Cleaning question on tumbling brass

Discussion in 'Fettling Forum' started by MedicineMan4040, Jun 16, 2019.

  1. MedicineMan4040

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    Guys I just ran the fuel tank of one of my 99's through the tumbler (walnut media only) for an hour and the results though not bad and also not impressive.
    On the way to work I suddenly had the thought that the stove probably has a multi-decade layer of lacquer still on it. Possible?
    And ultimately should I remove the 'old' lacquer then tumble, polish, and then re-lacquer?
    Thanks for thoughts.
    Robert

    brass tumbling.jpg
     
  2. Tony Press

    Tony Press Australia Subscriber

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    If you want to polish, remove lacquer, then polish it and re-lacquer.

    Tony
     
  3. MedicineMan4040

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    So I was correct in my thinking old lacquer is still there.
    Good on that. I will grab some xylene Monday and re-process.
     
  4. MedicineMan4040

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    The brass tumbling was a first for me....as was using an ultrasonic cleaner.
    One thing about this stove'ing, it's getting me at least familiar with many tools,
    chemicals, processes I've never experienced before.

    Here's 10 mins out of the ultrasonic cleaner, and these results are to my eye pleasing.

    gold.jpg
     
  5. Tony Press

    Tony Press Australia Subscriber

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  6. MedicineMan4040

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    ^Wow! That is the treatise!
    Thanks so much.
     
  7. MedicineMan4040

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    OK, here's the 99's tank post ultrasonic cleaning. Note only 'half' the tank fits in the little
    ultrasonic tank.

    tank post ultrasonic.jpg
     
  8. MedicineMan4040

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    Here's the tank before ultrasonic
    tank before.jpg
     
  9. kerophile

    kerophile United Kingdom SotM Winner Subscriber

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  10. MedicineMan4040

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    Kerophile thanks yet again.

    Here's my 99 post initial cleaning.
    Since this is my working stove this is probably as far as I'll go with it.

    Opt 99 post hypersonic.jpg

    99 post hypersonic cleaning.jpg
     
  11. kerophile

    kerophile United Kingdom SotM Winner Subscriber

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    Looking really good!
    Best Regards,
    Kerophile.
     
  12. MedicineMan4040

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    Thanks Kerophile.
    Part of me wants to go the next step with removing old lacquer, polishing/buffing then re-lacquering.
    I'll sleep on it and decide later :)