at first glance, it's hard to believe it's the same wrench.
Oh it's the same wrench. You can see the deep pimple next to the "2" didn't clean up all the way.
Elroy was lucky he snapped a few "before" shots. Didn't take any during the process.
There are a few tricks with doing something like this. The first trick is to stand over a bench grinder for about 6,000 hours to get in some practice. The second trick is; it helps to be lucky. Remember that Elroy on any day would rather be lucky than good.
Short answer: a low power 1" wide belt sander with a belt about 80% worn out and the back up bar removed so the belt follows the contours. You also need to keep the belt moving. If you dwell at any one spot you'll put a flat spot in it. You also need to check your work often and know when to quit. You can't over work it. That's for the "rounded" beam.
The flat faces are actually done just the opposite and this is where the luck comes in. In this case, Elroy used a bench mounted disk sander with NEW abrasive disk. First off you get the best results by taking a single cut that is going to clean the surface 100% the first time.
Doing this off hand is not that easy and that is where the 6,000 hours of practice comes in. It also helps if you don't mind having a finger tip closely manicured once or twice. Although Elroy does try to avoid this. You also need to keep the work cool so the metal doesn't burn. A simple bucket of COLD water.
The luck comes in the cut. You need to pay attention to making and maintaining the cut parallel to to the original surface. You also can't cut so much that you remove the original stamping. Now if you had a surface grinder you would be in like Flynn. All the hand skill required goes right out the window. Elroy doesn't have a surface grinder.
In the final clean up steps, Elroy utilizes a die grinder with a cartridge roll and then a scotch bright pad to blend it all in.
Some of the small radius call for a rat tail file with a wet dry paper condom. Finish it all off in the kitchen sink with Mom's scotch bright backed sponge and some "Bar Keeper's Friend"
Opps Elroy just let out a closely guarded trade secret. You didn't see that. Quick hit the delete button. Oh my god what has Elroy done.
I have some old wrenchs you might want, cover shipping and they are your's!! I think they are old ford wrenchs!! PM me if you are interested.
