Finishing a mitred Joint

[Paul.]

I was asked by a member a week or so ago how to finish a corner joint in stainless box section, this week I have been making a batch of brackets using mitred joints, so here's how its done.
First the weld, appearance doesn't matter its all coming off, but it does need to be full profile with no undercut or shallow points


Take the top off using a flap disc, be careful not to dig in, 80 grit used here, if you have trouble with digging in try using a fibre disk with backing pad instead, flap disks are great things but not always the only tool for the job


Then using a 60 grit flap wheel reinstate the brushed effect being careful to keep the grain straight, I'm using a drill rather than a die grinder because you can use 2 hands and lean on it



Then using a thin piece of stainless, this is .6mm, mask off half of the joint, set the edge just behind the actual centre


Run the flap wheel straight across the mask, the thinner the mask the easier it is to define a line, it will wear after a few joints so just trim it up with snips, they get very sharp too so watch your fingers


And what it should look like,


Got plenty of practice on this job, the outer faces were cleaned up with a flap wheel on the bench polisher, and the inside by hand using garryson abrasive blocks and scotchbrite

 

[rtbcomp]

Like that bit with the mask

 

[Hitch]

Dont give away too many of the trade secrets mind Paul!

I use a die grinder, running the side of my left index finger along the edge to keep the regrain straight.

 

[RedOrZed]

Top stuff, thanks for sharing

 

[Lewis Medlock]

Clever stuff, cheers Paul

 

[TheJoker]

Brilliant!

 

[Shox Dr]

Have you ever tried the flap wheels with the scotchbrite in-between the cloth. We found them to the last far longer.

 

[Paul.]

Yep, thats what I use for the final finishing, was keeping that trade secret back though

 

[Shox Dr]

doh.

What do you use for Handrails/pipe etc?
Have you tried one of the pipe linishing grinders that conform the the pipe

 

[Welderpaul]

I use a die grinder, running the side of my left index finger along the edge to keep the regrain straight.

I sub it out to Tigpaul

Look good mate. Fancy fitting them as well?

 

[GrahamGKD]

Have you ever tried the flap wheels with the scotchbrite in-between the cloth. We found them to the last far longer.

I've settled on using those for finishing some stainless steel tools I make. That picture looks like a bigger range than my supplier (Abtec) has - where do you guys get them from please? Abtec also do some similar wheels which are just Scotchbrite (no emery) which I quite like for final finishing. I use a bit of WD40 with them - messy but gives a nice finish.

 

[Shox Dr]

Re; Coated abrasive flap wheels suppliers

where do you guys get them from please?

We just use a Local tool suppler. You might have to buy a box of them (10)

 

[knoba]

Nice workmanship and another job well done, as usual, Paul!

I wouldn't worry too much about giving away trade secrets. When one becomes aware of the costs involved, in terms of time & money (amongst many other considerations), to produce highly finished, quality, stainless steel projects, it can be quite off-putting for people that are trying to break into the field.

...always nice to see a pro at work, though. Thanks for sharing!