[ARC5] Aluminum Chassis cleaning (and 'that' philosophical question

[Mike Everette]

White draftsman's erasers and the white sharpenable typewriter erasers (yes, they still exist) are very good for cleaning oxidized aluminum.  I made a very tarnished BC-459 shine almost as well as a NIB/NOS BC-457 using those tools and a lot of elbow grease.  (I'd call the BC-457 a "10" and the cleaned BC-459 a "9.")  No damage to metal or components, and no scratches.
73
Mike
WA4DLF
 

      From: Richard Knoppow <1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com>
 To: arc5 at mailman.qth.net 
 Sent: Tuesday, December 29, 2015 7:48 PM
 Subject: Re: [ARC5] Aluminum Chassis cleaning (and 'that' philosophical question
   
    Evapo Rust claims it will not attack paint.  The MSDS gives not a clue as to what's in it but no solvents are listed.  
    FWIW both Naval Jelly and Aluminum Jelly seem to use phosphoric acid as the main ingredient.  Some of the other ingredients are different. I don't know what makes one suitable for aluminum and the other not.  
    Tarn-X contains thiourea, another reducing agent, I don't know if it works on aluminum.
    Zud and Barkeeper's Friend are nearly identical cleaners using oxalic acid, another reducing agent. 
    Some rust removers that work on ferrous metals, copper, brass and silver, will blacken aluminum.  
 
 On 12/29/2015 4:18 PM, Robert Eleazer wrote:
  
 
A phosphoric acid etch, or similar product such as "Aluminum Jelly" can be used to clean oxidized AL.  But be aware that it is an acid and may have undesirable effects on other components.  After the acid etch you can use an Alodine chromate conversion coating dip to reduce further corrosion.     
 Another possibility that is rather more benign is Evapa-Rust, which will clean AL as well as steel.  However it will also remove paint in the process.   Wayne WB5WSV     
  
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 -- 
Richard Knoppow
1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com
WB6KBL 
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