Blasting aluminium

[Normsthename]

I have just bought an old MZ TS150 to relive my youth
It needs a new big end, but otherwise isn't that bad condition.

I want to try and do a nice restoration on it, so I would like to clean the aluminium on the engine and hubs etc
I will be replacing the spokes, so I want to blast the hubs while they are stripped.

I have a blast Pot, so what is the best media to give the alloy a cleanup

Andy

 

[shenion]

Use glass bead. Fine would be best (I used medium). It will not remove metal, just the corrosion and leave a slight matt finish. It can then be polished up relatively easily.

I'm doing an old GPz550 that is in worse shape

 

[brightspark]

this was done using a fine grained media 1st then bead blasted

 

[rtbcomp]

These pics show a really grotty Lambretta engine part, 1st process was very fine grit and then bead blast.

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/album.php?albumid=882

By the look of yours bead blasting on its own should work, as long as there is no lacquer on the items.

 

[danelectro]

Has anybody ever used Walnut shells as a blasting media?? I've been told they give a brilliant finish.

 

[madkayaker]

we use honite 17 at work and blast ali, brass and copper daily! as well as the odd rusty land rover part

 

[langy]

Ally looks real nice Vapour blasted.

 

[georgetheforge]

ahhh the old MZ- I've got an old ETS 250- although in pieces if you want the bits for a couple of sheets of folding... my parents want it gone- there's a 250 engine with the rear sproket missing/ ripped out-!! something to do with me welding a ford escort rear axle to it- well i was 15.....

so if you want it- minus the tank as i like the shape and have plans.....

its in surrey..

g

 

[Normsthename]

Thanks for the offer George, but I just don't have the room
I already have an Indian Lambretta in pieces and the MZ
I went to the classic motorcycle and mechanics show today in Stafford.
There was a stand selling blasting materials so I asked him
He said the best option was to blast it with aluminium oxide and then finish off with glass beads
If you just use glass beads the finish will not be uniform.
He had quite a few samples showing different finishes and it sounded good to me!

Andy

 

[BRODTuning]

Im also having this done soon along with some powder coating on my engine cases