using a drill to put swirls in sheet metal

[bowhunter88]

A few weeks ago on "Trucks" from power block tv, they made a gauge pannel and dash by taking a piece of sheet metal and puting it under a drill press. They had some special bit that they touched on the metal in rows to create a pattern of cirlces over the entire piece. It looked like an old Trans Am. Anybody know how to do this or what bit to use? I know it wasnt a regular metal bit, the bit did not go through the metal, just left a marking on the surface. I was thinking maybe a glass bit?>

[Bagged 04]

I've always used a die grinder and a polishing disk. I don't have any pitures to post tho.

[thekl0wn]

We've used a grinder with a polishing wheel and/or large flap wheel and/or wire wheel to get a "brushed" look on stainless before. Just takes a steady hand, especially when doing large surfaces. Another note: We acid wash to get the steel from the wire wheel off, to avoid rust. Then clear cote it. When we did these things, it wasn't for automotive... they were for showers, but they've been in the water for over five years, and still look great. One coat of wax a year, and they're good to go!

[00slammed 1500]

The finish is called "engine turned" and you can do it with 3M Roloc discs. Your local parts store should have these and a holder that mounts in a drill or die grinder.

[Bagged 04]

Thats what its called I couldn't remember the ezact name on it.

[Bob T]

I have done this with a rubber eraser in a chuck and valve grinding compound. A drill press works, a milling machine if available is better for getting even spacing on the whorls.

The paint guys are trying to get whorls out, we are talking about putting them in.:biggrin:

[mabutler]

The finish is called "engine turned" and you can do it with 3M Roloc discs. Your local parts store should have these and a holder that mounts in a drill or die grinder.
:word:

[bowhunter88]

Thats it. I tried it with a grind stone i had, and it was alright but i am going to look for some roloc disks to try also

[Timmee]

The process is also referred to as jeweling.