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Electronics Repair (sci.electronics.repair) Discussion of repairing electronic equipment. Topics include requests for assistance, where to obtain servicing information and parts, techniques for diagnosis and repair, and annecdotes about success, failures and problems. |
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#1
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Plastic model cleaning
I know that this doesn't relate to electronics but there are so many
talented people on his group that I've received help from over the years I thought I'd ask. I really didn't know where to pose this to otherwise, so I apologize for the intrusion. One of my hobbies is plastic model building. Years ago I built a 2 1/2 foot model of the sailing ship the Cutty Sark. It was a beautiful model with all the rigging, threads, sails, little men on the ropes, etc. Sadly over the years it has fallen into serious disrepair. There are now some loose parts, and it is now completely covered with a thick layer of dust. I'm not really sure how to remove this dirty dust without disturbing the delicate rigging, ropes, ladders,etc. I thought of spraying it down first with something like 409 or Fantastic to possibly loosen it, and then trying to mist it gently with the garden hose. I also thought of perhaps spraying the model with the cleaner first to loosen the dust and then dunking it in my pool to wash it off. I don't know how either of these schemes might work, and I don't know what either of these might do to the rigging, ropes, and especially the decals either. I also don't want to lose any loose parts in the pool or on the ground when I either dunk the model, or spray it off with the hose. If anyone has ever has had to deal with this, if you might have any ideas, or might know of a more appropriate place to post this question I would really appreciate hearing from you. And again I'm sorry for the inappropriate post. Thanks, Lenny |
#2
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Plastic model cleaning
klem kedidelhopper wrote in message
... I know that this doesn't relate to electronics but there are so many talented people on his group that I've received help from over the years I thought I'd ask. I really didn't know where to pose this to otherwise, so I apologize for the intrusion. One of my hobbies is plastic model building. Years ago I built a 2 1/2 foot model of the sailing ship the Cutty Sark. It was a beautiful model with all the rigging, threads, sails, little men on the ropes, etc. Sadly over the years it has fallen into serious disrepair. There are now some loose parts, and it is now completely covered with a thick layer of dust. I'm not really sure how to remove this dirty dust without disturbing the delicate rigging, ropes, ladders,etc. I thought of spraying it down first with something like 409 or Fantastic to possibly loosen it, and then trying to mist it gently with the garden hose. I also thought of perhaps spraying the model with the cleaner first to loosen the dust and then dunking it in my pool to wash it off. I don't know how either of these schemes might work, and I don't know what either of these might do to the rigging, ropes, and especially the decals either. I also don't want to lose any loose parts in the pool or on the ground when I either dunk the model, or spray it off with the hose. If anyone has ever has had to deal with this, if you might have any ideas, or might know of a more appropriate place to post this question I would really appreciate hearing from you. And again I'm sorry for the inappropriate post. Thanks, Lenny An insulated wand attached to a domestic ioniser output , perhaps with the diodes reversed for opposite polarity ? Would keep everything dry if it worked. |
#3
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Plastic model cleaning
Following the medical rule of "First, do no harm", let's start with what not
to do. One does not clean dirty LPs with plain water, because it can turn dirt into a gummy mess. Similarly, one should be certain the initial solvent or cleaning agent will not convert the dust and dirt into a caked-on mass. It seems likely the decals will fall victim to whatever cleaning scheme you choose. I like your idea of dousing (with cleaner), then dunking (in the pool). I was going to suggest a citrus-based cleaner (such as Curtisol), but these attack polystyrene and some paints. Perhaps you should start with a mild cleaner (Glass Plus), then work your way up the strength scale, using stronger cleaners only where needed. Regardless, it would be a good idea to perform preliminary tests on a less-visible area of the model. |
#4
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Plastic model cleaning
