Cleaning out channels/grooves

[ericheartsu]

Whats the best way to clean out the channels and de-burr/de-nick some m3s?

[alan802]

I use the 3M sanding sponges.  The one that has the 45 degree angles will get up inside the channel perfectly.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_54004-98-9558-SP60_0__?productId=3746777&Ntt=sanding+sponge&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dsanding%2Bsponge&facetInfo=

[ScreenFoo]

I gotta try one of those--the 3m green pads are good with press wash, but you have to shove them into the channel to get it nice and clean.
The scrub pads won't touch a nick or a burr, but cut into any ink or adhesive residue pretty quick.

Is 60 grit pretty tough on them, or is it not quite the same as standard 60 grit aluminum oxide?

[JBLUE]

Scotchbrite, 600 grit wet dry, and a nice flat blade object like a large flat blade screwdriver with the side edges rounded so you dont make high spots when massaging out dents.

[alan802]

I've always gotten moderate nicks and imperfections with the med and fine grit sponges.  Never tried blues way but it would work great that way too. I also use the sponges to get tape and adhesive off frames, oh, and ink and dried emulsion.

[Binkspot]

Never considered the sponges, picked up some last night to try.

I have always used a flat screw driver with the tip bent to scrape the crud out followed by a stiff stainless steel wire brush.

Dents get worked out with a screw driver.

Burs and Knicks get the file, Emory cloth and then a Scotch Brite pad or a small wire cup brush on a die grinder. The cup brush is great for taking rough edges off especially on aluminum.

WD-40 works good as a cleaner, a little scrubbing with a course scrub pad and it will take off the emulsion, ink and tape residue.