[AT] OT: Cleaning brass ?

[Stuart Harner]

Wow, VERY nice job on the engine!  I would like to see it some day.

I will try your solution on my problem pieces.  Also electrolysis experiment
tomorrow.

Thanks,

Stuart


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Joe Prindle" <joe_prindle2001 at yahoo.com>
To: "Antique tractor email discussion group" <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Sent: Friday, April 09, 2004 11:24 PM
Subject: Re: [AT] OT: Cleaning brass ?


> 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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