Cleaning Aluminum
Cleaning Aluminum
I'm in the process of restoring two vintage microscopes to their original cosmetic condition. What's the best way to clean aluminum surfaces that have turned dull and and have small grey spots? I assume I don't want to use any kind of abrasive cleaner on these surfaces (slide holder and graduated scales for a mechanical stage).
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Re: Cleaning Aluminum
Do you mean aluminum as in focusing knobs, etc.?
Re: Cleaning Aluminum
Yes, the focusing knobs and also the slide holder and the graduated scales of the mechanical stage.apochronaut wrote:Do you mean aluminum as in focusing knobs, etc.?
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- Posts: 6325
- Joined: Fri May 15, 2015 12:15 am
Re: Cleaning Aluminum
Focusing knobs on used instruments usually have a nice fulminating stew of Homo Sapiens detritus in the knurlings. The aluminum is nicely oxidized, so you don't want to dig to deep into that but a discarded toothbrush and some isopropyl, usually can get most of the goober out of those deep dark grooves. Sometimes they need to soak a bit because older, vintage portions of the melange can be well aged but with a little knuckle grease exerted in the right place, you will have them bright and shiny and ready to receive the next batch.