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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.
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.
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?
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.
they do have chrome powder coat, if you want the shiny look. the thing you need to remember is powder coat is just a plastic coating, in the simple terms, so it will scratch, and the chrome look will get scratched.
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
hey poopy ( i crack my self up ) i did not mean it would scratch by looking at it, but say a dock line rubs it, or you hit it with a boat hook etc. It is just not as durable as polished metal, but a lot cheaper
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.
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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