# Removing Machining Marks **URL:** \ **Category:** Dominator CNC\ **Created:** [June 2, 2025, 2:21pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/removing-machining-marks/3164 "2025-06-02T14:21:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Daniel](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/forum.pwncnc.com/daniel/32/65_2.png) [@Daniel](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/Daniel)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2025, 2:21pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/removing-machining-marks/3164/1 "2025-06-02T14:21:19Z")
![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/uploads/pwncnc/original/2X/c/cd368c0b9250175130e7f1dc55f053b69e69bacc.jpeg) Bead Blasting alone doesn’t seem to be enough to get rid of the machining marks from the parts. Does anyone have suggestions on what else might work? The process this first part went through is as follows: 1. Degreasing using simple-green for roughly 5min. 2. BeadBlasting with #13 size beads 3. Degrease again 4. De-oxidizing 5. anodizing 6. Dying 7. Seal I suspect we’ll need to introduce something before bead blasting maybe even before the first degreasing. But not sure what. Anyone have insights that might help? ---
**Author:** ![Chris](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/forum.pwncnc.com/chris/32/54_2.png) [@Chris](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/Chris)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2025, 2:37pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/removing-machining-marks/3164/2 "2025-06-02T14:37:36Z")
Sanding? Maybe a 120 grit ---
**Author:** ![Daniel](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/forum.pwncnc.com/daniel/32/65_2.png) [@Daniel](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/Daniel)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2025, 2:47pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/removing-machining-marks/3164/3 "2025-06-02T14:47:36Z")
That’s pretty involved isn’t it considering we have a few hundred parts to work through. I was thinking maybe a buffing wheel might work… but getting into the pockets and such would be more difficult. ---
**Author:** ![Chris](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/forum.pwncnc.com/chris/32/54_2.png) [@Chris](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/Chris)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2025, 3:18pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/removing-machining-marks/3164/4 "2025-06-02T15:18:17Z")
Sanding using a random orbital sander) llll would be less involved than buffing since buffing is polishing. For the inside parts, maybe 80 grit sanding sponge. In the longterm, maybe add a finishing pass [![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/uploads/pwncnc/original/2X/6/63f95f30d0d5c4bf5660648ba8a9258a83f63bd7.jpeg "The MillRight Minute - Brushing and Polishing Aluminum with your CNC") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLiiXJPTfyw) ---
**Author:** ![stevo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f05b48/32.png) [@stevo](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/stevo)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2025, 3:53pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/removing-machining-marks/3164/5 "2025-06-02T15:53:12Z")
Tumble finishing might work for you ---
**Author:** ![Rizzo](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/forum.pwncnc.com/rizzo/32/660_2.png) [@Rizzo](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/Rizzo)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2025, 7:24pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/removing-machining-marks/3164/6 "2025-06-02T19:24:07Z")
![IMG_2359](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/uploads/pwncnc/original/2X/3/31907f01e1d290d8be3c9b8d4b7dcd3d3cc3ab66.jpeg) ![IMG_2360](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/uploads/pwncnc/original/2X/f/f3578950028408fa467ab7a30a1cf1c31445e22c.jpeg) This is the tumbler media we use at work to tumble parts. I think I tumbler could work really well for you and the large count of parts you are looking to process. Otherwise, as mentioned above a random orbit sander would work with a super fine grit pad, but it would take a while to process all those parts. Really aggressive bead blasting would be an option as well, either way. Both of those options would add a pretty significant amount of time compared to tumbling. ( and tumbling is hands off). ---
**Author:** ![Daniel](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/forum.pwncnc.com/daniel/32/65_2.png) [@Daniel](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/Daniel)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2025, 7:56pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/removing-machining-marks/3164/7 "2025-06-02T19:56:23Z")
I leaning towards this too… do you have a recommendation for a tumbler that might work in our situation? What about a recommendation for the actual media? ---
**Author:** ![JoeW](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/34f0e0/32.png) [@JoeW](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/JoeW)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2025, 12:05am UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/removing-machining-marks/3164/8 "2025-06-03T00:05:21Z")
Seems like this step in the process, like many things in life is an uphill battle. It may be a struggle, but I know you will figure it out and beat it. Hang in there and keep up the good work. ---
**Author:** ![Rizzo](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/forum.pwncnc.com/rizzo/32/660_2.png) [@Rizzo](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/Rizzo)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2025, 1:49am UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/removing-machining-marks/3164/9 "2025-06-03T01:49:40Z")
I will talk with our CDL (corporate development lab) tomorrow to get specifics on the equipment/media. Sent you an email with some other details. ---
