Originally Posted by
FlatMaster
Never heard of that tecnique mthomas. How do you get the sandpaper from putting indivdtual grains all around the cone? I assume you can use a fine grade, but this would take a long time. Also, what would you put behind the paper to push it against the cone?
I use a Dremel tool with a fine stone to smooth out a pitted cone.
Let the pitted cone spin in a cordless drill at low speed (screw it firmly on an axle and put that in the cordless drill). Then gently push the Dremel stone spinning at max speed against the cone's race. Do not apply any force, let the stone do the job. It may take about 30 revolutions of the cone before the result is flawless. Take your time.
Finish the grinded cone's surface with some fine sandpaper wrapped around a screw driver's shaft.
The result is nearly perfect cone's surface.
Some people may object to this procedure. They may claim the cone will lose it's hardness. I can say I have ridden many thousands of miles on 'overhauled' cones, without any problem.
PS: Cones and cups will get pitted due to of a lack of maintenance. Water infiltration and corrosion is the main reason why cones get damaged. Bearings that are adjusted correctly and that are repacked regularly with plenty of grease should never get pitted, no matter the mileage.