[TowerTalk] Cleaner

[gdaught6@stanford.edu]

Hi,

FWIW There is an old clockmaker's cleaning solution that is good for 
degreasing and brightening brass.  It is a mixture of oleic acid, 
acetone, ammonium hydroxide, and water... I don't remember the 
proportions right now (1:2:4:8 maybe... Don't hold me to it!)

The oleic acid combines with the ammonium hydroxide to make an 
ammonium (liquid) soap, and there is some excess ammonia.  I've gone 
to using household, over-the-counter ammonia (soap and ammonium 
hydroxide) with a shot of acetone in it.  Cheap, easy, and effective.

Remember that acetone is EXCEEDINGLY flammable, and ammonia will take 
your breath away.  This is an outside (or at least in the garage) 
solution, unless you have a VERY understanding wife.

73,


George T. Daughters, K6GT