My first Primus and fettle

Discussion in 'Stove Forum' started by ValorPhil, Aug 16, 2019.

  1. ValorPhil

    ValorPhil Australia Subscriber

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    Hi all,

    As a relative newbie, rather excited as I just got my very first kero stove at a nice price from eBay. Thanks to a lemon wedge, I managed to find out that it's a Primus No:1.S:or.

    Any thoughts, history or info on this would be much appreciated. I will be going through the fettling pages carefully and I guess first off the block would be a citric bath?

    Cheers, Phil IMG_5378.JPG IMG_5379.JPG IMG_5380.JPG IMG_5381.JPG
     
  2. CW

    CW United States Subscriber

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    Nice stove you can find most of what your asking in the stove gallery and by searching this site. Contact the Fettlebox (icon in the upper right corner) for a rebuild kit and you will be up and running soon.
     
  3. Majicwrench

    Majicwrench Subscriber

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    You appear to be missing the flame ring, Fettlebox can fix you up in that dept too.

    I like to pressurize them before I do too much, is too depressing to get em to a fine shine then find a crack.

    It will clean up nice I bet, looks like an older one, but I don't know much. Smarter people will comment I am sure.
     
  4. Radler

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    @ValorPhil
    A more than 100 year old stove like yours should be treated with great respect. Not with a bath in something whatever. What you destroy with unsuitable tools or impatiently work, is gone forever!

    Best Regards
    Radler
     
  5. ValorPhil

    ValorPhil Australia Subscriber

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    Ohh, Thanks for that Majicwrench re flame ring and pressurize!
     
  6. Tony Press

    Tony Press Australia Subscriber

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    @ValorPhil

    Look under the stove and you should find a letter (or two letters), either in a circle or under the manufacturer’s stamp.

    Your stove is post-1911, so it will have the letter as a date code:

    Primus Dating Chart 1911 - 1964

    If you want to keep the patina, cleaning it with a good car cleaner will be sufficient.

    If you want to make it all bright and shiny, start here;

    Stove restoration. Parts 1 to 4


    Cheers

    Tony
     
  7. ValorPhil

    ValorPhil Australia Subscriber

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    Good advice Tony.....I'll try the car cleaner as I have been an avid coin collector over the years, the patina is important. Thanks CW....seems the Fettle Box is out of stock for the flame ring IMG_5382.JPG
     
  8. CW

    CW United States Subscriber

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  9. Tony Press

    Tony Press Australia Subscriber

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    X = 1934
     
  10. ValorPhil

    ValorPhil Australia Subscriber

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    Is there a Masterclass on this in the Fettle forum?.....I can't see one for this newbie
     
  11. ArchMc

    ArchMc SotM Winner Subscriber

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    Not really; just replace the seals, pump it up, and immerse it in a pail of water. You should only get bubbles at the jet. When you take it out, you should get a good hiss when you release pressure at the pressure release valve.

    All this is just to be sure you don't have a cracked tank or a leaky pump, or a frozen NRV.

    ....Arch
     
  12. Tony Press

    Tony Press Australia Subscriber

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    Phil

    There is a section called Fettlers Masterclass.

    If you want to have a chat over the phone send me a personal message. (Click on my name and start a “Conversation).

    Cheers

    Tony
     
  13. ValorPhil

    ValorPhil Australia Subscriber

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    Thanks for your support everyone .....thought I would make a start whilst waiting parts......using Barkeepers Friend...going gently to keep the patina.....feel free to comment on my first cleanup! IMG_5384.JPG
     
  14. Tony Press

    Tony Press Australia Subscriber

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    It looks great!
     
  15. ValorPhil

    ValorPhil Australia Subscriber

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    43EC308C-2C59-4419-AFBE-B47737C5234F.jpeg More progress and the cleanup so far....however, I’m unsure of the “shine” on the brass as it’s seems a bit dull bearing in mind I don’t want to get it too ”shiney” as I still want the patina look... if you know what I mean. Any advice would be appreciated
     
  16. Graham P

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    There is a difference (to my mind anyway) between "Patina" and corrosion. I like a nicely mellowed look to an item but would rather polish any areas where solder, flux, salt air or similar is likely to cause further deterioration in the long term.
    In time "patina" will return unless you lacquer or wax it
     
  17. IvanN

    IvanN United States Subscriber

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    I also prefer a patina on a brass stove. The best "look" comes from a clean stove, regularly used. The color then is in all the right places. Once all the crud is removed, I just keep the stove wiped off after use.
    Ivan