[ARC5] MFP - how to remove?

[don davis]

The tool I use for removing mfp one solder terminal at a time is the GC
stainless steel solder brushes about 1/8" x 1/8" mounted on a plastic stick.
Takes most of it off in a few seconds.

73 de don ad6pb

-----Original Message-----
From: ARC5 [mailto:arc5-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Kenneth G.
Gordon
Sent: Sunday, September 25, 2016 3:52 PM
To: ARC-5 <arc5 at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [ARC5] MFP - how to remove?

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

---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus

______________________________________________________________
ARC5 mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/arc5
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:ARC5 at mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html