Axle polishing for graphite

[Fumbles]

If using graphite for axle lubricant then is it best to do a total axle prep to a mirror finish or is it best to stop along the way at a grit of 2K or 3K ? I remember seeing someone saying that after a certain grit they see no difference while using graphite. Would having a rougher finish on the axle "hold" graphite into what I would call "micro grooves"?

Personally I see max polishing as the way to go at all times but I'm wondering if there is a better grit to stop at when using graphite? (obviously this point is moot when talking about using oil)

 

[Crash Enburn]

We've (my son and I) never polished beyond 3000 grit. My son won Districts two years in a row. So, I know that at least that level of polishing can be fast. YMMV.

 

[Vitamin K]

Our polish progression has been 220 -> 500 -> 1000 -> 1200 -> 2000. Then finish with Mother's Mag polish. This gets the finish pretty durn shiny, FWIW.

I think it would be worth it for us to go to 3000, at least, but I haven't obtained any more grades of sandpaper, yet. Probably something to plan for, for next year's Derby season. We don't currently race beyond the scout level.

 

[ngyoung]

I start with 400 using this:

 

[561 racing]

We do ours all the way to 12,000 grit regardless of using graphite or oil.

 

[DEW36]

We do ours all the way to 12,000 grit regardless of using graphite or oil.

+1

 

[MOFAST]

I also go to 12,000.

ngyoung- I have used those same papers from Hobby Lobby and noticed they leave a film. They work fine, you just have to really clean your axles good with alcohol when done.

Good to see you on here Dew!

 

[ngyoung]

I haven't tried any thing else yet but I wipe the axle clean with a rag between each grit and wash with windex or alcohol.

 

[Obsessedderbydad]

I have not gone past 7000 grit for a while. Haven't seen a difference between 7000-50000 grit. Also, if you're using Johns axles there's no need to start with anything less than 800-1000 grit.

Johns axles go 800-7000 (or less based on preference), polis with kiss or other metal polish using leather, then finish with pledge.

Using stock axles go file first on burs, then go 400-7000 ( or less based on preference), then follows other steps above.

Burnish your wheels with graphite (against johns is best, I've tried them all) after polish and wax of course.

All this and you're good to go on prep.

 

[Fumbles]

I have not gone past 7000 grit for a while. Haven't seen a difference between 7000-50000 grit. Also, if you're using Johns axles there's no need to start with anything less than 800-1000 grit. Johns axles go 800-7000 (or less based on preference), polis with kiss or other metal polish using leather, then finish with pledge. Using stock axles go file first on burs, then go 400-7000 ( or less based on preference), then follows other steps above. Burnish your wheels with graphite (against johns is best, I've tried them all) after polish and wax of course. All this and you're good to go on prep.

That's great info. Thanks! My son is getting his car ready for his upcoming derby and we'll polish the stock axles using this method. Thanks for letting me know. I've got some stuff on order from John and can't wait to use his graphite!

 

[Obsessedderbydad]

you will not be disappointed. Like I said, we've tried every graphite out there, and our fastest and most consistant runs were with Johns and they were runs 9-12!