[builder666]

I have a small, light scratch on the stanchion of my z1. What is the best way to buff it out?

 

[sub6]

600 grit wet/dry sandpaper and lots of oil. If you can find something that's a finer grit, use that, although 1200 might be TOO fine. Just make small circles, and take it down just enough that it doesn't catch your fingernail.

You don't have to go nuts, just make sure there's no sharp edges.

 

[builder666]

Thanks

 

[KL]

Originally posted by sub6
600 grit wet/dry sandpaper and lots of oil. If you can find something that's a finer grit, use that, although 1200 might be TOO fine. Just make small circles, and take it down just enough that it doesn't catch your fingernail.

You don't have to go nuts, just make sure there's no sharp edges.

You recommend using oil to lubricate the sandpaper, like fork oil? Instead of water? Why?

Does this also apply to "nicks" too?

Thanks

 

[sub6]

Originally posted by KL
You recommend using oil to lubricate the sandpaper, like fork oil? Instead of water? Why?

Does this also apply to "nicks" too?

Thanks

well, water isn't a lubricant. When cutting metal, you can use water to cool it, or oil to lubricate it/cool it. Heat isn't an issue here, so I'd go with oil. I've always used oil to lubricate whenever metal is being cut (tapping threads, roughing out stock, drilling, etc....).

Fork oil would work fine; it's probably a little heavy though. Not that it matters. I'd go for some light-weight oil (2.5wt) in such an application, if I were super-anal.

It applies to all stanchion damage where you need to sand it down. If the nick has sharp edges that could damage your seals, you'd do well to smooth 'em over. If they don't look like they'll cut the seal every time they go past it, then don't bother. Most of my forks have had a little nick somewhere, but if it's small and doesn't cause any seal damage, just leave it there.

 

[KL]

Originally posted by sub6
well, water isn't a lubricant. When cutting metal, you can use water to cool it, or oil to lubricate it/cool it. Heat isn't an issue here, so I'd go with oil. I've always used oil to lubricate whenever metal is being cut (tapping threads, roughing out stock, drilling, etc....).

Fork oil would work fine; it's probably a little heavy though. Not that it matters. I'd go for some light-weight oil (2.5wt) in such an application, if I were super-anal.

It applies to all stanchion damage where you need to sand it down. If the nick has sharp edges that could damage your seals, you'd do well to smooth 'em over. If they don't look like they'll cut the seal every time they go past it, then don't bother. Most of my forks have had a little nick somewhere, but if it's small and doesn't cause any seal damage, just leave it there.

Thanks sub6, very helpful! I think I will I leave it because I purchased the fork used and there doesn't appear to be any seal damage thus far. Good info.