plane cleaning question

8/23/04, 7:09 PM #1

Eric Smith
Plank
Offline
4 posts

Registered: 8/17/04

plane cleaning question

Eric Smith

>I was at a tool auction over the weekend and spoke to a dealer who was cleaning some planes using steel wool and an orange paste like compound from a widemouthed pint container. I asked what the compound was and was told the name and, if I'm remembering correctly, that it was an aloe based cleaning product. I can't remeber the name. I have looked at local stores and the big boxes and online at rockler, woodcraft, etc. and searched the archives and can't find anything matching that description. Does anyone know what it is?

Thanks,

Eric

Re: plane cleaning question

8/23/04, 7:33 PM #2

Dan Donaldson
Master Craftsman
Offline
5,264 posts

Registered: 9/17/01

Sounds like

Dan Donaldson

>Hand cleaner. If that is what it is, you can find it at an auto parts place.

- - -

I have been woodworking for about 25 years now, and would consider myself an enthusiastic amateur. My claim to fame (or infamy) has always been fixing stuff. I spent time in the Air Force in the 60's then went to work as an electronic technician for civil service. I finally got my EE, and being fed up with the civil service nonsense, took a job with Ford Motor Company until I went with the split to Visteon last year. I got interested in music and started playing in a bluegrass band. I wanted a new guitar, and that kind of led me into woodworking. I bought some books, a few tools, and built a guitar. Luckily, I didn't know any better than to try that as a first ever project. I still play it when I get a chance, so it must not be too bad if it can live for over 20 years. After a stint in Mexico for my job, I moved into a new house and built a small shop. Since then I have been collecting tools and skills, probably more of the former than the latter ;-). Finding this site has done more for my skills and enjoyment than anything else. I have learned a lot and really enjoy the friendships that I have made here. I have been married to LOML (Lori) for 32 years now and have 6 kids. When they are all gone, I want to get a 1 bedroom house (so there is not room for them to move back in) and at least a 6 car heated/air conditioned garage for a shop. (Dream on...)

Re: plane cleaning question

8/23/04, 7:39 PM #3

Greg in VT
Guest

Fast Orange?

Greg B�tit, Vergennes, VT

>

Re: plane cleaning question

8/24/04, 2:58 AM #4

Bill Houghton
Master Craftsman
Offline
8,480 posts

Registered: 1/1/70

and comes in

Bill Houghton, Sebastopol, CA

>a whole variety of flavors, of which my favorites but more expensive are the citrus-scented and possibly citrus-bearing varieties; and also with and without pumice. I prefer without pumice, which I find is hard to get rid of altogether. The citrus varieties seem to clean a little better, but this could be subtle psychological stuff rather than actual effect.

Years ago, my brother-in-law told me about this great new cleaner he'd heard about, made by mixing mineral spirits and kitchen detergent. So I mixed some up, and found out I'd made mechanic's hand cleaner. I never did do the cost analysis, to see if it would be cheaper to make it than to buy it...even in my heyday, back when I only bought cars if they were on the brink of total breakdown, I didn't use that much.

Re: plane cleaning question

8/24/04, 4:15 AM #5

Dale Lenz, Tahlequah, OK
Guest

Re: So....

Dale Lenz, Tahlequah, OK

>what's the ratio of MS to dishsoap?

Thanks,

Dale

plane cleaning question

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