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Author
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Topic: cleaning a changer
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tbhenry
Member From: Chattanooga /USA
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posted 15 June 2004 06:11 PM
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I have taken my changer apart and want to clean it. What is a good fluid to use. I had thought of starting fluid. Any ideas? |
Tim Bridges
Member From: Hoover, Alabama, USA
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posted 15 June 2004 07:43 PM
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Being a chemist, and considering that it is likely that the changer has been lubricated at least once (with what is the question), and particulates such as soil/silt, airborne particulates, metal fines, etc., I would first try an electrical/electronics contact cleaner. Use one that will not leave an oily residue behind. Go to an electrical/electronics supply store and get someone who is knowledgeable about their cleaners. Never use this type of cleaner to "clean in place"; it will discolor the plastic on the pickup as well as the lacquer/mica finish. When lubricating, consider powdered graphite, or white lithium grease. I like graphite. The solvent carrier that you will find in liquid type lubricants will evaporate off and the result is a gumming effect of the residual left in the changer parts. The graphite does not have the binding properties. I'm sure there are others with as good, or better advice. This is from a chemists point of view; pocket protector and all.  |
Dave Ristrim
Member From: Whites Creek, TN
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posted 17 June 2004 06:56 AM
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A buddy of mine buys a can of carborater cleaner at the auto store and hangs the changer in the can of cleaner for awhile. He says it works great. Of course this means you have to take the changer off the guitar.
Dave[This message was edited by Dave Ristrim on 17 June 2004 at 02:54 PM.] |
Mark Herrick
Member From: Los Angeles, CA
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posted 17 June 2004 09:47 AM
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I have used Naptha before. As described on the can, "A fast-drying thinner for oil-based paint, enamel and varnish." It dries quickly and doesn't seem to leave a residue. At your local hardware store.I worked one summer in a sheet metal/machine shop and we used it to clean fabricated parts prior to the chemical conversion coating process. ------------------
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Roger Shackelton
Member From: Everett, Wa.
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posted 17 June 2004 09:55 AM
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Here is a cleaning and lube recommendation from the Carter website.Roger The Steel Guitar Information Resource
Steel Guitar Lubricants
Lubricating a steel guitar is relatively easy. Most steels should be lubricated at least every 6 months. If you are playing 4 to 5 nights a week, it should be lubricated even more often. We recommend that you use a lightweight machine oil, such as sewing machine oil, 3-in-1 Oil, saxophone valve key oil, etc.You can even use 30W motor oil.
Do NOT use any graphite-based products or WD-40 since they will "gum up" your steel and cause operating problems. (Please Note: A few new steels claim to use new, non-migrating lubricants and do not require any additional oil. In fact, on such steels, adding oil can wash away these new, non-migrating lubricants. If you want to find out whether you have such a steel, we recommend that you check the " Lubrication" section of your Owner's Manual or contact your manufacturer for lubrication instructions.) For Older Steels and any steels not treated with a non-migrating lubricant, we still recommend using a lightweight machine oil or 30W motor oil. Cleaners/degreasers: Lacquer thinner is a good cleaner/degreaser for the metal parts on your guitar. Do NOT use on lacquer finishes or areas where glue is used, such as formica seams. Tip: Try not to use spray products. These are hard to control and will get oil in places where it should not be!
[This message was edited by Roger Shackelton on 17 June 2004 at 09:56 AM.] |
Bill Ford
Member From: Graniteville SC Aiken
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posted 17 June 2004 01:23 PM
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tbhenry,
Whatever you use, now that you have it apart, then warm soapy water to remove all cleaner resedue, followed with a clear rinse. Then whatever lube you decide on.Bill |
Gino Iorfida
Member From: Oakdale, Pennsylvania, USA
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posted 17 June 2004 02:02 PM
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Since you have it apart, and if there are no plastic parts, let the parts soak in lacquer thinner for a bit, then wipe off (you may want clean laquer thinner).. it will remove ALL traces of grease, oil, grime etc... just remember to lubricate WELL before reassembly. Emmons recommends white lithium grease, however, We have stuff at work called 'magnalube' and it doesnt' seem to attract dirt, and has teflon in for when the oil based medium wears out. I'd be tempted to try it sometime as well. | |
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