how to remove fine scratches on base?

[Supercharged]

i just bought a 2nd hand waterblock and realised there were some fine scratches at the base and not sure if that would affect contact ability, so wondering how to remove the scratches.

 

making shine is easy, i've lapped a few times and it shines but the scratches...?

[smolt]

1200 grit wet & dry sand paper and braso after to make it shine if there deep then start with 600

[calvintang]

you could ignore the 'fine' scratches .

Or you could sand it down

OR you could use thermal compound.Thats what it's for.

[thejamesvolta]

I wouldn't sweat it if they were minor scratches. I agree with calvintang.

[Supercharged]

[Guest Timmay]

They just look like machine marks when the block was made (unless I'm missing somthing in the pic).

[thejamesvolta]

I don't see anything out of the ordinary. You want machine marks, not a mirror finish. With 'scratches' there is more surface area for the TIM to cling to.

[Supercharged]

another pic to confirm.

 

 

 

 

so it's ok to leave it ?

[MrNovi]

I use the fingernail test. If my fingernail just barely notices the ridges I leave it alone and just clean it with some Denatured or Isopropyl alcohol (the kind with NO petroleum or glycerin). If my fingernail catches on the ridges they're deep enough to need lapping. It can be a fine line, but your's looks like the first type (clean and use).

 

Of course, YMMV

 

Mr. Novi

[t_ski]

Agreed. If you do need to lap, often times I go backwards. I start with something higher, say 600 grit. If the scratches don't come out I go lower and lower until they do. I know it's more work, but that way I don't go to far and take too much off trying to get a simple scratch out.