I was about to tell you that you're full of it because I do it all the time without those things, but I suppose it depends on your definition of practical. It took me a week of evenings to strip and polish a crank, and that wouldn't be practical if I didn't enjoy it. I spent two hours Friday night polishing a seat post. Someone else might not think that's practical, but I don't care. The only specialized tools I use are a Porter Cable pad sander, a spiral-sewn cotton wheel and a big Delta drill press to spin it. I could probably get it done faster with better equipment, but I'm not in a hurry. I enjoy the time I spend working in my little garage shop. It beats watching t.v.