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EXPANDER WHEEL
The Eastwood Expander Wheel Kit (#13127) combines both filing and sanding into one step and
comes ready-to-use with five different aluminum oxide abrasive bands. It is ideal for larger pieces
like grill trim and hubcaps. The abrasive bands on the Expander Wheel maintain the flattest surface.
Work from coarse belts to fine to at least 220 grit for soft metals and to 320-600 grit for hard metals.
NOTE: It's better to start with an abrasive that's too fine and check for results rather than select
one that is too coarse and cause additional work to be needed. For a smoother cut on steel, leveling
aluminum or other soft metals apply Grinder's Grease (#13119) or Tripoli Compound (#32032) directly
to the spinning belt.
Smoothing soft metal surfaces finer than 220 grit and hard metal surfaces finer than 600 grit may
eliminate the use of Tripoli or Emery Compound and speed the buffing process.
Always change the angle of attack by 90° (or as close as the shape of the part allows) as progress
continues for each successively finer grit abrasive and compound to assure previous grit lines are re-
moved. If deeper scratches or pits are noticed, it usually means that polishing and buffing steps were
all done in the same direction thus disguising the deeper imperfections.
USING HIGH PERFORMANCE TRIZACT BELTS ON THE EXPANDER WHEEL
Further smoothing the surface at this point will save substantial buffing time. Additional smoothing
can be done with the 3M Trizact Bands available from Eastwood. These bands are comparable to 100,
200, 400, 700, and 1200 grit. The precise structure of the abrasive used on the Trizact band delivers
fast effective cutting throughout the life of the belt. These belts last about 2-5 times longer than our
regular abrasive bands and resist loading even when used with aluminum.
Apply Tripoli (#32032) or Grinder's Grease (#13119) directly to the spinning abrasive band when
using the Trizact A30, (#13115C), (comparable to 700 grit) or the Trizact A16, (#13115D), (comparable
to 1200 grit), on aluminum or other soft metals to assure a smooth cut, and prevent metal pick-up.
(Metal pick-up results in a rougher surface by removing grains of metal and depositing them in a
different area.)
FINISHING BELTS ON THE EXPANDER WHEEL
For slightly contoured surfaces, use Eastwood Finishing Belts (#13151 Course, #13152 Medium,
#13153 Fine ) which combine the cleaning and metal conditioning power of Finishing Belts with
the ease-of-use and speed of the Expander Wheel.
GREASELESS COMPOUNDS
When polishing highly contoured and irregular surfaces, use Eastwood's Greaseless Compounds
(#13129 – 80 Grit, #13131 - 120 Grit, #13132 - 320 grit). When applied to a dedicated spiral sewn
or loose section buff, these compounds convert the buff wheel to a flexible sanding wheel. For use,
follow the instructions on the Greaseless Compound labels.
Greaseless Compounds can also be applied to mini buffing wheels, goblet and facer buffs, or felt
bobs. Greaseless Compounds are applied to the spinning buff wheel in the same manner as the
buffing compounds. Greaseless Compounds should have a rubbery consistency. If the Greaseless
Compounds become hard on the ends and will not transfer to the wheel, simply cut off the hard end
with a sharp knife and reapply.
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Eastwood Technical Assistance: 800.343.9353 >> tech@eastwood.com
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