Metal Preparation Options

[Ejzajac]

The FFR fabricated metal parts get sent out pretty rough on the cut edges and bends. I know there are many options to clean and tidy them up.

1. What works best for folks to deburr these cut edges?
2. How best to clean up the long linear marks on bends?
3. My assumption is ALL these metal parts need protection. Powder Coat, POR or other metal paints?

I know there are MANY ways to accomplish these tasks.
Just interested in how those with experience approach them.

Thanks,
Ed Z

[gbranham]

40 or 80 grit will knock down any burrs. Rubbing alcohol cleans up the panels. You can leave them bare, clear coat, powdercoat, paint....whatever floats your boat. I powdercoated all of my aluminum.

224274224275

Greg

[cv2065]

I don’t recall any actual panels that I had that needed deburring unless I cut them. For cut holes or trimming, use one of these. A flap wheel works great for jagged edges.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SLDYW3H/ref=dp_iou_view_item?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I powder coated all of my panels. That will hold up better than anything one could do at home.

[edwardb]

I assume you don't mean the 50-60 aluminum panels provided in the kit. While they sometimes require slight trimming for best fit, they don't typically require clean-up. Although side note, I see people trimming when they should be focusing on the right assembly sequence and placement. My Mk5 required very little actual trimming for the aluminum panels. But that's not your question.

For the balance of provided metal parts, hinges, brackets, etc. you're right sometimes they require some clean-up. For burrs on the edges, I find a file followed with sandpaper usually gets the job done. Sometimes there are slightly raised areas at the corners where they're bent which can sometimes impact fitment. Easily knocked off with a file. Not sure what you mean by long linear marks. Maybe the slight markings from a press brake? I'm pretty picky about final appearance but I don't find whatever marks there are to require correction.

I've found that FF is supplying many of the metal parts in stainless. More than previous kits. Check with a magnet. They can be painted or powder coated for appearance. But don't need it for protection. You're choice. Most parts I generally include with my powder coat collection. Other finishes can work as well. Rattle can, POR-15, your choice. I will add that most of the fabricated metal parts typically have a couple small "nibs" left behind from laser or plasma (?) CNC cutting. I always make a point of cleaning those off. File, disk sander, whatever. Aside from appearance they are pretty sharp.

[JimStone]

This tool! Best $30 you'll ever spend. I use mine nearly every day





https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=224351&d=1768840790



https://www.amazon.com/WEN-6307-Variable-Detailing-Sander/dp/B072Q2FTLY?pd_rd_w=Lt6Ku&content-id=amzn1.sym.148d7a8e-725d-42f4-bb41-3dffb915d3a9&pf_rd_p=148d7a8e-725d-42f4-bb41-3dffb915d3a9&pf_rd_r=HHSXFNXHT87TNSSN3502&pd_rd_wg=n5WLM&pd_rd_r=7d2e1b8c-4a98-43d2-93f6-0a2644a3dc08&pd_rd_i=B072Q2FTLY&psc=1&ref_=pd_basp_m_rpt_ba_s_5_sc

[Ejzajac]

Thanks to all that replied.
Paul, you are correct that the concerns were NOT on the aluminum panels, but on other provided metal parts. Most are actually quite good, but a handful have heavy burrs/nibs along the entire cut edges. The linear marks are clearly from bending in a brake, but rather pronounced with "pits" on these items. All improved with a little effort.
As a new builder, just trying to sort out if this is to be expected and best/easiest options for correction.

Thanks again.
Ed Z

[gbranham]

Ah, sorry...I misunderstood the assignment, apparently. :)

On the parts you're talking about, I also noticed nibs here and there, typically where a laser cutter began and ended its cutting routine. For those, I used a dremel with a grinding stone, then primed and painted.

Greg