Paul Payne Posted September 12, 2006 Share Posted September 12, 2006 Has anyone discovered a technique for simulating this surface treatment? I was thinking of both aluminum sheet stock as well as plastic (maybe with bare-metal foil?) I would like to scratchbuild a hot rod dashboard with this treatment. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Metallic Posted September 12, 2006 Share Posted September 12, 2006 I read somewhere when someone once suggested using a battery powered pencil eraser(the kind used by draftsmen and artists). They have a low RPM, so put some sandpaper on the end and give it a try. I've been wanting to try it myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VW Dave Posted September 12, 2006 Share Posted September 12, 2006 Sounds feasible, Craig, doing that on aluminum sheet; BMF likely would disintegrate in the process, however. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronr Posted September 12, 2006 Share Posted September 12, 2006 I`ve tryed a little section of .005 alum. from Hobby Lobby by using an eraser as the pad. Worked pretty good in a dremel. RonR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Payne Posted September 14, 2006 Author Share Posted September 14, 2006 Thanks for the info, guys! I have some aluminum sheet, and will try using a dremel tool with an appropriate tip. I will post a pic when I have something done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve H. Posted September 17, 2006 Share Posted September 17, 2006 A friend used a pinch of steel wool on a cotton swab to turn a pattern in BMF. You only need a couple light spins to leave a pattern. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biscuitbuilder Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 Has anyone discovered a technique for simulating this surface treatment? I was thinking of both aluminum sheet stock as well as plastic (maybe with bare-metal foil?) I would like to scratchbuild a hot rod dashboard with this treatment. Thanks! Back in the early 80's, I scratchbuilt a 60's Watson USAC Dirt Championship car, which needed an aluminum firewall and instrument panel. But, how to "engine turn" the aluminum! I had a sudden idea! Old-fashioned typing erasers are impregnated with a mild abrasive, that will scuff aluminum! So, I bought one, ran it through a pencil sharpener to get a point on the end of the rubber, then cut the wood pencil-style shank and drilled into the cut end to superglue a length of brass rod in it, and firmed up the sides of the rubber tip with superglue as well. I simply chucked in my Dremel tool, and mounted the tool in my drill press. Voila! After a bit of pracice, the thing worked perfectly--good enough to help that car win First Place at the 1985 IPMS Nationals in Indianapolis. I wish I had the car to photograph, but I sold it to a model race car collector about 6 weeks after the Nats, for more money than I ever would have guessed anyone would pay for a builtup. Biscuitbuilder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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