1. Messages
  2. Air Honing plastic

Re: Air Honing plastic

Bill Welch
 

Bruce makes very valid points.

Just to clarify, I began using Baking Soda years ago simply to "Hone" the surface of both styrene and resin kits to provide a little tooth before they are painted. It also smoothes out minor accidents with "Testors" so that they disappear when the model is painted. I like it because it is easy, convenient, cheap, safe, and effective. I don't use it to remove paint although it may work for that and don't claim it would be an effective heavy duty honing media.

On my trip this morning to the hobby shop i bought the Feb. issue of RMC and look forward to reading Jack's article on building a "Media Cabinet" so I can do it inside in case it get really cold in Florida.

Bill Welch

--- In STMFC@..., "Bruce F. Smith" <smithbf@...> wrote:

Derrell says,

I've posted a couple of photos of a diesel shell that I recently
subjected to air honing with Aluminum Oxide.
<SNIP>
> If you already have a blasting cabinet there isn't any reason not to
use it. If you don't I'd encourage you to get one because they are quite
useful. Or make one. I like Jack's idea. I've used a cardboard box!

Actually, there are 2 good reasons not to use Al Oxide. Both have
already been mentioned. The first is that it is a significant
inhalation hazard. I find the idea of using a cardboard box to contain
it SCARY! When I used it in my grit blaster there was always some small
leakage and that's a much tighter box. If you use Al Oxide, use a well
fitted particulate filter mask as well. The second reason is disposal.
About the only place Al Oxide can go is to the landfill. In some places
it is not legal to put it in the regular trash. If you've got acid soil
in your yard you can actually kill 2 birds with one stone by spreading
used baking soda on it! That said, I agree, baking soda often does not
"cut it" as well as Al Oxide, but please be safe!

Regards
Bruce Smith
Auburn, AL
Join {main@RealSTMFC.groups.io to automatically receive all group messages.