Just another RO150 use.

ROb McGilp

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Apr 5, 2007
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We had a BBQ on the weekend and the floor got reeeally filthy. Since it needed re waxing anyway rather than slave away with a mop and bucket, I pulled out the trusty RO150 and the sponge pad that a Festool Rep gave to me some time ago. Cleaned the kitchen floor and all ground in marks in less than 10 minutes. (12 ft x 6 ft) absolutely spotless and wax free. If you're looking for an excuse to buy the all singing, all dancing RO and the LOYL needs convincing, here's your chance! ;D :)

Regards,

Rob
 
Thanks for reminding us about non-sanding Rotex uses, Rob.

IMO, when you buy your Rotex, get a package of each of the Vlies (= Scotch-Brite).  Very useful for cleaning.

Ned
 
I'm still waiting for someone to chime in on polishing up my aluminum trailer.  I'm thinking that Vlies 280 followed by Vlies 800 would work well.  I'm not looking for a mirror polish (Airstream), just to shine up the oxidized trim on my Featherlite.

Also, if I wanted to make the beds on my jointer or surface of the tablesaw look like a mirror, what would be the best sequence of abrasives/materials for that?

 
Well, it wasn't an RO150, it was an RO125, but I used it to polish some brass hinges using the felt pads and some polishing sticks intended for buffing wheel use. My buffing wheel mounted on the grinder just wasn't making any headway. The RO125 did the trick.

Charles
 
I bought the felt pads and used a large buffing stick (from a truck stop, intended for polishing).  It didn't touch the oxidation.  More like smudged the surface.  The pad turned black really fast and didn't seem to be making any progress.  That's why I think starting with the Vlies might be better.
 
I used a sander (pre festool years) to do shine up a large copper hood (you see it over fancy kitchen stoves).  Just used some metal cleaner/polish buffed it in then off.

Brandon,  A couple years ago I bought a trailer that had sit for a number of years in the back yard on a property in southeastern Idaho.  Needless to say it was hashed.

I went to a pressure washing supply and got an acid wash for oxidized aluminum.  I mixed it very strong and it washed off that really thick oxidation with no more difficulty than if it were thick mud. If you don't/cant find it locally, let me know and I will give find a supplier that will ship you some.

Ken Raddon.
 
The Nuvite looks like it generates some spectacular results, but it's pretty expensive as well.  And I'm not sure which of the compounds I'd need.  I'm not going for a mirror finish, just one that doesn't look so worn.

I've bought some "black streak remover" but I haven't tried it yet.  I'm hoping that it will have the same effect as the "acid wash" that you refer to Kenny.

Of course, the high in my part of Illinois was 15 degrees today, so I'm not likely to try any of these ideas until it warms up.  A lot.

Thanks for the input.  I'll take some pictures once I give this a shot.
 
I would bet that black streak remover would be a degreaser and that would make it an alkaline side cleaner. 

Hey if you have anything that is called a rust remover it will be an acid based product.  It will take off the oxidation.  It would be a very expensive way to clean a trailer but to see the difference you could do a small section.  Just pour some on a towel and wipe it onto the surface.  BTW the towel will be ruined so don't use anything the wife would miss.

If you have any questions let me know.

Kenny.
 
Just don't use an alkaline (caustic cleaner) chemical on your aluminum trailer, or you might see it morph in front of your eyes into a gooey mess of Al oxide and hydroxide precipitates.

Dave R.
 
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