dtnodya
ArboristSite Operative
OK, so as you all have probably realized, I am no arborist or chainsaw pro by any stretch of the imagination. I have however, learned a lot from this site and appreciate people answering my questions whether they are dumb or not. 
So, I thought I'd contribute something to those who may care about bringing the shine back to their saws.
I have been detailing cars for 10+ years (not as a profession) but that is what my first job was. So, over the years I've learned a thing or two and I'm going to share some 'tips and tricks', chainsaw style.
I was out in the garage earlier and noticed that my newly acquired Makita 6401 had some cool looking dawgs .. And further, I thought they would look a lot better if they were polished. Same with the handle. So, here's my process for polishing aluminum and stainless.
Get some 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper and a bucket of water. (If you are hardcore and want a perfect mirror finish then also buy some 600, 800, 1000, 1500grit paper). This goes for any aluminum or stainless that's pitted or just looks like total crap. First off, a little tip, tape around anything you don't want to clean polish off when you are done (like the rubber on the handle, etc) ... Then start by wetsanding with the 400 grit, all the metal you want to polish. Now, I only used 400 for these results but if you use the above mentioned in the order listed then you will have rediculous results. So, after you do this, you will have a 'brushed/satin' look. Stop there if you like that look but if you want shine, keep reading.
Get your favorite metal polish ready and go to work. I'll share the best stuff I've ever found on the planet FWIW ... It's called "Worlds Easiest Metal Polish" (google) and then for the plastic/rubber I use "Aerospace 303 Protectant". This stuff is amazing. It's a little secret that I've used for years on my cars interior (as opposed to armor-all type crap that actually dries out your dash because of the alcohol in it). This stuff is 100 percent UV protective and leaves a shiny finish with no greasy residue. OK, back on track...
After you use your favorite polish then enjoy the 'bling' and re-assemble.
Here's some pics:
Only 'before' pic I can find right now:
After:
Here's what the polish and 303 AP look like:
If any of you want to shine em' up, hopefully this helps. :rockn:
So, I thought I'd contribute something to those who may care about bringing the shine back to their saws.
I have been detailing cars for 10+ years (not as a profession) but that is what my first job was. So, over the years I've learned a thing or two and I'm going to share some 'tips and tricks', chainsaw style.
I was out in the garage earlier and noticed that my newly acquired Makita 6401 had some cool looking dawgs .. And further, I thought they would look a lot better if they were polished. Same with the handle. So, here's my process for polishing aluminum and stainless.
Get some 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper and a bucket of water. (If you are hardcore and want a perfect mirror finish then also buy some 600, 800, 1000, 1500grit paper). This goes for any aluminum or stainless that's pitted or just looks like total crap. First off, a little tip, tape around anything you don't want to clean polish off when you are done (like the rubber on the handle, etc) ... Then start by wetsanding with the 400 grit, all the metal you want to polish. Now, I only used 400 for these results but if you use the above mentioned in the order listed then you will have rediculous results. So, after you do this, you will have a 'brushed/satin' look. Stop there if you like that look but if you want shine, keep reading.
Get your favorite metal polish ready and go to work. I'll share the best stuff I've ever found on the planet FWIW ... It's called "Worlds Easiest Metal Polish" (google) and then for the plastic/rubber I use "Aerospace 303 Protectant". This stuff is amazing. It's a little secret that I've used for years on my cars interior (as opposed to armor-all type crap that actually dries out your dash because of the alcohol in it). This stuff is 100 percent UV protective and leaves a shiny finish with no greasy residue. OK, back on track...
After you use your favorite polish then enjoy the 'bling' and re-assemble.
Here's some pics:
Only 'before' pic I can find right now:
After:
Here's what the polish and 303 AP look like:
If any of you want to shine em' up, hopefully this helps. :rockn:
I like using Wenol polish on metal. 
