I am going to have 100s of flat stock somewhat small items cut out of Steel and Aluminum next week on a water jet. The aluminum will most likely just need a mirror polish and the steel I would like to give a mirror finish them chrome plate.

I figured I could buy a 18Lb. Vibratory bowl from Harbor freight for $169.99 to have it do most of the grunt work. Then I would do the final polish on a wheel.

What would you suggest to use as a medium? how many grades of medium should I use? Will I need to do a 2 step buffing process with 2 grades of compound?

Sorry for all the questions, this is my first time doing this, I know I am capable I'm just not sure the order and steps needed for larger quantities.