**Author:** ![WeirdCat](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/forum.pwncnc.com/weirdcat/32/730_2.png) [@WeirdCat](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/WeirdCat)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2025, 2:26am UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/removing-machining-marks/3164/10 "2025-06-03T02:26:39Z")
I too think the tumbler is your best choice to try first if the grit on the tumbling media is sufficiently coarse enough to remove the tooling marks and not just polish them to a glorious shine. However, if a vibratory tumbler isn’t viable, and you’re considering manual finishing, I recommend starting with an alternative to conventional sandpaper, specifically, “3M Radial Bristle Discs”. The initial recommendation below covers smaller-diameter discs suitable for detail work. For finishing brass engravings produced on my CNC or laser etching, I’ve had excellent results using these radial bristle discs. They’re constructed from a flexible polymer with abrasive particles embedded directly into the bristle structure during the manufacturing process, allowing consistent material removal without generating excessive heat or altering fine details, if you’re careful. The smaller discs come in a wide range of grits from coarse 80-grit to 1-micron polishing. 3M Small Radial Bristle Disc Set [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2L3P6QH](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2L3P6QH) For power, I use a Foredom rotary tool, which is designed for continuous operation and common with jewelry makers. However, a variable-speed Dremel is sufficient for intermittent or light-duty tasks. For larger surface areas, 3M manufactures a 2-inch version of these bristle discs, oriented in an axial (flat) configuration rather than radial. While I haven’t yet tested these larger discs personally (they’re on my wish list), they appear well-suited for applications such as wheel polishing or larger metal surfaces. 2-Inch Bristle Disc [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSU3PYQ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSU3PYQ) Quick-Change Holder for 2-Inch Disc [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VOO92M](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VOO92M) ---
**Author:** ![RasterofPuppets](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8e7dd6/32.png) [@RasterofPuppets](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/RasterofPuppets)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2025, 8:42pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/removing-machining-marks/3164/11 "2025-06-03T20:42:37Z")
Maybe some kind of chemical etching bath before bead blast? Honestly, bead blasting should be more than enough though. If glass bead won’t remove tool marks from aluminum, it’s most likely your gun/delivery system might not be up to par. Try experimenting with different media and air pressure. Also, there have been occasions when I’ve found that used media is more effective since it’s all broken up and has sharper edges. ---
**Author:** ![Aiph5u](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/forum.pwncnc.com/aiph5u/32/727_2.png) [@Aiph5u](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/Aiph5u)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2025, 9:43pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/removing-machining-marks/3164/12 "2025-06-03T21:43:22Z")
Hey all, > [@Chris](#): > > In the longterm, maybe add a finishing pass with wood, this would always be my first approach, but I lack experience with metal. Also on wood, I would use a [radius cutter (⌀ 8 mm ball nose)](https://www.sorotec.de/shop/Cutting-Tools/sorotec-tools/RADIUS-MILLS/) as last pass. That takes time (the machine, not you) but leaves a perfect finish. No sanding necessary. But when using endmill, very precise adjustment of tool perpendicularity to machine table of course. ---
**Author:** ![Daniel](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/forum.pwncnc.com/daniel/32/65_2.png) [@Daniel](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/Daniel)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2025, 9:53pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/removing-machining-marks/3164/13 "2025-06-03T21:53:07Z")
I will note that these are purely visual… you can’t feel anything with regards to these machine marks. It is absolutely smooth. ---
**Author:** ![Aiph5u](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/forum.pwncnc.com/aiph5u/32/727_2.png) [@Aiph5u](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/Aiph5u)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2025, 9:58pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/removing-machining-marks/3164/14 "2025-06-03T21:58:20Z")
Yes but the look is important too 🙂 At least for tech freaks ---
**Author:** ![QCDvacuum](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/forum.pwncnc.com/qcdvacuum/32/338_2.png) [@QCDvacuum](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/QCDvacuum)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2025, 10:09pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/removing-machining-marks/3164/15 "2025-06-03T22:09:55Z")
> [@Daniel](#): > > Does anyone have suggestions on what else might work? Hi Daniel… It is usually easier not to reinvent the wheel. I believe you could use the advice of experts in the field because the requirement is for a long-term solution. You could try asking these people based in NH and NJ. At the very least, I expect they could point you in a useful direction. > **[Removing Machine Marks | Deburring | Kramer Industries Inc.](https://www.kramerindustriesonline.com/removing-machine-marks/)** > > Machining aluminum parts to precise dimensions creates light etching, ‘swirls,’ and machine marks on the surface, affecting both appearance and texture. > **[Media Blasting, Barrel & Vibratory Finishing Equipment](https://www.kramerindustriesonline.com/)** > > Full support and solutions in industrial media, blast media, blasting equipment, compounds, service, and barrel & vibratory finishing equipments & parts. 140 Ethel Road West, Unit U Piscataway, NJ 08854-5951 71 Hobbs Street, Unit 106 Conway, NH 03818 - **Toll Free:** 1-888-515-9443 - **NJ:** 1-732-650-9599 [sales@kramerind.com](mailto:sales@kramerind.com) ---
**Author:** ![Chris](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/forum.pwncnc.com/chris/32/54_2.png) [@Chris](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/Chris)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2025, 10:52pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/removing-machining-marks/3164/16 "2025-06-03T22:52:03Z")
> [@Aiph5u](#): > > with wood, this would always be my first approach, but I lack experience with metal I havent done more than etch the surface of metal myself too, but the video I posted, they had some sort of bristle brush that rubbed the surface. Thats what I was referring to with the finishing pass. ---
**Author:** ![Aiph5u](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/user_avatar/forum.pwncnc.com/aiph5u/32/727_2.png) [@Aiph5u](https://forum.pwncnc.com/u/Aiph5u)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2025, 10:56pm UTC](https://forum.pwncnc.com/t/removing-machining-marks/3164/17 "2025-06-03T22:56:53Z")
Ah okay. I’ll have a look Edit: I see, a [silicon carbide infused nylon brush](https://duckduckgo.com/?t=euandroid&q=silicon+carbide+infused+nylon+brush&chrome_dse_attribution=1&ia=web) So the correct term is obviously [end brush](https://www.osborn.com/en-us/products/abrasives-nylon-atb/abrasive-nylon-end-brushes~c20631) Learning something new everyday 🙂