Cutting shapes with sheet metal

[tlc1976]

One of the reasons I used stainless to fabricate bridge plates, control plates, and other assorted parts, is that it can be buffed and polished to a mirror-like finish. I sand to an almost shiny finish and then use cut-color compound on a cotton buff wheel.

Chrome plating is cheaper if done in large batches, or if you know someone. My uncle used to send things out via a gunsmith he knew. Maybe with someone who does classic car parts.

Stainless can be polished too. At work we send things out for electropolishing. Which is like the reverse of electroplating. It removes material to make a smoother surface. But again it’s best done in batches.