As mentioned in past CR posts, you can save immense polishing effort by using the right materials. My polishing "tool of choice" for alloy metals is Met-All, a aluminium polish. No scratches, quick effortless removal of oxidation, Met-All has surpassed my expectations of quick and easy alloy polishing! The only need is to have plenty of rags available as they dirty quickly using Met-All.
Regards, Steve Neago
Cincinnati, OH
> For fine polishing of small or large parts that are problematical to bring
> to a buffing wheel, I have had good results using buffing compounds with a
> cloth and hand rubbing. Given the different grades and high degree of
> control, I think that the chances of any scratching are even less than
when
> using wools. I haven't tried it yet, but making a 'slurry' with the
> compound and some water or solvent, might be more efficient. Be careful
of
> getting the dreaded 'polishers elbow'.
>
> Dennis Young
> Hotaka, Japan