Level welds quickly to match #3 and #4

directional mill finishes

Final finishing and touch-up applications

Hand pads can be used for the final blending and touch-up of
stainless steel finishes. To achieve a hand-rubbed look or to
refine the grain line from portable tool finishing, a Scotch-Brite
7446 hand pad works quickly to provide that extra finishing
touch. Hand pads can also be used to eliminate handling marks
or scratches and dings that may occur during fabrication or
finishing. A 3M No. 961 Pad Holder will help avoid
streaking of the final finish.

Matching stainless steel finishes can be a difficult task. You can spend a lot of time doing five or
six steps, making set-up wheels, and cleaning up after buffing compounds. The 3M finishing
system does away with all that.
In just three easy steps, you can grind and blend welds to match #3 or #4 prefinished mill stock.
Heres how:

Step 1 Leveling the Weld

Use a 3M coated abrasive 3M recommends a grade 60
3M Regalite Polycut 785C Fibre Disc in conjunction
with a 7 diameter black ribbed faceplate (3M part number
051144-80515) at a speed of 4,500 RPM to level the weld
quickly and to leave find grind lines.
Work Hint: Use the finest grade of abrasive available that
still gets the job done, because finer grind lines are easier to
remove.
19
Use a 3M Regalite Polycut 785C Fibre Disc, grade 60 on
a right angle grinder to level the weld and leave fine grind lines.

22
Use a Scotch-Brite 7446 Hand Pad with a 3M No. 961 Pad Holder
for final hand rubbing and blending of stainless steel finishes.

Solution

Problem

Solution

Heat or warpage

Use products with Polycut coating

Use coarser grade abrasive
Reduce speed
Use new abrasive
Use harder backup pad

Multi-Finishing
wheel bounce

Reduce speed
Dress wheel to round

Finish too dull

or dark

Dress wheel/belt with 3M #54

pumice stone
Use dry buffing compound

Use softer backup pad

Reduce angle of grinder

Smearing

Reduce speed
Clean or replace contaminated product

Disc scratches
show through

Use finer grade leveling disc

Increase speed

Tracking

Increase belt pressure to maintain

tracking

Chatter

Use belt with film splice of 45

Use softer contact wheel on belt
Dress contact wheel to round
Reduce speed and/or pressure

Tool stalling

Check for proper air supply at tool

Increase torque and/or HP of tool

Streaking on
final finish

Use hand pad holder

Use reciprocating, in-line finishing
sander

Step 2 Setting the Grain

20

Step 3 Final Finishing

A Scotch-Brite surface conditioning belt, Type A Coarse,
blends the surface into a #3 finish. For a #4 finish, 3M
recommends the Type A Medium or Type S Medium belt;
1,400 SFPM.
Work Hint: Finish a small area on the corner of the piece.
Examine the finish from several angles. The match, while
not exact, will be close. With a little practice you can
feather in and out of the repair area.

21
Refine the surface with a Scotch-Brite Surface Conditioning Belt
Type A Coarse for a #3 finish, or Type S Medium or Type A
Medium for a #4 finish. As in Step 2, use a portable tool with a
pneumatic wheel.

PG wheel bounce

Reduce speed and/or pressure

Use smaller wheel

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PURCHASER:

Product Use: User is responsible for determining whether the product is fit for a particular
purpose and suitable for users application.

Set the directional grain line with a 3M Regalloy 907E, or

Regalite Polycut Resin Bond 747D or 777F Cloth Belt Grade
P120. Use a portable tool with a pneumatic wheel.

A few slow passes should restore the finish. Use the longest
stroke that is comfortable. Working with the grain, ease off
pressure on both ends of the stroke.

The efficient and economical way

to produce exceptional finishes

In addition, 3M Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish can be used

to remove fingerprint marks and surface smudges for a brighter,
cleaner finish. (A straight line reciprocating sander can also be
used with 7446 Hand Pad to blend and finish larger areas.)

Problem

Edge cutting

Work Hint: Attempt to stay as close as possible to the weld

area to minimize final blending. Be careful when selecting
the abrasive grade, as severe grind lines will result in more
conditioning time and reduced productivity.

Systems for
Stainless Steel Finishing

Troubleshooting Guide

Also, try to align the grind line scratches with the grain line
direction of the original stock. Perpendicular scratches are
more difficult to blend into the final finish, while parallel
scratches blend easily during finishing.

