Re: [CR]Can worn surfaces of headset races, axles, etc. bepolished

(Example: Framebuilding:Tubing)

Date: Mon, 11 Dec 2000 18:15:45 +0000
From: Mark Stevens <m.stevens@camb.linst.ac.uk>
Organization: Camberwell College of Arts
To: Harvey M Sachs <sachs@erols.com>
CC: Lawrence Kurtz <kurtzla@hotmail.com>, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR]Can worn surfaces of headset races, axles, etc. bepolished
References: <5.0.2.1.1.20001211085942.009fa280@pop.erols.com>


Dear All, I have done this successfully on an old pitted headset. Only good for an occasional rider as you will wear away the hardened surface to take out the pits. It's only microns thick.
   I used valve grinding paste from an auto repair shop. I held the cup in the lathe chuck smeared it with the paste and stuck a load of balls to it. Then the race was offered up on the running centre. A slow speed ,about 180rpm and moderate pressure was used. I kept undoing it all and cleaning out the black goo to check on progress. I also ran the lathe backwards and forwards. I guess on 5 -6 applications of paste before it looked uniform. I wont say smooth 'cause it wasn't. It looked dull grey but with no pits.
       Re Lawrence's enquiry about grey/black patches. If no rust is visible and it feels smooth then I would'nt worry too much. Mark Stevens. London