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Today, the day is saved by: Aluminum Oxide! Aluminum oxide is one of the hardest materials out there, only slightly softer than diamond. It is produced naturally when aluminum is exposed to air. If you have anything aluminum, it is actually coated with a thin layer of Aluminum oxide. This thin layer, being very strong and chemical resistant, prevents the layers beneath it from becoming oxidized, which is why aluminum doesn’t deteriorate from oxidation like steel or iron does.

If you have anything that is aluminum, but seems to have a transparent coloring over it, such as a flashlight, paintball gun, or something of that nature, then you probably have anodized aluminum. Anodizing is a process by which aluminum is put in a bath of acid, and then a current is passed through the aluminum, and into the bath. This current flow causes rapid oxidation of the surface of the aluminum, and produces a very thick and strong layer of aluminum oxide, similar to the coating that forms in open air, but much thicker and stronger. This coating is porous at first, meaning the material can be placed in a bath of dye immediately after being anodized. The dye soaks into the pores, and then with the application of heat, the pores close up, sealing the color in. Anodizing is a very cool process, and is a great way to put a durable and attractive coating onto aluminum.

Aluminum oxide is also used in sandpaper and other abrasive substances. Small particles of Aluminum oxide retain their sharp edges (due to its extreme hardness), and is an excellent abrasive. I’m using sheets of sandpaper to sand the exhaust pipe on my scooter. St. Louis weather has caused much corrosion of the pipe, and a deterioration of its protective clear coat. Basically, it was looking like crap. I’ve been attacking the pipe all day with various grades of sandpaper, and using various tools, including my dremel, an abrasive disk sander attachment for my cordless drill, and a drum sander attachment for the drill. The pipe has lots of curves and small parts that are difficult to sand, so this has been slow going. All I can say is, thank goodness its only a 50cc! If this pipe were much bigger, I’d be pretty frustrated. However, I’m nearing completion. Once I’ve given it a final sanding, I’ll be applying a high temperature coating to the pipe, to protect it from the heat of the engine, as well as the destructive effects of road grime. It should look pretty snazzy when its done.

The reason I’m here writing this instead of finishing up, is because I’m waiting for the battery on my cordless drill to charge up. This is one downside of a cordless drill. 90% of all my drilling needs are over with in just a few minutes. Maybe I need to punch a hole in a piece of plastic, or put a few screws into a doorknob or something. Cordless is perfect for that, because it is easy to move around, quick to bust out, and the duration of the project means charging isn’t an issue. However, sanding is a continuous drain. The drill must run at full speed constantly while sanding, instead of just running intermittently. This has caused the battery to die, putting my project on hold for the moment. The dremel is corded of course, but it is only useful for the small areas and tight curves, which are already done. What is left is an overall sanding with 120 grit, then a polish with 400 grit on a few more visible areas. Then it is painting time.

On the topic of abrasion, I’m going to leave you with this bit of helpful information. If you are in the Kent or London areas of the UK, then there is a new hero in town to help you out. He is known only as Angle Grinder Man. His mission is to help people who’s cars have been wheel clamped (AKA, the boot). He appears on the scene in the dead of night wearing a blue unitard, gold underpants, gold boots, gold gloves, and a gold mask. In his hands he carries his only weapon, a shiny, gold, gas powered, full sized, abrasive disk cutter, AKA, an Angle Grinder. With this great tool, he quickly and efficiently cuts the wheel clamp off, setting the driver free. Then he nods his head, and disappears into the night. The police have been tracking him, but have not yet been able to catch this Robin Hood to the down-trodden motorist. Bless you, Angle Grinder Man, champion of the petroleum chariots, and of abrasives in general!

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