Smooth "bright" stainless welds?

[Samurai Dave]

I've got a project coming up that is going to use 1.5" stainless tube. The preferred finish is the "bright" polished finish. The tubes come in pre-bent 90 and 45 degree elbows and straight stock.

The trick is to maintain the smooth finish. I would like to grind the bead flat after welding, making the welds "invisible" so it looks like one long continuous shiney tube. The only method I can think of is to use flap-wheel disks of finer and finer grit, and then emery cloth of finer and finer grit, then buff and polish. I am willing to do this work, but if someone has an easier process to obtain the same result PLEASE let me know.

Thank you in advance for sharing your expereinces.

[Bert]

that's what my friend did when he made fishing pole holders for a friends boat. Looks like you are on the right track and tell us how it came out! Pictures step by step if you could!!!!!!!

[Bert]

Also, friend has a JET buffing wheel that he uses the different waxes (jewelers rouge)? or polishes on with the finer grit,so maybe that helped also.

[Fat-Fab.com]

You got it. Step by step reducing the grit till you get to the level of finish you want.

The hardest thing will be matching the existing finish.
I have 100 plus feet of 1.5" tri-clover SS thin wall hand hail to fab this weekend to install next weekend.




TJ

[djbtech]

You use a scotchbrite pad to blend the finish.

Keep with the grain on your final movements.

[Bert]

Djbtech,

You use a scotchbrite pad to blend the finish.
Keep with the grain on your final movements.

1) What grit or color do you use?
2) Do you use a sander? or by hand?
thanks