"klem kedidelhopper" wrote in message ... I know that this doesn't relate to electronics but there are so many talented people on his group that I've received help from over the years I thought I'd ask. I really didn't know where to pose this to otherwise, so I apologize for the intrusion. One of my hobbies is plastic model building. Years ago I built a 2 1/2 foot model of the sailing ship the Cutty Sark. It was a beautiful model with all the rigging, threads, sails, little men on the ropes, etc. Sadly over the years it has fallen into serious disrepair. There are now some loose parts, and it is now completely covered with a thick layer of dust. I'm not really sure how to remove this dirty dust without disturbing the delicate rigging, ropes, ladders,etc. I thought of spraying it down first with something like 409 or Fantastic to possibly loosen it, and then trying to mist it gently with the garden hose. I also thought of perhaps spraying the model with the cleaner first to loosen the dust and then dunking it in my pool to wash it off. I don't know how either of these schemes might work, and I don't know what either of these might do to the rigging, ropes, and especially the decals either. I also don't want to lose any loose parts in the pool or on the ground when I either dunk the model, or spray it off with the hose. If anyone has ever has had to deal with this, if you might have any ideas, or might know of a more appropriate place to post this question I would really appreciate hearing from you. And again I'm sorry for the inappropriate post. Thanks, Lenny How about an ultrasonic cleaning bath ? That's what they use to clean delicate jewellery. I guess it would have to be a fairly big one, but I fixed one not long ago that would have been big enough to take a model that size, so maybe some local company might have one ? Arfa |
#5
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Plastic model cleaning
On Sun, 17 Jun 2012 08:59:26 -0700 (PDT), klem kedidelhopper
wrote: I know that this doesn't relate to electronics but there are so many talented people on his group that I've received help from over the years I thought I'd ask. I really didn't know where to pose this to otherwise, so I apologize for the intrusion. One of my hobbies is plastic model building. Years ago I built a 2 1/2 foot model of the sailing ship the Cutty Sark. It was a beautiful model with all the rigging, threads, sails, little men on the ropes, etc. Sadly over the years it has fallen into serious disrepair. There are now some loose parts, and it is now completely covered with a thick layer of dust. I'm not really sure how to remove this dirty dust without disturbing the delicate rigging, ropes, ladders,etc. I thought of spraying it down first with something like 409 or Fantastic to possibly loosen it, and then trying to mist it gently with the garden hose. I also thought of perhaps spraying the model with the cleaner first to loosen the dust and then dunking it in my pool to wash it off. I don't know how either of these schemes might work, and I don't know what either of these might do to the rigging, ropes, and especially the decals either. I also don't want to lose any loose parts in the pool or on the ground when I either dunk the model, or spray it off with the hose. If anyone has ever has had to deal with this, if you might have any ideas, or might know of a more appropriate place to post this question I would really appreciate hearing from you. And again I'm sorry for the inappropriate post. Thanks, Lenny I'd use a technique similar to what I think that the archival art restorers use, namely use a very mild surfactant and work on one small area at a time. Soap, dunk, and swoosh is for dinner plates and silverware, not something like this. Start with the tops of the masts and work down, working on an area no larger than, say, your thumbnail. Wear an Optivisor if you have it (if not, get one! ;-). Use an airbrush to apply just enough surfactant to just the right spot. Acid brush, dental picks, q-tips, and patience but when you're done, it'll be worth it. -- Rich Webb Norfolk, VA |
#6
Posted to sci.electronics.repair
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Plastic model cleaning
On Jun 17, 1:44*pm, Rich Webb wrote:
On Sun, 17 Jun 2012 08:59:26 -0700 (PDT), klem kedidelhopper wrote: I know that this doesn't relate to electronics but there *are so many talented people on his group that I've received help from over the years I thought I'd ask. I really didn't know where to pose this to otherwise, so I apologize for the intrusion. One of my hobbies is plastic model building. Years ago I built a 2 1/2 foot model of the sailing ship the Cutty Sark. It was a beautiful model with all the rigging, threads, sails, little men on the ropes, etc. Sadly over the years it has fallen into serious disrepair. There are now some loose parts, and it is now completely covered with a thick layer of dust. I'm not really sure how to remove this dirty dust without