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Post by toytuba on Oct 24, 2012 19:12:50 GMT -6
Probably a newbie question. I have 5 Edison cylinder machines that I want to make sing again. I am not trying to restore them (I have several more that will someday get that attention.) My intent now is only to get these machines running. They have been in storage for 27 years (really!), and are actually in pretty good shape. But the topsides are very dirty. I understand that naptha or lacquer thinner will clean up the gears (true?), but I am wondering what will safely take off the caked dirt/grime that has built up on top of the bedplate and other surfaces. I figure Pinesol is too strong, but is there something that will safely/easily do the job? My goal is to "do no harm" - I don't want to mess up the black or gold paint/decals that are still in place. Any ideas?
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alang
One Spring Motor
Posts: 43
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Post by alang on Oct 25, 2012 7:31:22 GMT -6
Many collectors use GoJo or GooP, which are automotive hand cleaners. Just make sure you get the non-pumice or pumice-free version. You can use it to clean both the wooden case as well as the bed plate and visible metal parts. On wood you can apply it with 0000 steel wool, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe off. Do not use steel wool on decals or on the bed plate to avoid damaging the fine pine striping and details. Just apply with a paint brush, let sit for a few minutes and then wipe off. You will notice that it will feel a bit sticky afterwards, so let it sit for a few days to let dry completely. For metal motor parts and gears you can use naphta or laquer thinner, but be carefull not to get it on anything painted. Both liquids should be used with care because they have toxic fumes and are highly flammable. Good luck Andreas
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Post by eckster on Oct 25, 2012 20:24:25 GMT -6
For dust you can gently use cans of compressed air. That works also
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Post by toytuba on Oct 27, 2012 11:49:45 GMT -6
The immediate project is a Triumph Model E. I got the frozen bearing out surprisingly easily, and am all set to reassemble things. But I noticed how cruddy the caked (and really solid!) grime made the top works look. GoJo did help. It reduced the size of several of the grime areas, but no way is it going to get everything off. I'll leave it for another day - when I have more experience and hopefully know how better to get at it. The outsides of the cases were quite dusty, but the vacuum cleaner with a soft brush took care of them. Thanks Andreas and eckster for the ideas! thingy
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Post by toytuba on Oct 27, 2012 21:29:05 GMT -6
I'm not sure who "thingy" is, but I do thank you both! thingy
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Post by stelawn12 on Mar 19, 2015 23:03:54 GMT -6
Great tips sharing with us about repairing, I would like to say that i have get lot of useful information from here and hope so will get more.
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