Mr IGH

I've got an old Campy seatpost in 27.0. It's a mess, was given to me many years ago for free. I'd like to use it on my newest project, need a 26.8mm post.

- Can I re-size it to 26.8 by hand?

I was thinking to use 180 grit sandpaper until I'm close, then start with lighter grits until it's polished and fits in the bike I'm building now.

- Anyone ever do this?

Grand Bois

Have you got a 1/4 sheet random orbit sander? I use a Porter-Cable. Wear a dust mask and old clothes. It speeds up the job considerably. Turn the post contantly to keep it round. You only need to take off .1 millimeter. I've taken off much more with good results. Remember that final polishing will take it down a bit more, so stop using the coarser paper while it's still a bit too tight.

Mr IGH

Cool! I've got a fresh face mask from polishing my NOS 5-speed drum braked sturmey archer hub yesterday

Retro means raw polished Al!

repechage

As long as its a record post, I think it would be safe, the superleggere posts were basically the same just more careful machining.

By hand? Yes, but you would need to be really consistent with the removal, that is what a lathe is for.
The fastest way, having done it, is to chuck up the post by the round end, depending on the chuck you will not get to machine 25mm of it, turn it down, very slow feed rate and cut depth, then do the final length by hand, that way you have a target to shoot for and a decent cylinder for the rest. Be prepared to say "stuff this' and hack saw the last 25 mm off, you will be surprised how much work it will be. Keep the minimum insertion in mind. But use a lathe, find someone with one. Machine shops are slow right now, some cash near lunch would be really appreciated.

sunburst

I've twice taken that much off a stem (22.2 down to 22.0) with a metal file. Even with a file it seems to take me about an hour.

darb85

a decent metal fab shop will probably turn it for your for 5 bucks

cs1

Absolutely the best method mentioned yet. The results will be perfect and cost minimal. IMO, don't screw with sand paper. Good luck

rhm

I've done a couple with Drano. It took about one teaspoon of Drano and five minutes. Finish with 1000 grit sandpaper and Brasso. Not voting against the machine shop, by any means, I just happened to have Drano at hand, and no machine shop.

soderbiker

i have done this one time , it took 5 minutes to shave off the .2mm with FINE sandpaper.
after i go it to fit i polised it up and looked like new , well almost

PS i wouldnt do it again .

T