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Cleaning Phosphor Bronze
By Grant Chapman, NY

[ Dave Krall wrote in 131026 MMDigest --

> I have the strips from the wiring spreader boards off a Welte roll
> changer that I would like to make look like new before reassembling
> the spreaders.

David,  for conservation of phosphor bronze:

(1) If this is pre-WW2 metal, do _not_ use something like "Brasso" or
any product containing ammonia on the material.  Further, you should
use nothing that will scratch the surface -- this will start arcing
and erosion, leading to pitting and then failure of the material.
The patina is protective and should _not_ be removed.  A rubber eraser
is a good idea.

(2) If this is about appearance, "Never Dull" is likely an acceptable
choice.

(3) If this is about electrical conductivity, I suggest you consider
use of Caig Laboratories' "DeoxIT" products.

Best,

Grant Chapman - Curator of Organs
United States Military Academy
West Point, New York


(Message sent Mon 28 Oct 2013, 17:21:19 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.)

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