Thanks Khatfull! This is exactly the kind of thing I was going to go searching for now that I'm gathering some parts for my bike build. You've just given me a nice rundown right here. It's perfect.
And sure, if I had a shop, parts to practice on, money for tools, etc... maybe I could polish the hell out of parts at light speed, but sometimes it's nice and more realistic to take it slow and use what you've got. And I agree, there is something satisfying about doing this sort of thing by hand. It's not like it's going to take you a year, and it's not like I spend every waking moment doing monumental things. Why not take some time with a hobby I enjoy and work with some basic sand paper and polishing compound? Then sit back and admire my hard work when I'm done.
Thanks again for the write-up!