Josh Atkinson Posted October 30 Share Posted October 30 I am working on another AOU with brass blades and it got me thinking, is there a more efficient way to clean them vs using a polishing wheel? Any expert advice would be appreciated as always. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Plata Posted November 1 Share Posted November 1 An initial cleaning by soaking in vinegar will remove that nasty brown tarnish and make it easier to polish to a final luster. Terry Plata Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Atkinson Posted November 1 Author Share Posted November 1 Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doug Wendel Posted November 1 Share Posted November 1 Resign yourself to the fact that polishing brass just sucks. There is no way to make it not suck. I usually start with really fine steel wool and toilet bowl cleaner. Then move on to the buffing wheel. Then hand polishing around the hub, rivets, and places the wheel can't get. Reiterate as needed until I'm reasonably happy with it. I don't like to remove too much material, and I'm not trying for a show-car finish. I just want it to look pretty much factory original. Finish with hand polish, then clean well with acetone before lacquer. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Atkinson Posted November 2 Author Share Posted November 2 Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lane Shirey Posted November 2 Share Posted November 2 (edited) On 11/1/2023 at 10:41 AM, Doug Wendel said: Resign yourself to the fact that polishing brass just sucks. There is no way to make it not suck. I usually start with really fine steel wool and toilet bowl cleaner. Then move on to the buffing wheel. Then hand polishing around the hub, rivets, and places the wheel can't get. Reiterate as needed until I'm reasonably happy with it. I don't like to remove too much material, and I'm not trying for a show-car finish. I just want it to look pretty much factory original. Finish with hand polish, then clean well with acetone before lacquer. Yup- What he said… Edited November 2 by Lane Shirey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Atkinson Posted November 4 Author Share Posted November 4 Any specific lacquer that you guys prefer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave McManaman Posted November 5 Share Posted November 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Atkinson Posted November 5 Author Share Posted November 5 Thanks. I will find some Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lane Shirey Posted November 6 Share Posted November 6 On 11/4/2023 at 9:46 PM, Dave McManaman said: If you buy McMaster Carr’s “clear metal coating” it’ll be Nikolas brand. They don’t list manufacturers names. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doug Wendel Posted November 6 Share Posted November 6 (edited) 6 hours ago, Lane Shirey said: If you buy McMaster Carr’s “clear metal coating” it’ll be Nikolas brand. They don’t list manufacturers names. Yup. What he said. It’s used on brass musical instruments too. Edited November 6 by Doug Wendel 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Roadt Posted November 7 Share Posted November 7 6 hours ago, Doug Wendel said: Yup. What he said. It’s used on brass musical instruments too. I had a Mark VI Selmer Saxophone years ago and was selling it to a Sax player who would not have bought it if it was lacquered , messes with the sound he said.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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