Cleaning up a brace

Re: Cleaning up a brace

Joe Rogers, Northern Virginia

>Well...I think most posters don't favor naval jelly for tool cleanup. Electrolysis maybe. Abrasives if the tool is a user. There are several suggestions for tool handle restoration too from just wax to more extemsive rehab. Check the archives for the wood parts. This post will open the gates for metal work methods:-)but I would not use any harsh abrasives on remaining nickle surfaces.JR

Re: Cleaning up a brace

Jay Samuels

>Well, on unplated surfaces like the drawknife, I would use 180 grit open coat garnet paper, lubricated with plain 3 in 1 oil, or motor oil cut with kerosene. I find this works great on surface rust, grease, and general schmutz. Use a light touch until you have the feel of it. I use 120 grit if I am not worried about tiny surface scratches. Depends on the tool and your tolerance. But no naval jelly.

As to the brace, I have cleaned nickeled MF braces with a fine wire brush on the grinder (I can hear the screams of anguish). If the plating is not already coming off, and if you use a light touch, it is fine. However if the plating is already peeling, that will finish the process. Again, depends on what you want to end up with.

For wood, mix 1/3 boiled linseed oil, 1/3 paint thinner, and 1/3 white vinegar. Shake it well and use 000 steel wool with a light touch. This will take the grease and schmutz off the wood, and will not harm any sound finish.

Let us know when the basement is full.

Millers Falls Website *LINK*

Dave (Arlington, VA)

>Hi Todd -

Have you found the website for old Millers Falls hand tools, yet? It includes braces! You might find it interesting to read up on your new brace.

Regards -

Dave


Millers Falls Hand Tools Website

Re: Cleaning up a brace

Dennis

>No idea what shape these tools are in but i for one would just use them and worry about the cleaning till later.

Dennis,who is looking at type 14,5 that is in very nice shape and wondering what i need another 5 for but iam sure i will.

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Re: Cleaning up a brace

Ernie Miller Topeka

>I would just use murphy oil soap on the whole thing then lightly wipe the wood with BLO it make tool handles feal so soft in you hand. tools with the wood removed can be sent through the dish washer if they are really bad I use the pot and pan cycle. fill them cups with deturgent and use the dry cycle to bake the watter out of any recesses. wife won't let you use hers? get a portable and put it down by the slop sink.