Ball Burnishing

[Jason Cook]

Hello again all! So I have a number of Zaskars although my current project is a very well preserved 1991 zaskar I have fresh decals waiting in the wings and a period correct group set that’s pretty much NOS I would really love to get the frame re ball burnished although I’m struggling to find a place with a big enough ball burnisher machines! I found some places that offer ceramic burnishing which will do the same thing but same problem not big enough does anyone know anything I’ve already tried auto sol and wet and dry in descrere please but would love to do a full factory rebuild! I’m UK based and don’t mind shipping within EU.

 

[dongward]

Re:

Not an expert in the matter by any means but could you not DIY this and use some steel wool in finer grades, then get some polishing bar on a dremel/drill polishing bit and go to town to get that sparkled finish? I guess a clear coat lacquer could then seal it in..? Happy for someone with experience to chip in here!

 

[Jason Cook]

Re:

I have tried polishing although with barnishing it leaves micro dimples on the shined surface its a minor detial although its the more futureproof way of polishing as it lasts alot longer and also will take any surface marks out also

For this reason I was going to stick to ball burnishing :S

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR RESONCE THOUGH <3

 

[Bimly]

Only ever done this on old bsa engine cases, I used supersheen. However, I can see the size issue being a problem. Have you considered getting it polished on a wheel by a company, possibly after vapour blasting?

 

[Jason Cook]

Re:

Hi! Thanks for your reply and words of wisdom! I did try supersheen although they wouldn’t do it I did speak to a gent in Shermic I think they’re called who’s keeping an eye out for me as they trade in these machines and I think he’s waiting for a super XXL one to come in to test on my frame before selling but it’s no garentee this will happen due to scarcity... really wanted to go with ball burnishing as it leaves a very microscopic pattern on the surface and also wanted to stick to the original specs if you do hear anything it would be great to get it documented down as I know tonnes of zaskar owners want this kind of thing done but nobody does it... I think for obvious reasons LOL

 

[bjellys]

I have just finished polishing a GT LTS 3 which turned out really well I used polishing mops on a bench grinder. Like this https://www.metalpolishingsupplies.co.u ... ffing-kit/
Also a small handheld grinder with a felt mop on.
Like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/3pcs-100mm-4-I ... 0cQAvD_BwE
I used them in combination with solvo autosol t cut and metal polish.
You.Could just use the angle grinder if you wanted or buy a s/hand bench grinder and a polishing kit off EBay and use both.

 

[Jason Cook]

Re:

Heheyyy, that looks pretty sweet I have some auto sol knocking about I’m on my way to screw fix to grab some buffing pads as we speak!! I’ll post some images of my findings ^.*

 

[bjellys]

Re:

I also used farecla g3 cutting compound .
Good luck

 

[minor_LEGEND]

I'm pretty sure we have the machines to do this in work, however yes too small. We have Erba machines, big vibrating drums with ceramic beads in. We polish parts but you wouldn't quite get a bike frame in. I've done plenty of my own stuff & work mates do engine covers for motorcycles etc.
I'm thinking perhaps approach the makers of the equipment & find who has the gear big enough.