Combined grinding and polishing tool

Abstract

An automotive aluminum wheel abrading/polishing tool is disclosed. The abrading/polishing tool includes a substantially circular, resilient, central layer of non-woven material. A first plurality of individual, circumferentially offset, layers or strips of scored sandpaper or other coated abrasive material are secured to a first side of the non-woven material. A second plurality of individual, circumferentially offset, layers or strips of scored sandpaper or other coated abrasive material are secured to a second side of the non-woven material. The strips of abrasive material function in the removal of burrs or excess aluminum, and the non-woven material produces a uniform finish by polishing a work piece surface. The strips of abrasive material and the non-woven material cooperate to define an axially resilient circumferential end edge which effectively abrades and polishes highly contoured workpiece surfaces. In addition, the abrading/polishing tool maintains a pre-determined abrasive grit rating as the tool is radially worn away during use.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.