[GreenKeys] White discoloration on keys

[Richard Knoppow]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "AI2Q" <ai2q at roadrunner.com>
To: <greenkeys at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2011 7:35 AM
Subject: [GreenKeys] White discoloration on keys


> The white substance that sometimes forms on the plastic of 
> the keyboard keys
> on a Model 28 is stearic acid. To my understanding, it was 
> used as a as a
> release agent in the original molds during casting.
>
> To remove it, direct heat from a hair dryer over the keys, 
> then wipe and
> polish with a soft cloth. I have done this on knobs on my 
> old national
> HRO-60, as well on plastic parts from vintage American 
> Flyer trains from the
> 1950s.
>
> Sometimes the residue returns after a while, in which case 
> repeated heat
> applications are required. It's quite amazing to watch the 
> white residue
> disappear as you wave the hair dryer across the parts.
>
> Vy 73, AI2Q, Alex
> Member: ARRL, FOC, RSGB, CWops, QRP-L, Antique Wireless 
> Association, Wide
> Area Amateur Radio Network
> http://home.roadrunner.com/~alexmm

    I will pass along something from a typewriter list I 
belong to. Someone there had a problem with a persistent 
white deposit on the keys. He found that wiping with linseed 
oil removed it. Perhaps it will work on TT keys also.


--
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
dickburk at ix.netcom.com