So I got bored and.......

As the title says I was bored and decided to polish the bezel and clip on my 120T, I think it came out ok (whatcha think). Ordered a UCL glass lens and a GITD O-ring, I ordered the 3/4" one from lighthound, that is the correct size right (anyone know)?

You Polished it with what? (Srry im not a polishing expert, I dont even know the first thing about "Polishing")

PetaBread said:

You Polished it with what? (Srry im not a polishing expert, I dont even know the first thing about "Polishing")

Click to expand...

I used a dremel and a couple polishing wheels. Used a very fine grit compound and then finished it off with flitz.

Oh.

Looks great! Is that how they look new, or is it even more shiny now?

Zatoichi said:

Looks great! Is that how they look new, or is it even more shiny now?

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Thanks!

From the factory the clip and bezel are black like this one: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3339/3226885905_c3d9422c02.jpg

Ah yes, quite a difference then. I think it's added some class.

I love this look and have considered doing it myself, but I lack the proper tools. What exactly is a polishing wheel, anyone have a link? Sorry for my ignorance.

One of the things I've wondered about doing this however is how this holds up? Does it lose that luster and sparkle rather quickly? Does it rust at the slightest contact with moisture? I would think this would require constant polishing to keep it looking good since there's no coating. Anyone with experience with this care to share?

mraymer said:

I love this look and have considered doing it myself, but I lack the proper tools. What exactly is a polishing wheel, anyone have a link? Sorry for my ignorance.

One of the things I've wondered about doing this however is how this holds up? Does it lose that luster and sparkle rather quickly? Does it rust at the slightest contact with moisture? I would think this would require constant polishing to keep it looking good since there's no coating. Anyone with experience with this care to share?

Click to expand...

Tools are quite basic and not to expensive. All you need are the items below:

1) Dremel (I use the cordless version) however any one will do.

2) Felt polishing tip/wheel and the bit that holds the tip/wheel.

http://www.toolbarn.com/images/dremel/422.jpg
http://www.toolbarn.com/images/dremel/429.jpg
http://www.toolbarn.com/images/dremel/401.jpg

3) Flitz metal polish, you don't need a fine abrasive will just take a tad longer if you use flitz by itself.

4) Just apply the metal polish to the part, spread it around with the wheel and then turn it on (low speed). Simply move the head around until you see the finish coming off and buff to desired sheen. Really can't screw it up.

5) I use isopropyl alcohol to clean off parts and threads.

Pretty much any hobby store will carry the dremel and heads, also a good place to look is at your local home depot or large hardwares store. For bare metal it actually keeps very well, I ocosanlly wipe it off with my shirt, the flitz really seems to help against corosion. I have polished up other lights and even gun barrels to (bare metel) and have had no problems with corrosion.

It's beautiful BUZ.

Could I do the same thing with the Ra Clicky?

callmaster said:

It's beautiful BUZ.

Could I do the same thing with the Ra Clicky?

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Thanks!

Don't the Ra's already come with a polished bezel?

Very nice work! I know you can remove the clip but did you take the bezel off to do the polishing and to save the head from any slips?

Course I don't even know if the bezel is removeable.

NotSoBrightBob said:

Very nice work! I know you can remove the clip but did you take the bezel off to do the polishing and to save the head from any slips?

Course I don't even know if the bezel is removeable.

Click to expand...

Thank you.


Yes I removed the bezel from the body. It's quite easy, I use a nylon rod that fits nicely in the grooves. Just press and twist. You can also take a screw driver and wrap some duck tape around it so it doesn't mar the metal. Everything is polished except the threads.

Looks pretty good, i also like Mothers which also does well when you want parts shiny.

BUZ said:

Thanks!

Don't the Ra's already come with a polished bezel?

Click to expand...

Could be polished some more

callmaster said:

Could be polished some more

Click to expand...

Yeah I guess they are more of a satin finish than a polished finish. Just remove the head and polish away, should have a mirror finish in no time.

BUZ said:

Tools are quite basic and not to expensive. All you need are the items below:

1) Dremel (I use the cordless version) however any one will do.

2) Felt polishing tip/wheel and the bit that holds the tip/wheel.

http://www.toolbarn.com/images/dremel/422.jpg
http://www.toolbarn.com/images/dremel/429.jpg
http://www.toolbarn.com/images/dremel/401.jpg

3) Flitz metal polish, you don't need a fine abrasive will just take a tad longer if you use flitz by itself.

4) Just apply the metal polish to the part, spread it around with the wheel and then turn it on (low speed). Simply move the head around until you see the finish coming off and buff to desired sheen. Really can't screw it up.

5) I use isopropyl alcohol to clean off parts and threads.

Pretty much any hobby store will carry the dremel and heads, also a good place to look is at your local home depot or large hardwares store. For bare metal it actually keeps very well, I ocosanlly wipe it off with my shirt, the flitz really seems to help against corosion. I have polished up other lights and even gun barrels to (bare metel) and have had no problems with corrosion.

Click to expand...

Thanks. Have a dremel, or equivalent, just need to get some of those polishing wheels and polish. I'm going to give it a shot, like you said, can't screw it up. Thanks for providing the info. :thumbsup:

Misleading thread title. I thought this was going to be a thread about boring body tubes, or your Friday night out.

mraymer said:

Thanks. Have a dremel, or equivalent, just need to get some of those polishing wheels and polish. I'm going to give it a shot, like you said, can't screw it up. Thanks for providing the info. :thumbsup:

Click to expand...

You bet!

Just remember that you can always buy from lighthound a new clip and bezel if you don't like how it turns out.