Set the directional grain line with a 3M Regalite or

Regalloy Polycut product 3M recommends the
907E, 747D or the 777F; 2,500 SFPM.

Warranty and Limited Remedy: THE FOLLOWING WARRANTIES ARE MADE IN

LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT
NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, IMPLIED
WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTY ARISING OUT OF A COURSE OF DEALING, CUSTOM, OR USAGE
OF TRADE.
3M warrants that these products will be free from defects in materials and manufacture. If a
product is defective, your exclusive remedy shall be, at 3Ms option, replacement of the product
or refund the purchase price.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: 3M will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from this
product, whether direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential, regardless of the legal
theory asserted, including warranty, contract, negligence, strict liability or any other legal
theory.
The foregoing Warranty and Limited Remedy and Limitation of Liability may be changed only
by written agreement signed by authorized officers of 3M.
Safety Information: Always use appropriate protective glasses, face shields and body
protection. Do not exceed maximum operating RPMs. Use guards provided with machine.
Follow safety operation procedures posted in work areas.

For more information and assistance:

Contact your local 3M abrasive products distributor or 3M.

Contiguous 48 United States ......................1-800-742-9546

Fax ..............................................................1-800-852-4668
Alaska ..........................................................907-522-5200
Canada ........................................................519-451-2500
Hawaii..........................................................808-422-2721
Northern Mexico..........................................915-599-4685
Puerto Rico ..................................................809-750-3000
Distributed by:

3
Industrial Market Division
3M Center, Building 223-6N-01
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
61-5001-1038-4(.582)CPI 3M 2002

3M Canada
PO Box 5757
London, Ontario, Canada N6A 4T1

Printed on 40% recycled waste

paper, including 10% post-consumer
waste paper.

3M product starting points and alternative selections for matching directional mill finishes
Step 1 - Weld Leveling
Using the following products for weld leveling
helps prepare stainless steel for #3 and #4 finishes.
Recommended Starting Points

3M Regalite Polycut 785C

Fibre Disc Grade 60
Developed especially for use on
stainless steel and other high nickel
alloys
Features a grinding aid over a special
ceramic aluminum oxide mineral
Provides higher cut rates and cooler
grinding temperatures
Recommended Optimum Speed:
4,500 RPM (7" dia.)
3M Regalloy 987C
Fibre Disc Grade 60
Designed for high performance
stainless steel grinding
Regalloy Fibre construction features
grinding aid for cooler cutting
Higher cut rates over a long period of
time should occur regularly
Recommended Optimum Speed:
4,500 RPM (7" dia.)

Alternative Selection

3M Regalloy 977F Belt Grade 60

A specially designed 3M Cubitron
mineral coupled with a dry grinding
aid, yet it demonstrates excellent
value in wet grinding operations
Works well in all ranges of grinding
pressure
Designed for stainless steel and high
nickel alloys
Recommended Optimum Speeds:
6000 - 6,500 SFPM

Step 2 - Generating a Straight Line Scratch

Step 3 - Final Finishing

These product options generate a directional scratch

that will prepare stainless steel for final finishing.
Recommended Starting Points

3M Regalloy 907E and

Regalite Polycut 777F Resin
Bond Cloth Belt Grade P120
777F features a ceramic aluminum
oxide, and 907E features a premium
cubitron mineral especially for
stainless steel and exotic alloys
Both incorporate a grinding aid that
enhances grinding on hard-to-grind
materials such as stainless steel
The grinding aid results in higher cut
rates and cooler grinding temperatures
Intended for dry use only
Recommended Optimum Speeds:
1,600 RPM (6" dia.)
2,500 SFPM
3M Regalite Polycut 747D
Resin Bond cloth Belt Grade P120
The X Wt. backing found on 747D
yields semi-flexible handling
characteristics and good
compatibility for most offhand
applications, including platens
Yields superior life and cooler cut
time on most metalworking
applications
Well suited for special forms
applications
Yields superior life and a cool cut
Recommended Optimum Speeds:
1,600 RPM (6" dia.)
2,500 SFPM

#3 Finishes These product options will generate

a #3 stainless steel finish.
Alternative Selections

3M Regalite Polycut 747D

Resin Bond Cloth PG Wheel
Grade 80
Aluminum oxide mineral and
Cubitron ceramic aluminum
oxide coated on a cloth backing
Provides a uniform finish
A grinding aid is incorporated
excellent for stainless steel
Recommended Optimum Speeds:
12,000 - 18,000 RPM (3" dia.)*
3M Regalite 741A Resin Bond
Cloth PG Wheel Grade 80
A dry grinding, yet flexible,
abrasive product
Applicable for use on ferrous and
non-ferrous metals in applications
that employ light to moderate
pressures
Recommended Optimum Speeds:
12,000 - 18,000 RPM (3" dia.)*

