Lathe Cleaning

Re: Lathe Cleaning

Cyanoacrylate is going to be way harder to remove than walnut oil. You are certain it is powder coated?

Re: Lathe Cleaning

My lathe is a Robust American Beauty and I understand it is powder coated.  I just get embarrassed when I see all the shiny lathes on YouTube videos. Trying to spruce it up a bit.

There is a better way - don't post a photo on YouTube. Saves the scrubbing

A Shiny Lathe Says:

"

"I'm a prop" "I'm not used" "The guy you're watching has severe OCD"

PS:  dirty ways help the banjo and tailstock stick better

amen

Re: A Shiny Lathe Says:

Or more likely if the turner is an influencer, the lathe was free and they do most of their turning on another lathe. 

Re: Lathe Cleaning

I've got an AB, too - haven't found anything good at getting the ca off, but residue from green wood like maple, madrone and walnut comes off with liquid bit cleaner like Trend. Mine is 10 years old and we've both earned the scars...seems to look natural with a little residue.

Would You Believe?

I've seen people wax their ways so the banjo moves more smoothly

Better cleaning through chemistry

The problem is we do not know the chemistry of the lathe finish so we do not know what it is resistant to.  There are dozens of powder coat paints with vastly different resistance to removal. 

Cyanoacrylate polymer is degraded by water.  A bit of ammonia might make the water even more effective.  While I have not tried it  a wet rag applied to the deposits will release them from the lathe after some time.  What I don't know is how long.  Fingers will come unglued in minutes of soak which could be a guide.  

Nothing will dissolve cured walnut oil but some solvents will soften it to where it can be rubbed off.  A robust powder coat will resist the "Green" limonene strippers.  (test on a small spot of lathe paint) Just mineral spirits or xylene might soften to where it can be rubbed off.  

Re: Better cleaning through chemistry

GoJo hand cleaning goop may soften the walnut oil sufficient to rub it off.   

Re: Lathe Cleaning

First thing John Jordan told me after delivering my Stubby1000:  "Get it dirty!"

Re: Lathe Cleaning

I clean my lathe about once every other year whether it needs it or not.

Re: Lathe Cleaning

Would you believe that David Ellsworth once suggested that I purposefully let the lathe bed rust a little? I could never let myself do it.

Re: Would You Believe?

Of course.  Doesn't everybody?

In my humid climate everybody does.  I just assumed everyone everywhere does.

Re: Lathe Cleaning

I opted to clean with a little Dawn dish detergent and water and a nylon bristle brush.  Did most of it and, then I immediately turned and got saw dust everywhere.  But, I like what the initial results were.

TA for all the advice and continued support.  Doug