[Boatanchors] clean radios

[BLIMPY]

I will be publishing the  illustrated pamphlet :

" The Fine Art of Radio Cleaning " shortly. ( Maybe January )

$ 7 ppd.

This is a complex subject which requires University level knowledge of 
Chemistry,  basic metalurgy, particularly electrolysis, and
lots of experience in electronics components  circa 1929-20XX.

Briefly let me say these things.

409 ( or similar products)  have no buisness around anything aluminum... nor 
do any acidic ( read citrus based) cleaners.
It you want to etch aluminum or remove corrosion... just buy phosporic acid 
at ACE... but don't use it on anything you cant treat with buckets of baking 
soda and water and then fresh water afterward.

 Solvents such as Acteone and Laquer Thinner have no buisness around 
plastics and paints.
There is so much plastic in a radio... I don't even see how this can come 
up...It is such a spectacular solvent for plastic..you can put your busted 
horn rimmed glasses back together by softening the frames in Acetone..and 
then letting them weld themselves together again.

Dishwashing Detergent diluted in hot tap water  is always the agent of 
choice.
Followed by clean rinse of fresh water... and drying.

Rubbing Alky.. and Methanol   have uses.. but demand care and knowledge to 
employ safely.

Heavily greased radios can be cleaned carefully with Stoddard Solvent ( aka 
paint thinner). Followed by the detergent routine.

Most Cleaners With Brand Names  ( except the dish soap above)  should not be 
used.. unless it is very clear what the ingredients are
and  then ONLY if you understand the compatability of that chemistry with 
the materials you will apply them to.

The Law Of Unitented Consequences and Murphy's Law   are big players .

--- Please no flaming e-mails about your dishwasher, garden hose, ultrasonic 
cleaner, Hotsy Steam Cleaner,  coca-cola dip tank, or Blue Tick Hound 
Dog...and the peanut butter gambit.   Heard those already. ---