It didn't make sense to me when I read claims that polishing shouldn't be done at temperatures less than fifty because the process generates quite a bit of heat. I should have done a more comprehensive search because I have subsequently learned that that isn't true. Less than fifty may not be ideal but it is feasible. 

I'm curious about that too. I'm trying to come up with a reason that might be so, but I can only think that maybe in cold weather you'd be more inclined to do it in an enclosed space that you could heat?

BTW... Great signature quote Ray.

Brunswickian wrote:

Thanks to everyone for the information and wise advice.  From what I've learned, it isn't a good idea to try to polish in temperatures under fifty. It doesn't look like I will be doing much polishing until spring. I am disappointed that I'm not going to get the job done over the winter but it's the only sensible thing to do.

Please share what you found that recommended not polishing in temp’s under 50, I haven’t seen anything about cool weather polishing.

If I was a betting man King Charles………I’d keep one eye on Lesa….heh,heh.
Long live King Charles.

The way I see it is the 46 years of cigarettes I have smoked and being over weight or Lesa will kill me first lol 
Charlie 

Thanks to everyone for the information and wise advice.  From what I've learned, it isn't a good idea to try to polish in temperatures under fifty. It doesn't look like I will be doing much polishing until spring. I am disappointed that I'm not going to get the job done over the winter but it's the only sensible thing to do.

I’ve not had time to dig into all the information you guys have been sharing.

I have to say working a lot of years in explosive areas it doesn’t matter what type of dust is present it’s a hazardous area for explosion and/or along with clean breathing air..
I believe when the professionals write up these safety measures they are based on 8hr exposure wether it’s asbestos, h2S or similar environments.
Im glad the basement was called off i personally want to see pictures of this boat finished and be great if you get to remember it ..
I look forward to reading this thread around Christmas there’s always interesting/learning information with our feathercraft gang.

More info, and the bottom line is OSHA has not set short term limits or total exposure caps for Aluminum, but long term exposure can be an issue.

magazine.fsmdirect.com/2017/may/d/to-the-limit-fsm-may.pdf


www.osha.gov/chemicaldata/496

I agree completely, Ray. There is truth to the adage "The poison is in the dose."   Wear a respirator and ventilate but don't worry. Take whatever comfort you can from the fact that something other than the time you spent polishing your Feathercraft is going to kill you.   

After reading the NJ-OSHA bulletin I'm not sure I even want to ride in an Aluminum boat
But the amount of exposure they are talking about is massive compared to the amount of exposure someone gets from sanding and polishing a Feather Craft.
But it's also true that wearing a respirator is a small inconvenience. 
The fire hazard is real, as is the potential for injury from disintegrating grinding wheels.
I know very few Feather Craft owners end up actually grinding on their boats but using a grinding wheel designed for steel to grind aluminum can result in material building up on the outer edge and exploding.