Can Aluminum Handles be Modded?

[R.palace]

Hello BF,

Quick question for you guys. I was wondering if anyone has heard of or has had any experience modifying the finish on aluminum scales, mainly a black scales.

For example, can aluminum be anodized another color like Titanium scales or can it be stonewashed, etc..

Thanks in advance for your replies

 

[George.W.W]

Stone washing would most probably be too harsh and you'd end up with chewed up scales. Bead blasting would work, and give a nice finish if its done well.

Aluminium anodises brilliantly, and some processes make the anodise harder than the aluminium itself, providing a pretty tough finish.

You can probably find a small company who deal with small quantities, but in my experience most companies charge a minimum process charge surplus to the cost of the anodise.

The main issue with scales would be where they hang them from to dip them in the tank. You can sometimes end up with inclusions from the hanging wire, which they would put through the screw holes.

If you don't mind that it'll make things cheaper, and if you do some sweet talking you might find someone willing to just chuck it in a tank with a load of other parts.