Author Topic: Electro Cleaning Brass  (Read 5317 times)

Thomas_Callaway

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Electro Cleaning Brass
« on: April 01, 2005, 06:57:41 PM »
I think we talked about it but not sure...

Has anyone tried cleaning brass in the soup?

Seems I can't locate a "sacrificial" piece of brass to try it on so I thought I'd ask before I ruined the brass plate on an antique Stanley level. The crud is so thick and tight it will take a lot of Brasso.

TIA - TC

PS: I bet you thought I'd bombed off an done it now didn't you?

Offline Tom Neitzel

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Re: Electro Cleaning Brass
« Reply #1 on: August 06, 2005, 08:44:51 AM »
I had missed this post many months ago, but I learned of a really neat brass cleaning mixture years ago watching a Formby's furniture refinishing show.

It is a mixture of lemon juice and table salt.  No particular proportions, I just put in enough salt to make sure I see the crystals.  Just rub it on with a soft cloth.  It cleans it instantly (assuming the brass has not be painted or lacquered.)  If I want to seal it after it is clean I like to use Tung Oil.

tom

Offline C. Perry Rapier

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Re: Electro Cleaning Brass
« Reply #2 on: August 06, 2005, 08:49:25 AM »
Tom, you are a man of much wisdom and many talents. Did you ever do anything in particular for a living, or have you always been so diversified?

Offline Tom Neitzel

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Re: Electro Cleaning Brass
« Reply #3 on: August 06, 2005, 04:57:37 PM »
I don't know Perry, my career was spent in Information Technology magement.  My college training is in Geology.  Dad was an auto mechanic, I was rebuilding carbs in the 3rd grade.  Still do my own car work - each time I say I'm done and will pay, I figure up what I save and do it myself.  Always need to know how things are put together and work.  Grandpa and one Uncle were railroad machinists - double or quadruple threads amaze me, and I can cut them.  Also some carpenters in the family.  Always trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up.  Lately I've been thinking about getting a teaching certificate and teach the hard sciences in public school.  Like growing competition vegetables.  A guy down the road once grew a 1,200 pound pumpkin.  (There's actully big money to be made in pumpkin growing.  There are several $10,000 prizes each year all over the country for biggest pumpkin.  A rule of thumb is that you need 1 leaf for each 3 pounds of pumpkin.)

tom

Thomas_Callaway

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Re: Electro Cleaning Brass
« Reply #4 on: August 06, 2005, 06:00:03 PM »
Thanks Tom!  Wish I'd known about that when I was in the Army. !@#$% Brasso!

BTW, I did try the electro on a scrap piece of sterling silver. Don't do it. I don't know where the silver went but I wound up with sterling copper.

TC

junkswap

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Re: Electro Cleaning Brass
« Reply #5 on: October 23, 2005, 02:35:09 AM »
For solid brass use sno bowl toilet bowl cleaner. It cleans solid brass instantly to new.
Be sure to wear rubber gloves.
Do not use on brass plated items it will also remove plating instantly.
B/W

moosejaw

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Re: Electro Cleaning Brass
« Reply #6 on: October 23, 2005, 05:34:53 AM »
Sno Bowl?  Never heard of trying that on brass.  I have a brass lamp, so I will give it a shot.  You're sure about this, aren't you Brian?  Don't want to ruin my lamp!

miniwoodworker

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Re: Electro Cleaning Brass
« Reply #7 on: October 23, 2005, 06:17:21 AM »
FWIW, I've used the salt and lemon technique. Have also used salt and white vinegar with good results. Mainly on small items such as candle sticks. It does take elbow grease, BTW.  ;)

With regards to electro, I have a 14" carbon steel pan with a wooden handle that can be removed. The pan needs cleaning. However, there's a brass plate rivited to the handle. It's so black with build up that I can't read it, yet. If I put this pan in the electro will it harm the brass plate? What about using the lye bath if you don't recommend electro?

Thanks for your thoughts.
Lee

junkswap

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Re: Electro Cleaning Brass
« Reply #8 on: October 30, 2005, 11:06:08 PM »
Mrs marty
Be careful. It is strong stuff. Be for sure 100% positive it is solid brass.

As I said it will ruin plated brass.
B/W

junkswap

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Re: Electro Cleaning Brass
« Reply #9 on: October 30, 2005, 11:09:04 PM »
Mrs lee
dont think the electro will hurt brass. send c.p.r.  or Ed Alspaugh an i,m, they will tell you.
If no one sees it here
b
B/W

miniwoodworker

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Re: Electro Cleaning Brass
« Reply #10 on: October 31, 2005, 04:23:58 AM »
Thanks, Brian.

Lee

Troy_Hockensmith

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Re: Electro Cleaning Brass
« Reply #11 on: November 02, 2005, 01:34:44 PM »
Lemon juice and salt. LOL TC i wish I had known about that in the Navy. Da*ned Bright work. When I hear the elbow grease comment I wonder if it is any easier than brasso or nev-r-dull. I have an old brass scale from a railroad I would like to shine up. I'm all about easier. THat's why it isn't shiny yet.

Offline Paul Beer

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Re: Electro Cleaning Brass
« Reply #12 on: November 02, 2005, 07:57:09 PM »
"Lemon juice and salt. "    I don't know how it does on Brass but I can tell you it dam sure goes great with tequila!  8-)

Offline Roger Barfield

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Re: Electro Cleaning Brass
« Reply #13 on: November 02, 2005, 09:46:56 PM »
Quote
"Lemon juice and salt. "    I don't know how it does on Brass but I can tell you it dam sure goes great with tequila!  8-)


 [smiley=alc.gif] [smiley=hysterical.gif] [smiley=icon_bananas.gif] [smiley=hysterical.gif]

Would a lime and salt work just as well?
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Offline Paul Beer

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Re: Electro Cleaning Brass
« Reply #14 on: November 03, 2005, 10:02:19 AM »
au natural....you bet.

Offline C. Perry Rapier

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Re: Electro Cleaning Brass
« Reply #15 on: November 03, 2005, 11:15:00 AM »
Has anybody noticed on the home page, that when you go to this thread to read a new post, the way that it is shortened up it says, "electro cleaning bras"?

What do you think ladies? Do we need to put as special instructions "electrolysis clean only,not to be worn during cleaning cycle"?