Walnut shells or other blasting media?

[Stuff-Builder]

Hi all,

I make a part out of 1/4 x 1 aluminum flat and I have been using "synthetic" steel wool to give the parts a shine, de-burr the edges, and take the factory-applied black printing off. Since this is sort of a slow dirty messy pain, I'd like to find a quicker way of getting it done.

Has anyone used walnut shells on aluminum? What kind of finish can I expect? Does it de-burr machined edges? It's a very light burr - nothing nasty. Will it take off the black factory markings?

Would a different media be better?

Thanks in advance,
Scott

[lakeside]

acetone will remove ink and if you what a good finish 180 grit paper will do edges will need to be filed of scrap to remove shrap edge and burr

[Stuff-Builder]

Lakeside, thanks for the reply.

I'll try the acetone trick. I tried paint thinner (all I had on the shelf) and it did nothing to the ink. Next time I'm at Ace...

I used a fine-grit flapper sanding drum in my drill to clean up this run, but it took quite a while and left an un-even finish. It looks decent but not great.

I'm interested in the walnut shells mostly for the speed but also for a uniform finish and the good edge de-burr. Has anyone used walnut shells in this way?

Scott