disturbing the delicate rigging, ropes, ladders,etc. I thought of spraying it down first with something like 409 or Fantastic to possibly loosen it, and then trying to mist it gently with the garden hose. I also thought of perhaps spraying the model with the cleaner first to loosen the dust and then dunking it in my pool to wash it off. I don't know how either of these schemes might work, and I don't know what either of these might do to the rigging, ropes, and especially the decals either. I also don't want to lose any loose parts in the pool or on the ground when I either dunk the model, or spray it off with the hose. If anyone has ever has had to deal with this, if you might have any ideas, or might know of a more appropriate place to post this question I would really appreciate hearing from you. And again I'm sorry for the inappropriate post. Thanks, Lenny I'd use a technique similar to what I think that the archival art restorers use, namely use a very mild surfactant and work on one small area at a time. Soap, dunk, and swoosh is for dinner plates and silverware, not something like this. Start with the tops of the masts and work down, working on an area no larger than, say, your thumbnail. Wear an Optivisor if you have it (if not, get one! *;-). Use an airbrush to apply just enough surfactant to just the right spot. Acid brush, dental picks, q-tips, and patience but when you're done, it'll be worth it. -- Rich Webb * * Norfolk, VA In one respect I like the Archival art approach. But even doing a small area at a time in this way, I think that inevitably dirty water with some caked on dust will find it's way down the mast to the deck below. To complicate things, it seems also as though this is a sort of "greasy" dust that will need some loosening in some way first. That's why I thought of the cleaner first. I guess I'm going to have to jump in somewhere. Lenny |
#7
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Plastic model cleaning
I guess I'm going to have to jump in somewhere.
In 20 years you'll be able to buy a jar of cleaner-nanobots and dump them on the model. |
#8
Posted to sci.electronics.repair
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Plastic model cleaning
On Sun, 17 Jun 2012 13:36:09 -0700, "William Sommerwerck"
wrote: I guess I'm going to have to jump in somewhere. In 20 years you'll be able to buy a jar of cleaner-nanobots and dump them on the model. True, but nanobots will replicate themselves endlessly and bury you in grey goo. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_goo I don't have the slightest idea how to clean the plastic model. I would be tempted to dump it a pail of alcohol and soapy water, shake well, and blow dry it with an air compressor. If there are any badly glued parts or encrusted goo, that should shake it loose. However, if any of the paint, decals, dyes, or glue is attacked by either solvent, you'll have a mess. -- Jeff Liebermann 150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558 |
#9
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Plastic model cleaning
I have great luck with Mean Green. Spray it on, let it do it's job. I
clean dirty fans this way. Works fantastic. BTW I usually use a shower head in my bathtub for these things. Edward Morris "Jeff Liebermann" wrote in message ... On Sun, 17 Jun 2012 13:36:09 -0700, "William Sommerwerck" wrote: I guess I'm going to have to jump in somewhere. In 20 years you'll be able to buy a jar of cleaner-nanobots and dump them on the model. True, but nanobots will replicate themselves endlessly and bury you in grey goo. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_goo I don't have the slightest idea how to clean the plastic model. I would be tempted to dump it a pail of alcohol and soapy water, shake well, and blow dry it with an air compressor. If there are any badly glued parts or encrusted goo, that should shake it loose. However, if any of the paint, decals, dyes, or glue is attacked by either solvent, you'll have a mess. -- Jeff Liebermann 150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558 |
#10
Posted to sci.electronics.repair
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Plastic model cleaning
On Jun 17, 11:12*pm, "Edward Morris" wrote:
I have great luck with Mean Green. *Spray it on, let it do it's job. *I clean dirty fans this way. *Works fantastic. *BTW I usually use a shower head in my bathtub for these things. Edward Morris"Jeff Liebermann" wrote in message ... On Sun, 17 Jun 2012 13:36:09 -0700, "William Sommerwerck" wrote: I guess I'm going to have to jump in somewhere. In 20 years you'll be able to buy a jar of cleaner-nanobots and dump them on the model. True, but nanobots will replicate themselves endlessly and bury you in grey goo. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_goo I don't have the slightest idea how to clean the plastic model. *I would be tempted to dump it a pail of alcohol and soapy water, shake well, and blow dry it with an air compressor. *If there are any badly glued parts or encrusted goo, that should shake it loose. *However, if any of the paint, decals, dyes, or glue is attacked by either solvent, you'll have a mess. -- Jeff Liebermann * * 150 Felker St #D * *http://www.LearnByDestroying.com Santa Cruz CA 95060http://802.11junk.com Skype: JeffLiebermann * * AE6KS * *831-336-2558 In 20 years I'll be very grateful to still be around to look at it. Lenny |
