My friend had a Transmission Washer. You put in a scoop of cleaner and it spun it and washed it. When he shut his place down he gave it to the Machine Shop that does his engine work. They used to bring him Aluminum Blocks works great.
Yes sand-and media will change the texture. So will the 3-M abrasive disc guys like to clean stuff with. And sand paper will 100%.
I am thinking of making a Lamp out of a Tail Shaft