Recommended Starting Point

3M Three-M-ite 244E Resin

Bond Cloth PG Wheel Grade 80
Aluminum oxide mineral coated on
a special rayon X Wt. backing
A product that offers flexibility with
increased life
Recommended Optimum Speeds:
1,600 RPM (6" dia.)*
2,500 SFPM
* PG Wheels are available in 1" - 6" diameters.
11

3M Regalite 707E Polycut

Resin Bond Cloth Belt Grade P120
Ceramic Aluminum Oxide mineral
with a grinding aid
For dry use only
Recommended Optimum Speeds:
1,600 RPM (6" dia.)
2,500 SFPM

Recommended Starting Point

12

Scotch-Brite Multi-Finishing
Wheel 2S Coarse
A highly conformable, soft wheel
Creates uniform and attractive
finishes on ferrous and non-ferrous
metals
Works well on large surfaces
Recommended Optimum Speeds:
900 RPM (6" dia.)
1,400 SFPM
3M 464W Polishing Cloth Silicon
Carbide Belt Grade 120
Its mineral over cork granule
construction is designed to produce
long life and consistent finish
throughout the life of the belt
Its waterproof, and particularly
suited to wet metal finishing
operations, but also works well dry
or with a grease stick
Recommended Optimum Speeds:
3,400 RPM (6" dia.)*
5,300 SFPM

Scotch-Brite Surface
Conditioning Belt Type S Medium
A tough, non-woven nylon abrasive
Impregnated web construction
Silicon Carbide mineral provides a
brighter, sharper finish
Recommended Optimum Speeds:
900 RPM (6" dia.)
1,400 SFPM

#5 - #8 Finishes 3M Trizact Abrasives will

generate a #5 through a #8 stainless steel finish.
All 3M Trizact Abrasives feature a
microreplicated surface of precise structures
applied uniformly to the backing. They have
been designed especially for the metalworking
industry, and their unique coating provides many
performance advantages over conventional coated
abrasives. Trizact abrasive belts provide
a consistent cut rate and finish with long life for
medical and agricultural applications where
#5 through #8 finishes are critical.

Alternative Selections

Alternative Selections

10

Scotch-Brite Surface Conditioning

Belt Type A Coarse
A reinforced non-woven nylon
material spliced into belt form
Provides a consistent, appealing
finish in decorative finishing
applications
Resists loading and reduces heat
build-up to increase life and improve
performance
Recommended Optimum Speeds:
900 RPM (6" dia.)
1,400 SFPM

#4 Finishes These product options will generate

a #4 stainless steel finish.

13

Scotch-Brite Surface
Conditioning Belt Type A Medium
A reinforced non-woven nylon
material spliced into belt form
Provides an even more consistent
and appealing finish in decorative
finishing applications than Type A
Coarse
Recommended Optimum Speed:
1,400 SFPM

16

Recommended Starting Point

14

* If chattermarking occurs, consider a 1,600

RPM tool for better control. (SFPM 2,513)
15

Scotch-Brite Multi-Finishing
Wheel 2S Medium
Conformable to work surface
Creates uniform and attractive final
finishes on ferrous and non-ferrous
metals
Works well on large surfaces
Recommended Optimum Speeds:
900 RPM (6" dia.)
1,400 SFPM
3M Polishing Cloth 464W Silicon
Carbide Belt Grade 150
Its mineral over cork granule
construction is designed to produce
long life and consistent final finish
The same features as Grade 120,
but for a more polished final
appearance
Recommended Optimum Speed:
5,300 SFPM (6" dia.)

17

3M Trizact Abrasives
307EA, 237AA A100
Both contain an aluminum oxide
mineral and a grinding aid
307EA is better suited for light
duty, off-hand applications because
of its JE cloth backing
237AA features a more durable X
weight, semi-flexible cloth backing,
better suited for off-hand or light to
medium mechanical operations

Alternative Selection
3M Trizact Abrasives 407EA
Contains silicon carbide mineral
and grinding aid
Ideal for light duty applications on
titanium and stainless steel
18