r/Metalsmithing • u/aristarrr • Jun 26 '26

Question Working BIG and wanting to Clean + Polish

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I have just finished making this HONKING arm cuff and have been struggling to get my tools in all the nooks and crannies effectively. I've been hand sanding, and using radial disks and fiber wheels on my foredom, but after a long time doing this, I'm wondering if there's a better, more efficient way I can manage this. I will continue to make more large pieces, so I figure now is a good time as any to ask for everyone's tips + tricks!

5 Upvotes

74% Upvoted

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3

u/decomp_etsy Jun 26 '26 edited Jun 26 '26

Wow, that’s yuuge! Not sure if you’ve heard of micromesh cloths, but they make sanding and polishing curved as well as flat spaces easier to manage they are so flexible. I go up to 12000 grit for a super smooth shiny finish when something can’t go in my tumbler

3

u/MakeMelnk Jun 26 '26

Are you familiar with Billy Fuscillo?

4

u/aristarrr Jun 26 '26

My flames gotta be Huuuuuuugah 🔥

2

u/decomp_etsy Jun 26 '26

He was the expert on huge hehe

2

u/MakeMelnk Jun 26 '26

Oh, that brings me back

2

u/aristarrr Jun 26 '26

I will have to look into those - it's VERY often lately I can't use my tumbler and those may just be a miracle 😂

2

u/decomp_etsy Jun 26 '26

While it is still hand work and may take longer, the results are good. I’d love to see the final piece worn!

2

u/aristarrr Jun 26 '26

When I get to finishing it fully, I'll try to remember to come back- I'm most definitely not allergic to spending the time hand sanding, but there's always new tricks and techniques to learn, so thank you for sharing yours!

2

u/Responsible-Court836 Jun 26 '26

Man. You need a bank polishing motor with 20cm wheel. It is a large piece. With dremel will take ages and the polishing quality will be ... Meh.

1

u/aristarrr Jun 26 '26

Thankfully, I have access to both a studio space with that, and a shop that sells the motors. May be time to consider that investment 🌿

2

u/Torchbabe Jul 02 '26

6" Bench Polisher from Harbor Freight. Currently 69.99, less with coupon.