action part cleaning

[Allen Wright]

thanks JD and Paul,

It sounds like something very useful indeed, and safe enough to use  
with a little caution (I'd probably wear gloves). I may have used  
this years ago to lighten a dirty soundboard, come to think of it  
(probably called wood bleach). I'll give it a try on action parts.

Allen


On Jun 10, 2008, at 12:17 AM, paul bruesch wrote:

> 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> --
> "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
>
> -- 
> ______________________________________________________________________
>  Delacour Pianos  *  Silo  *  Deverel Farm  *  Milborne St. Andrew
>                     Dorset DT11 0HX  *  England
>                       Phone:  +44 1202 731031
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> ______________________________________________________________________
>

Allen Wright
London, UK

http://www.broadjam.com/akwright




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