Thread: Using a dremel for removing black rust, pitting and polishing after handsanding.

In short, yes.

BUT, dremels are difficult to control. Evenly removing steel is quite difficult. I would recommend not using one or any power tool.

Start with scraping off the rust with a DE or SE blade, then use some 0000 steel wool and then some metal polish. You would be surprised how well this works on most blades.

Why up 7000 grit? Seems a bit overkill, even to get a mirror finish...

Originally Posted by dinnermint

In short, yes.

BUT, dremels are difficult to control. Evenly removing steel is quite difficult. I would recommend not using one or any power tool.

Start with scraping off the rust with a DE or SE blade, then use some 0000 steel wool and then some metal polish. You would be surprised how well this works on most blades.

Why up 7000 grit? Seems a bit overkill, even to get a mirror finish...

Figure I could get real close to mirror finish on it before polishing?

It depends on how deep the damage is.

Removing a pit is a misnomer, you do not remove a pit, you remove all the surrounding hardened steel to the depth of the good steel at the bottom of the pit.

It can be hard to do with a Dremel and small drum, wire brush will not remove much steel. Unless you have some experience with a Dremel, it can be dangerous for the razor and you. Dremel spin at speeds up to 35,000 rpm, buffers 1,750-3,500. One slip and it can get away from you.

1-2K will get to near mirror, you can polish with any good metal polish from there.

Polishing is easy, the work is removing steel to the depth of damage.

Make no mistake, there are a handful of people that do nice work with a dremel, but only a handful. The rest make a mess and then have to either fix it or hide it.