  • Apr 12, 2010, 12:08 PM
    Clough
    The brass brush might not be the thing to use in this instance, unless you're cleaning out edges and other tight fitting areas.

    Also, what are you trying to clean? Polishing it? Cleaning debris off it because of the manufacture of it?

    By fairly large, what do you mean, please? For instance, is it life sized?
  • Apr 12, 2010, 12:38 PM
    gypsyjt
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Clough View Post
    The brass brush might not be the thing to use in this instance, unless you're cleaning out edges and other tight fitting areas.

    Also, what are you trying to clean? Polishing it? Cleaning debris off of it because of the manufacture of it?

    By fairly large, what do you mean, please? For instance, is it life sized?

    It is almost as big as a small cat. I made it. We cast aluminum in school. I just have no idea about the Dremel. How to use the attachments.
  • Apr 12, 2010, 12:54 PM
    tickle

    Hi again, gypsy, there are many websites in Google that explain uses for the Dremel. Here is one that may help. If not, Google 'Dremel Use' and you will see many websites to pick from. It is difficult telling anyone how to use a Dremel.

    Get the Most out of your Dremel
  • Apr 12, 2010, 02:29 PM
    Clough
    Do you have an image of it already in your computer, gypsyjt?
  • Apr 12, 2010, 02:38 PM
    tickle
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Clough View Post
    The brass brush might not be the thing to use in this

    I wasn't referring to the brass brush, Clough, but the brass burr. Entirely different attachment.

    Tick
  • Apr 13, 2010, 04:06 PM
    Clough
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Clough
    The brass brush might not be the thing to use in this
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by tickle View Post
    I wasn't referring to the brass brush, Clough, but the brass burr. Entirely different attachment.

    Tick

    I'm sorry if I misunderstood you, tickle!
  • Apr 13, 2010, 04:29 PM
    KISS

    You can post a pic using Go Advanced/Manage attachments. You can re-size using IrfanView - Official Homepage - one of the most popular viewers worldwide.

    The Dremel probably will have limited use in this case, but I'll never know.

    Aluminum and stones don't get along well and are not recommended.

    The Sanding drums in various grits can be used to remove large burrs and bumps. The grit used depends on how big the bump is or how fine the surface is. Be prepared to change the drums a lot. There is a small and large drum available for the Dremel.

    Some of the engraving attachments can be used for the fine detail.

    Once the large Zits (bumps) are removed then it's really a time to sand with progressively smaller and smaller grits.

    80 Grit is really course and may or may not be needed.

    The flap sander (looks like a bunch of pieces of sandpaper) would be a good choice for contour sanding.

    A sanding sponge (Not a dremel attachment) could also help

    Once you get to 400 or 600 grit, the sandpaper is available as Wet or Dry sandpaper. You want to use it wet and keep rinsing in water.

    To remove the yellow haze in plastic car headlamps, I think I used up to 2500 grit and then a gritty polishing compound.

    12,000 grit is easily obtainable, but 400-600 may be adequate in your case.
  • Apr 13, 2010, 05:10 PM
    tickle
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Clough View Post
    I'm sorry if I misunderstood you, tickle!

    That's okay... I use my Dremel quite often for various duties; one is an attachment for cutting the zinc pieces I use for framing my stained glass, but not on aluminum but certain attachments can be used that's why I suggested the Dremel websites.

    Tick

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