All About The Cibo Finitube Tube Polisher

The revolutionary Cibo Finitube Tube Polisher was originally introduced to the market in 1998. The technology has come on a long way since then. But the same basic principles still apply. Using the Cibo Finitube tube polisher on standard handrailing allows the operator wrap a full 270 degrees around the tube in one action. Coverage that is still only possible with the Cibo Finitube.

Since it’s original introduction the Finitube has come a long way whilst competitors have come and gone. The latest generation has higher power, higher torque and a much longer machine life as well as improved ergonomics.

What Problem Does the Finitube Solve?

Traditionally, putting a consistent finish onto tubes and rails after welding was a slow and laborious task.

Eventually some machines came onto the market using a wishbone type construction on the end of a variable speed motor unit, still sold today, this style of machine works on straight tube but fails quickly when going around bends.

Abrasive belt files such as the Dynafile or Beltit allow some access but the belts are narrow and short so achieving a consistent finish is very tricky.

Alternative options using velcro systems such as we supply on the Finimaster are a better solution than powerfile belts. The velcro belts will give a good consistent finish but they are relatively slow to work with.

So What Makes the Cibo Finitube So Special?

– Ease of Wrapping

The unique double-hinged construction of the Finitube means that the motor can be held in the horizontal plane whilst the arm is wrapped over and around the tube. This wrapping action means that on 52mm tube a full 270 degrees of tube surface can be finished in one action.

The unique wrapping action of the arm and belt is also the reason why the Cibo Finitube is the best machine for sanding curved tubes.

Hints & Tips: For curved tubes. When the arm is wrapped over the tube, pull the belt towards you a short distance and the tube becomes your contact wheel, securing the abrasive belt and allowing you to sand consistently without the belt falling off.

– Ergonomic Design

There is no reason why you should notice the ball handle design on the head of the arm. But Cibo did.

The redesigned shape ensures good operator comfort. The ball head also allows for a smooth action as the arm wraps gracefully around the tube ensuring good operator control.

– Multi V-Drive Belt

The powerful 1700 watt motor has a double gear direct drive transmission with high torque.

To transfer this power to the abrasive belt the machine was re-designed to include a v-belt construction. Not only does this belt ensure good transmission of power, it also acts as a safety clutch which both protects the machine and your workpiece from damage.

As well as increasing torque, setting the direct drive from the head of the motor also has the added advantage of reducing the overall machine weight and taking the operator closer to the action.

– Designed for Safe Working

It is the little changes that can make a big difference. To ensure safe use and long life of the machine Cibo have made three simple additions:

1. A foot rest below the drive wheel to allow the operator to place the machine on the bench safely.
2. A stop pad on the head of the arm prevents the contact wheel from hitting the tube. You cannot hit the tube and create flat spots with the Finitube.
3. A protective stainless steel plate between the belt drive wheel and the arm of the Finitube to protect the arm from excessive abrasive belt wear.

– Power and Durability

The Finitube now uses an even more powerful 1700 watt motor unit ensuring unstoppable power, even at slow speed. This is combined with the multi-V drive belt which provides a built in slip clutch mechanism to prevent disc and machine damage. The slip clutch is engineering to kick in immediately below the maximum machine torque, providing maximum protection to the operator and the machine.

– Stainless Steel Safe

Having all these details but with the risk of contaminating your stainless steel would be crazy. The FinitEasy extension arm is made out of anodised aluminium . And all the flanges supplied with the machine are made from stainless steel. In addition the double sided flanges provide additional flexibility. With built in option to use either 25mm or 22mm bore discs.

What Products Can be Used on the Finitube Tube Polisher?

The most important benefit of using the Finitube is having the capacity to use the full range of Cibo Abrasives premium grade abrasive belts. You can see the full range of standard tube polisher belts from the AFS website.

• FX87 stiff backed high aggression ceramic abrasive belts. Ideal for stainless steel, aluminium and galvanised coatings
• FF87 flexible backed ceramic abrasive belts. Ideal for working on curves and bent tubing. The FF87 is good for stainless steel, aluminium and non-ferrous metals such as copper and brass.
• Trizact belts are ideal for pre-polishing and mirror polishing applications.
• Surface Conditioning belts are good for structural satin finishing of any metal.

How to Buy the Finitube?

We offer the option of buying the Finitube as a kit with a range of belts. The Finitube is available in both 230 volt and 110 volt options.

Included within the standard kit are the following products: designed for satin finishing stainless steel and brass rails.

1. FF87 flexible alumino-ceramic abrasive sanding belts in 120, 240 & 320 grit options.
2. Coarse, medium and very fine surface conditioning belts.
3. #3M Trizact 237AA finishing belts in grades A30 (800 grit) and A45 (400 grit).
4. Tex handpads and a FORU rubbing block for detail finishing.
5. The Cibo Inoxiclean stainless steel cleaner.