action part cleaning

[paul bruesch]

I've bought Oxalic Acid at the local Ace Hardware. It's called Wood Bleach.
The label doesn't say if there are any other ingredients in it, but it was
quite effective for cleaning up the geode stones I found in SE Iowa a few
years back.

Paul Bruesch
Stillwater, MN

On Mon, Jun 9, 2008 at 2:41 PM, John Delacour <JD at pianomaker.co.uk> wrote:

> At 00:12 +0100 7/6/08, Allen Wright wrote:
>
>  What's the solution of oxalic acid you mention below (how saturated?) and
>> where does one find this stuff? This looks like a good way to clean old
>> parts....
>>
>> I enjoyed your damper article - thanks for sharing that.
>>
>
> Hello Allen,
>
> Normally the French polish suppliers have it but here is a link I found
> using Google Shopping:
> <http://www.jpennyltd.co.uk/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=158&=SID>
> It shouldn't really cost that much, but I can't find who I got my last lot
> from, cheaper than that for 5 kg.
>
> A saturated solution is one where the water will not hold any more crystals
> in solution.  A dessert-spoonful in a cup of water would be beyond the
> saturation point I think.  Just use a bit too much of the crystals.
>
> As to the poisonous nature of the stuff, use your common sense and try not
> to drink too much of it or let the cat do so.  It can indeed be absorbed
> through the skin, and if you worked a whole day with it without washing your
> hands you'd notice a slight stinging sensation. In the article I stress the
> importance of a good scrub-up after using it.  I, my wife and many others
> have used the stuff regularly for 30 years, and I never bother with gloves.
>  Read
>  <http://ptcl.chem.ox.ac.uk/~hmc/hsci/chemicals/oxalic_acid.html<http://ptcl.chem.ox.ac.uk/%7Ehmc/hsci/chemicals/oxalic_acid.html>>
> --
> "Protective equipment : Safety glasses. Gloves are not generally required,
> but if they are to be worn most types of gloves material (e.g., nitrile,
> butyl rubber, neoprene or PVC) are suitable. PVA gloves are not suitable for
> handling oxalic acid or its solutions."
>
> Another piece of misinformation I've found parroted in a few places on the
> WWW is that it "dissolves a layer of dry wood...".  So far as I can tell,
> this is perfect nonsense.
>
> Oxalic acid will also completely remove the black stains caused by the
> contact of rusty iron with wood, for example at the base of a check wire.
>  Several applications are needed, but the effect is astonishing.
>
> For its effect on metals, there's nothing like trying it.  On those
> Schiedmayer dampers there was no effect of the damper wires and they came up
> like new with a light rubbing with fine steel wool.  If there is exposed
> iron, the surface will turn a light grey.  It has little effect on brass and
> practically none on nickel.
>
> Here are my recommendations for the super-sensitive and the superstitious:
>
> 1.  Don't use shark-infested water to dissolve the crystals.
> 2.  If you're working in town, especially in America, wear a full rubber
> suit, and an oxygen mask if you need to breathe.  Use an umbrella if acid
> rain is forecast.
> 3. Scrape some barrier cream from the palm of the hand into the nails and
> round the cuticles before working.  If you want further protection and can
> afford it, use a small amount of silicone barrier cream on the hands.
> 4.  Wash the hands and nails thoroughly after use.
> 5.  Don't leave it in a dish where animals can get to drink it.
>
>
> JD
>
> --
> ______________________________________________________________________
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>                     Dorset DT11 0HX  *  England
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