++++++++++++++++++ From: "ZOOM" To: "'Mike McCoy'" , "'Elecraft'" Subject: RE: [Elecraft] 'Refreshing' Aluminum Date: Mon, 7 Oct 2002 18:48:04 -0700 There is a product called NEVER DULL. It works great in removing the oxidation and leaving behind a protective surface. Works great. You can find it in most hardware stores. Cheers, Robert VE3RPF -----Original Message----- From: elecraft-admin at mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-admin at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Mike McCoy Sent: Monday, October 07, 2002 3:27 PM To: Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] 'Refreshing' Aluminum Does anyone have a recommended solution for removing the naturally accumulating crud/oxidation from aluminum tubing that's been outdoors for a while? That is, without resorting to more 'destructive' methods such as steel wool, sandpaper, etc.. It seems I've seen 'aluminum brightner' solution somewhere but I've not been able to locate it. Please reply directly. Thanks & 73 Mike - AD5IU K2 #2602 +++++++++++++++ From: "Don Brown" To: "Mike McCoy" , "Elecraft" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 'Refreshing' Aluminum Date: Mon, 7 Oct 2002 18:01:39 -0500 Hi Mothers Mag and Aluminum polish works good. Auto parts stores have it Don Brown KD5NDB ++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 08 Oct 2002 02:13:58 +0100 To: "Mike McCoy" From: Brendan Minish Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 'Refreshing' Aluminum Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net At 17:27 07/10/2002 -0500, Mike McCoy wrote: >Does anyone have a recommended solution for removing the naturally >accumulating crud/oxidation from aluminum tubing that's been outdoors for a >while? Never Ever use steel Wool, I learned this the hard way Steel wool makes it lovely and shiny (if fine enough) but leaves microscopic bits of steel behind the effect of this is the next time your aluminum gets wet it reacts with the tiny bits of steel left behind and oxidizes far worse than before. I still don't know how to clean Aluminium but I sure know how not to! 73 Brendan EI6IZ ++++++++++++++++++ From: "James Fonte" To: "'Brendan Minish'" , "'Mike McCoy'" Cc: Subject: RE: [Elecraft] 'Refreshing' Aluminum Date: Mon, 7 Oct 2002 20:27:00 -0500 Basically, a mild detergent (like Tide) and warm water is safe... Check out http://www.metalwax.com/ The green "Scotch-Brite" pads are good too, but they can scratch --- no metal splinters tho... ++++++++++++++++++ Reply-To: "Jim W7RY" From: "Jim W7RY" Cc: Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 'Refreshing' Aluminum Date: Mon, 7 Oct 2002 20:34:09 -0700 I used a product called Aluminum Jelly. That and some green Scotchbrite pads work pretty good. 73 Jim W7RY +++++++++++++++++++ From: "Ferguson, Kevin" To: "'elecraft at mailman.qth.net'" Date: Tue, 8 Oct 2002 11:16:16 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] RE: 'Refreshing' Aluminum Aluminum self passivates, forming an oxide layer that prevents further corrosion. Most aluminum _alloys_ don't share this feature. Outside of electrical wiring, there are few applications for pure aluminum....for almost every other application there is an alloy with superior properties that doesn't cost much more....so it is rare to encounter pure aluminum in any structural application. The most common aluminum tubing is 6061-T6 alloy. This often comes with a thin protective layer of pure aluminum to prevent corrosion. If you cleaning removes this layer, then you have lost the protection. THIS is probably what happens with the steel wool. Also, the fine scratching increases the surface area, increasing the rate of corrosion. If you go to a large truck stop, you will find a bottle of "acid wash" for restoring shine to the aluminum steps, bumpers, etc. found on modern 18 wheelers. Or you could just use vinegar. Use it with a soft cloth, and elbow grease. It will corrode any steel hardware, so you may need to disassemble prior to cleaning. ++++++++++++++++++ Reply-To: "John Veach" From: "John Veach" To: Date: Tue, 8 Oct 2002 22:13:12 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] alum polish and new list person HI group, I use Mothers Aluminum polish on the aluminum wheels of my motorhome. Works great and will likely do ok on tubing too! Just ordered my K2 today. Libby (my xyl) KB4FFO and I are fulltime RVers so after I get the kit put together look for us /m from anywhere in the country. Any words of wisdom before I start the building process would be welcome. 73 John KE4D www.TheRollingHome.com ++++++++++++++++++