Hello All I recently acquired an Optimus 22 b stove. When it arrived It promptly was coined Terd stove. The previous owner had painted it an unattractive brown and had applied solder to the tank cap threads in thick globs. Solder globs also on the steel case and primer cup. The right side primer cup retainer was gouged out so that a homemade primer cup would fit having soldered it onto the burner threads. Hence Terd stove.. I went to get some paint matched up and applied to an aerosol can, from a 8R I left with the shop to match. I'm hoping someone can explain to me what Optimus describes as "japanned"? Click So far my project has been stalled due to striking out on 6mm threaded brass rod at some local hardware shops which I need to braze onto the burner to retain the priming cup. More updates as it progresses. Ren
jappaning is a lacquering technique from Art Deco times but normally it way a black lacquer polished to a mirror finish
That's a project you have there, my friend. But that is one of the interesting things I like about our hobby. We're keeping these wonderful stoves from reaching a landfill. As mentioned above by snwcmpr you can easily cut your own threads with a tap and die set. Keep us updated.
Interesting on the japanning. I will need to check and see if I have the 6 mm die. Every time I open the case they all seem to flop around like fish. I'm thinking I will drill a small hole in the thread and apply a small pin of solder in the drilled out portion, then slowly bond it for a clean job. Here's some additional photos on where it's at. Made the missing primer cup retainer due to the homemade one. All I had was copper and aluminum sheet at the time. Next I removed some solder patching some holes in the case and flattened out the dings. Here's how the other half looks. Still needing to procure the brass thread and finish the case, it's steel in really bad shape.
@Etherman I found I had bookmarked this page on japanning; I think shellac (instead of tar) has something to do with the somewhat colorful so called japanning they put on stove cases. All the best, e
Thanks all for the replies So would this quote from @tofta be safe in referring to the case clear coat finish as japanned or does it also include the color applications? "coat of hard, brilliant varnish, in the manner of the Japanese; to lacquer" My can was mixed with a clear coat effect as an all in one. Hardener could have been added for higher temps although has to be used within a day. Handy to know for future projects. Ren
Took advantage of some warmer weather to make some progress on the previously coined Terd stove. the prior owner had removed the threads from the right side burner and solderd a priming cup directly to the burner. This then required the priming retainer (being to large to fit) to be removed eagor the brute like, from the box. some photos of the stove reassembled
A stunning restoration! I have a 22 that works well but is in dire need of a cosmetic restoration - it looks like it was rescued from a nuclear explosion. Seeing your stove makes me feel guilty because I never seem to get around to doing anything about my 22.
Thanks Ken, Ed and all! The Made In Sweeden stamping on the top of the stove faded to low visibility which I tried to go light on primer and paint to minimize but think it was reduced in depth prior to my ownership.. I'm debating on applying a low gloss clear coat to seal and protect the paint job since I expected more from which I was told would be an all in one application. @shagratork This was a slow bit by bit winter project that was nice to see improve little by little. I suspect you would have similar enjoyment improving your 22 b project. @z1ulike I contemplated a sticker but if I'm not mistaken, would be more specific to the later 22 models without the box stamping. Wouldn't mind a small Optimus round petal type to apply though if anyone happens to knows of a source for them? Ren
black jap and japanned are terms used a lot in ironmongery, steel screws fixtures and fittings and chain are still sold as jap finish i'd imagine they meant it was a similar type paint to protect steel, really nice stove the tank lacquer can be done with clear cellulose, ercalene seems to be the one that gets the most mentions, haven't tried it yet but i'll post when i do
