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Bare Alu Aleph- Rough??!!

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Sengoku

Enlightened
Joined
Sep 5, 2004
Messages
559
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Eng, UK
I hate to say this but the bare alu aleph2 i brought from Don recently was received in vey bad condition /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif, the machining on the body was very rough, the threads were dented, sharp and rough and the knurling was so sharp it gave me slight cuts and ruined my pocket! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I was just wondering if this is only a one-off thing with mine or does anybody else have the same problems when you brought a Bare alu aleph from Don? And how will i fix this?

Thanks.
 
I do not have that much bare parts but they are all fine. Since there are lots of members who adore the bare al and are quite satisfied I guess you are the exception here.
You might want to contact Don directly?
bernhard
 
I see, dont get me wrong i love my aleph2, works great and extremely bright but i guess its just a cosmetic thing.
 
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif no worries, this is a free place and issues can be brouight up without fear of retaliation /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I'd suggest asking Don nevertheless, he knows the answers for sure!
And he (generally) won't bite /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
bernhard
 
I think this is a one off problem... My bare alu Aleph 2x123 body feels fine.. The knurling feels just right, not too sharp but still gives plenty of grip...

Contact Don and I'm sure he'll take care of you. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
Thanks for the help guys, i think ill fix it myself, nothing what a bit of sanding and polish wont fix! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Sengoku1986,
It is certainly my bad here! The parts are rough straight off the CNC machne and I send them as is for anodizing as the etch prior to plating removes this. I usually have some parts set aside that I have "scrubbed" with a scotch brite type material and cleaned up. After reading your comment, I just looked at this stash and realized that I have some parts that are "clean" mixed with some that aren't.

I would like to point out though that if you look at my offering post, I designate these parts as raw Al and not bare or implied polished Al. It is my feeling that anyone getting these parts can impart anywhere from a satin finish to a mirror smooth finish as a result of their desire and labor. I would like to keep the option of raw Al open to you guys but on the other hand, it would be easier and there would be no disappointment in results if I were to withdraw the option. I suspect that in your case that I did infact send you some parts that had no deburring and that was a mistake on my part. It is also possible that even if or had I sent you some parts that I had scrubbed up, the finish would still fall short of your expectations. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon3.gif

I am glad you brought this up here on the forum instead of in an e-mail as it is probably something that should have been addressed before.

Certainly you can improve the finish on them yourself or at your option, I would be happy to take the parts back and refund your expenses including the return postage. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif I can also exchange them for components that have been scrubbed.
 
My bare AL Aleph lights are gorgeous. Bare AL is sensational, and these Alephs are no exception. All thumbs up as far as I'm concerned! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/happy14.gif
 
What did you use to sand your Aleph to that finish? Was it a dremel? If so was there a specific bit/tip used?
 
Is there a way to coat those to keep them from tarnishing or getting scuffed up terribly? I've got a Flik that could use that treatment to return to its pristine state...
 
I sanded the rough parts down with sandpaper then used Autosol metal polish and polished by hand with a soft cloth for about an hour, dont have any powertools!

I guess you just have to polish it from time to time.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Haesslich said:
Is there a way to coat those to keep them from tarnishing or getting scuffed up terribly? I've got a Flik that could use that treatment to return to its pristine state...

[/ QUOTE ]

I use Alcoa Aluminum Sealant on my raw or bare aluminum lights. It's only for uncoated, unplated and unanodized aluminum and is most commonly used on aluminum wheels, Airstream trailer bodies, and bare aluminum airplane skin.

The sealant is the best I've come across for BA flashlights and other BA equipment and gear because it bonds with the metal. Many of the other "sealants" are wax based and will scratch off fairly easily and expose the bare aluminum to staining and corrosion. They also tend to build up in places on the light that you don't want them to, like joints, knurling and threaded holes.

The Alcoa Sealant protects from staining, corrosion, and etching and is invisible. I can't tell if it provides any scratch protection or not. Probably not much if any.

But, the whole Alcoa Aluminum Care Kit provides you with what you need to clean, polish and seal and keep your BA flashlight stain and corrosion free and looking good.

The kits can be found in Auto stores for around $30-35.00. The sealant by itself varies according to the container size but generally about $12.00, or so.
 
I'll look it up, BC0311 - my Flik LS:1 has suffered terribly after months of pocket-carry, which is one reason the bare AL LH didn't seem too attractive as an idea to me, though they're great to look at. I've SEEN what happens to bare Al with JUST cloth rubbing at it; the scuffing is terrible.

Now I want to polish this thing up, then protect it so it stays nice and shiny. I'll give that a go, after I polish this thing up to new. Maybe I'll get a Dremmel randthat Sears stuff with the red and white sticks.
 
Thanks Don received my Raw alu aleph1 head with 2x tritium yesterday, pics:

DSCN1703.jpg


DSCN1698.jpg


I hand polished it again /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Amazing. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Sengoku, do you use any sort of sealant to keep the shine in, or do you just hand-polish as needed? That's a lovely, lovely look for the light.
 
[ QUOTE ]
arewethereyetdad said:
My bare AL Aleph lights are gorgeous. Bare AL is sensational, and these Alephs are no exception. All thumbs up as far as I'm concerned! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/happy14.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll double-second that! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/happy14.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/happy14.gif
 
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