[Amps] Caustic soda

[William Stehl]

Very effective, but if anyone does this, do it in a well ventilated area 
away from open sparks and flames, the gas that is evolved in this procedure 
is pure hydrogen, which, if mixed with the air and contained, is highly 
explosive.  It is evolved fairly slowly, so mild ventilation should 
eliminate any risk.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Barrie Smith" <barrie at centric.net>
To: <amps at contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, July 23, 2006 10:38 AM
Subject: [Amps] Caustic soda


> Caustic soda and aluminum.
>
> A few years back I built some heat-sinks for the diodes in a power supply. 
> Since they were two piece units, I drilled and tapped the aluminum for 
> final assembly.
>
> I then immersed the pieces in a sodium hydroxide solution to lend a nice 
> satin finish.
>
> After that treatment, the threads I had so carefully tapped were gone.  I 
> had to go to a larger bolt.
>
> The sodium hydroxide removes quite a bit of material, so any precision 
> work should be done after the  treatment.
>
> Barrie, W7ALW, DN36au,
> QRV 6M, 432 & 1296 EME
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