[Jukebox-list] cleaning aluminum

[David Guarino]

Sorry, last message went out before I finished.
The small particles that become imbedded will eventually cause dissimilar
metal corrosion that will at first appear to be tarnishing or dulling
(staining) of the aluminum again. Even using scotchbright or scratch pad for
dishes will leave slight imbedding in the metal. This would be very apparent
if trying to alodine the parts after using these abrasives as the alodine
won't take to the cleaned areas. I have several Wurlitzer's that I have
cleaned some aluminum parts with "Never dull"  and have had great results.
It is cotton wadding  type puff treated with a "petroleum product" but it
seems to work nicely.
I do think that most aluminum that manufacturers have used has been treated
with some sort of anodizing.
Once you polish the original coating or chemical treating off the corrosion
will start again.
I have also polished out some heavy scratching using aluminum oxide sand
paper. I start out with 220 grit and work up to 800 grit and that will leave
you with a matte' to almost shiny area. But I always end up doing the entire
piece. Which leads to doing the part next to it and so on and so on....I
haven't figured a way to retreat the parts other than re-polishing. For
example when using alodine after cleaning corrosion you dip the part in the
alodine for aprox. two minutes then rinse with water and dry. It will leave
a nice light tan color. Next part will never turn out the same. I have
referred to alodine as I am more familiar with it from my "real" job and
have not seen it used on jukes. I have seen adhesives fail when applied to
aluminum that has been cleaned with scotchbright. I seemed to have rambled
on here.
Last item! Always wipe aluminum down with acetone or naphtha when you are
done cleaning. It will help remove any impurities left from abrasives. Watch
for white powdery dots (corrosion) forming and have the polish ready!

David G

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David Guarino" <david_guarino at md.metrocast.net>
To: "Jukebox mailing list" <jukebox-list at lists.netlojix.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 31, 2008 7:13 PM
Subject: [Jukebox-list] cleaning aluminum


Hi all,

I wouldn't advise cleaning aluminum with steel wool or with scotch bright
either. The steel wool will break into minute particles a become imbedded
into the metal
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