#11
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Plastic model cleaning
On Jun 17, 8:59*am, klem kedidelhopper
wrote: I know that this doesn't relate to electronics but there *are so many talented people on his group that I've received help from over the years I thought I'd ask. I really didn't know where to pose this to otherwise, so I apologize for the intrusion. One of my hobbies is plastic model building. Years ago I built a 2 1/2 foot model of the sailing ship the Cutty Sark. It was a beautiful model with all the rigging, threads, sails, little men on the ropes, etc. Sadly over the years it has fallen into serious disrepair. There are now some loose parts, and it is now completely covered with a thick layer of dust. I'm not really sure how to remove this dirty dust without disturbing the delicate rigging, ropes, ladders,etc. I thought of spraying it down first with something like 409 or Fantastic to possibly loosen it, and then trying to mist it gently with the garden hose. I also thought of perhaps spraying the model with the cleaner first to loosen the dust and then dunking it in my pool to wash it off. I don't know how either of these schemes might work, and I don't know what either of these might do to the rigging, ropes, and especially the decals either. I also don't want to lose any loose parts in the pool or on the ground when I either dunk the model, or spray it off with the hose. If anyone has ever has had to deal with this, if you might have any ideas, or might know of a more appropriate place to post this question I would really appreciate hearing from you. And again I'm sorry for the inappropriate post. Thanks, Lenny Surprisingly, distilled water, not de-ionized, sprayed on as a flushing action. Loose parts will come off, but I've only seen paper affected by this cleaning process. Even windows with unknown films on them slowly but surely come clean. Maybe three/four times or more but just keep going. |
#12
Posted to sci.electronics.repair
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Plastic model cleaning
On Jun 18, 8:48*am, Robert Macy wrote:
On Jun 17, 8:59*am, klem kedidelhopper wrote: I know that this doesn't relate to electronics but there *are so many talented people on his group that I've received help from over the years I thought I'd ask. I really didn't know where to pose this to otherwise, so I apologize for the intrusion. One of my hobbies is plastic model building. Years ago I built a 2 1/2 foot model of the sailing ship the Cutty Sark. It was a beautiful model with all the rigging, threads, sails, little men on the ropes, etc. Sadly over the years it has fallen into serious disrepair. There are now some loose parts, and it is now completely covered with a thick layer of dust. I'm not really sure how to remove this dirty dust without disturbing the delicate rigging, ropes, ladders,etc. I thought of spraying it down first with something like 409 or Fantastic to possibly loosen it, and then trying to mist it gently with the garden hose. I also thought of perhaps spraying the model with the cleaner first to loosen the dust and then dunking it in my pool to wash it off. I don't know how either of these schemes might work, and I don't know what either of these might do to the rigging, ropes, and especially the decals either. I also don't want to lose any loose parts in the pool or on the ground when I either dunk the model, or spray it off with the hose. If anyone has ever has had to deal with this, if you might have any ideas, or might know of a more appropriate place to post this question I would really appreciate hearing from you. And again I'm sorry for the inappropriate post. Thanks, Lenny Surprisingly, distilled water, not de-ionized, sprayed on as a flushing action. Loose parts will come off, but I've only seen paper affected by this cleaning process. *Even windows with unknown films on them slowly but surely come clean. *Maybe three/four times or more but just keep going. I guess that I'm especially concerned about the decals coming off. But if I do use water that may be inevitable. I don't know. Lenny |
#13
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Plastic model cleaning
On Jun 18, 7:20*pm, klem kedidelhopper
