Engine turning

We used to use an old valve.....get one the size you want, it may be from a big truck motor, or from a lawn mower.
Then use it as a pattern to cut some circles from the grit sandpaper you like....you'll have to experiment with different grits.
Then use contact cement like for weather stripping to make the sandpaper stick to the flat side of the valve.
Stick the valve stem in the chuck of a variable speed drill and go at it.
The variable speed thing is important so you can find a speed you are comfortable with and control well.
Whe you are done.....degrease is, tack it off real well, and shoot it with some good quality clear, and you are good to go!!!!!!!!

 

engine turning

Hey nice job on the car so far. The way I was taught and have done is for small pattern use hardwood dowel rod and valve lapping compound. for larger pattern a round wire brush the is flat, then with black tape wrap the brush tightly to stiffen it up. Learned this from a guy that made exercise equipment for paraalegics. I have done both and both work good. Getting the offset right is the hard part. I cheat i use my mill to keep the pattern stright. Hope this helps. I'm right with you my hot rod is getting an engine turned firewall. not to steal your thunder, I wont park next to you at a show .

 

Holy cow

Ah, gee I looked at the pictures in this post hence the comment " looks good so far" . Whoa that thing is crazy. Alittle more than looks good so far. They would'nt let me park next to you, hats off :drool: .

 

Well, I bit the bullet and turned the firewall today using 3" scotchbrite pads. Overall I think it looks better than it did just plain brushed stainless and dirt and scratches will be much less noticable.
I appreciate the input from you guys but I already had the scotchbrite pads and figured I'd try them.
Took about three hours to lay out and turn.

Thanks again.

Ed