[AT] OT: Cleaning brass ?

[Joe Prindle]

A mixture of 1 quart ammonia in three quarts of hot water, with a dash of
dish soap works good for cleaning a lot of brass parts. Depending on the
alloy of the brass, it may make them appear very red or very yellow. If
you soak them too long, the ammonia can pit the metal and cause
embrittlement. For most stuff, it works good. This is what many clock
makers have done to clean brass clock plates for the last 100 years.
A little experimenting will show you how long is the right amount of time
to soak or "pickle" the particular alloy you are working with. Once you
get them fairly clean, you can buff with tripoli for smoothnes and rouge
for color.
I spent a lot of time polishing on my corliss engine over the last two
years. Here is a before shot:
http://www.tznet.com/jprindle/images/allis%20page%20four%20pics/wristplate.jpg
And here is after:
http://www.badgersteamandgas.com/2003%20steam/arnie20.jpg The engine is a
Reynolds Corliss, built by E. P. Allis & Co on June 24, 1889.
Later,
Joe


=====
Joe Prindle
Wisconsin Rapids, WI, USA
Collector of Steam Engines
& Mechanical Antiques
www.tznet.com/jprindle

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