[ARC5] MFP - how to remove?

[Kenneth G. Gordon]

On 25 Sep 2016 at 12:26, Arden Allen wrote:

> > There is or was a solvent for MFP.  But I've never had any of it.  So I don't know how the MFP 
> reacted to it.  The only source I was able to find only took orders in 55 gallon lots.  And it didn't 
> mention whether using the stuff was hazerdous or not. 

Well, I can't see how it would NOT be hazardous...

As I remember it from some years ago when we discussed MFP, its main consituent was 
formaldehyde. I don't remember what the carrier or binder was. Anyway, it is nasty stuff.

> Although late war and later TM 11's often have a warning about removing it from terminals before 
> attempting to repair (solder to) equipment, they don't say how to do it.  .........

The way I was taught to remove it from terminals needing solder was to burn it off, usually 
with the soldering device.
  
> Ancient MFP is very tough stuff.  Like marine varnish it resists just about 
> everything.  Meaning any strong solvent, like MEK, would damage component 
> materials as well.

Well, in THIS case, the only thing that it is covering which is of concern to me is aluminum. 
Just flat aluminum sheet. No other components, so I am not particulary worried about it. In 
any case, I don't like MEK anyway, so probably won't use that.

>  I suggest you give the equipment a good dusting and then a 
> bath and leave the MFP as is.  When soldering the MFP will burn away so use 
> good ventilation and a fan nearby, the smoke is very irritating.  Like Bob says use 
> mechanical means to remove MFP from terminals and hardware.  Besides, I like 
> the golden appearance of MFP.

Well, in this case, it is badly deteriorated, flaky, large spaces in it and it looks like hell. It it 
was "complete" that would be one thing, but it isn't. I want it gone.

Thanks, folks, for the info.

I'll deal with it.

Ken W7EKB

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