wrote: On Jun 18, 8:48*am, Robert Macy wrote: On Jun 17, 8:59*am, klem kedidelhopper wrote: I know that this doesn't relate to electronics but there *are so many talented people on his group that I've received help from over the years I thought I'd ask. I really didn't know where to pose this to otherwise, so I apologize for the intrusion. One of my hobbies is plastic model building. Years ago I built a 2 1/2 foot model of the sailing ship the Cutty Sark. It was a beautiful model with all the rigging, threads, sails, little men on the ropes, etc. Sadly over the years it has fallen into serious disrepair. There are now some loose parts, and it is now completely covered with a thick layer of dust. I'm not really sure how to remove this dirty dust without disturbing the delicate rigging, ropes, ladders,etc. I thought of spraying it down first with something like 409 or Fantastic to possibly loosen it, and then trying to mist it gently with the garden hose. I also thought of perhaps spraying the model with the cleaner first to loosen the dust and then dunking it in my pool to wash it off. I don't know how either of these schemes might work, and I don't know what either of these might do to the rigging, ropes, and especially the decals either. I also don't want to lose any loose parts in the pool or on the ground when I either dunk the model, or spray it off with the hose. If anyone has ever has had to deal with this, if you might have any ideas, or might know of a more appropriate place to post this question I would really appreciate hearing from you. And again I'm sorry for the inappropriate post. Thanks, Lenny Surprisingly, distilled water, not de-ionized, sprayed on as a flushing action. Loose parts will come off, but I've only seen paper affected by this cleaning process. *Even windows with unknown films on them slowly but surely come clean. *Maybe three/four times or more but just keep going. I guess that I'm especially concerned about the decals coming off. But if I do use water that may be inevitable. I don't know. Lenny gently retrieve loose decals and preserve. hope all goes well and you clean up this model, so you can post a picture of the finished results. |
#14
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Plastic model cleaning
On Thu, 21 Jun 2012 19:11:46 -0400, Nelson wrote:
On Tue, 19 Jun 2012 09:20:03 -0400, Robert Macy wrote On Jun 18, 7:20*pm, klem kedidelhopper wrote: On Jun 18, 8:48*am, Robert Macy wrote: On Jun 17, 8:59*am, klem kedidelhopper wrote: I know that this doesn't relate to electronics but there *are so many talented people on his group that I've received help from over the years I thought I'd ask. I really didn't know where to pose this to otherwise, so I apologize for the intrusion. One of my hobbies is plastic model building. Years ago I built a 2 1/2 foot model of the sailing ship the Cutty Sark. It was a beautiful model with all the rigging, threads, sails, little men on the ropes, etc. Sadly over the years it has fallen into serious disrepair. There are now some loose parts, and it is now completely covered with a thick layer of dust. I'm not really sure how to remove this dirty dust without disturbing the delicate rigging, ropes, ladders,etc. I thought of spraying it down first with something like 409 or Fantastic to possibly loosen it, and then trying to mist it gently with the garden hose. I also thought of perhaps spraying the model with the cleaner first to loosen the dust and then dunking it in my pool to wash it off. I don't know how either of these schemes might work, and I don't know what either of these might do to the rigging, ropes, and especially the decals either. I also don't want to lose any loose parts in the pool or on the ground when I either dunk the model, or spray it off with the hose. If anyone has ever has had to deal with this, if you might have any ideas, or might know of a more appropriate place to post this question I would really appreciate hearing from you. And again I'm sorry for the inappropriate post. Thanks, Lenny Surprisingly, distilled water, not de-ionized, sprayed on as a flushing action. Loose parts will come off, but I've only seen paper affected by this cleaning process. *Even windows with unknown films on them slowly but surely come clean. *Maybe three/four times or more but just keep going. I guess that I'm especially concerned about the decals coming off. But if I do use water that may be inevitable. I don't know. Lenny gently retrieve loose decals and preserve. hope all goes well and you clean up this model, so you can post a picture of the finished results. Tagging on... sorry. In the spirit of this group, how about putting it in front of a big speaker connected to an audio oscillator to blast the dust off? More tagging on: Hang/mount it upside down, if you do acoustic cleanng. The choice of recording 'artist' for the blasting is left up to the OP. I don't favor 'music' that could perform this function. Jonesy |
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