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Finishing stainless pipe for wind generator

2K views 17 replies 8 participants last post by  GaryHLucas 
#1 ·
I purchased an unfinished 1.5" 316 stainless pipe for my wind generator. I can either get it powder coated or figure out how to polish it myself. A commercial polisher wants $50/ft to polish it. Is that something I can do myself with equipment one would typically have? Or should I just go with the powder coating, only about $75 for the 9' pipe.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
 
#3 ·
as for polishing it, yes you could do it. you dont even need much for tools and material. but you will spend 4 to 8 hours doing it, and that wont even make it like a mirror. basicly start sanding with 220, then move to 320, then to 600 then to 1200, then start buffing. the buffing will take 2 or 3 grades of compound to get a mirror or close look

get it powder coated, but expect to redo it every 5 to 10 years depending on environment.
 
#6 ·
Tom, he said pipe, which is thicker than tube IIRC.

Ed, if you sail at night a lot, you may not want a shiny finish, since it will reflect light back at you. Regardless, I'd like to follow your progress. Can you post a picture of what the pipe looks like now?

Regards,
Brad
 
#7 ·
Stainless pipe

Thank you, all. Powder coat it is. The Admiral was driving the shiny stainless look.

I will ask for the extra clear, whatever that is.

And yes it is pipe, schedule 40. The company actually recommended schedule 10 so I'm a bit (much?) heavier. If I ever raced might have to ask for a phrf adjustment.

Again, thank you all.
 
#9 ·
Scotty, I'm going to disagree with you ( sorry ) PC is a pretty tuff finish, takes alot to scatch or chip, I used to PC all my race bikes ( offorad ) and several custom HD's I did, considering the use and location of this tower, I think he'll be fine.

They do have all kinds of finishes, you can even make it look like wood ( I've seen it and it looks good ) if you wanted and the PCer is up to speed

Also, what ever color you choose, ( gloss or flat ) the clear coat is just a extra layer of no color finish that will give it added protection from the elementos
 
#11 ·
I'd just polish it. The price you were quoted was not for genius, just labor. Use an angle grinder with various grades of scotchbrite pads. If you don't have a grinder they can be had for $30 or less. Starting with the roughest pad work your way down the length of pipe and then change to a finer pad.
 
#18 ·
I'd go for a #2 finish. In stainless that means a brushed look, and no glare. Buy a roll of abrasive strip and using pieces about 2 feet long just wrap it half way around and pull it back a forth. An hour or too at most and you'll have a finish that looks just fine. You can then touch it up the same way over the years.

Gary H. Lucas
 
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