Doug, do like Dave sugested about the peice of aluminum BUT take some 50 grit sandpaper to it first to get some deep gouges in it, Then take some 80 and 100 grit to the rest of it. Once thats done your're ready to start the process.
Oh, I almost forgot, ya also might as well pick up a few electric sanders and a case or two of various grits(100- 800 wet/drygrit) sandpaper while your at it.
Pat, I admire your intestinal fortitude in polishing the body, it looks great! On Brents, it seems when you think ya got all the deeper scratches out and your down to sanding with the 600-800 grit it looks great til ya go to the high speed buffer, then ya see all the scratches ya missed! Then your back to the 220 grit again to do it all over, it seems never ending.
Larry M.