[TowerTalk] Yagi re-build question

[yetiguy at earthlink.net]

Brian:

The adhesive tape residue can usually be removed using either (a) BBQ lighter fluid, (b) paint thinner, or (c) naptha (mineral spirits). All are flammable.  Use in open air. All are about the same chemically, and work well as a solvent for tape adhesive residue.

As soon as aluminum oxide (a natural insulator) is cleaned off, the aluminum starts re-oxidizing. Immediately!  You could try using anti-oxidizing paste on the aluminum tubing as you sand and polish the tubing  to keep air off the bright metal. This compound is in electrical dept at Home Depot, Lowes, etc. 

Dennis K6IFB



 



-----Original Message-----
>From: Brian Machesney <nekvtster at gmail.com>
>Sent: May 20, 2009 12:49 PM
>To: "towertalk at contesting.com" <towertalk at contesting.com>
>Subject: [TowerTalk] Yagi re-build question
>
>I have obtained several aged yagis that I intend to rebuild. The elements
>and booms have various amounts of "gunk" on them - ranging from atmospheric
>crud to left over tape adhesive to oxidation where metal parts were clamped
>together.
>
>What's the best - that is, fastest, easiest and cheapest - way to clean
>these up? I've tried ScotchBrite pads - man, that takes a lot of elbow
>grease. I believe sailors use dilute phosphoric acid, but I'm not quite sure
>what that accomplishes.
>
>Then, is there a way to keep the gunk off? I've seen posts about using
>acrylic sprays, but I've been told latex is preferred; not sure where to
>find a "clear latex spray."
>
>Ideas?
>
>73 -- Brian -- K1LI
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