Advice on best way to clean an old machine

[Mark Thibodeau]

Anybody have any suggestion on the best way to remove old grease, grim and sawdust from machinery. Is there a product that will break this stuff down without creating rust.

Thanks!

[John Lanciani]

I use TSP in hot water when I'm doing a tear-down machine restoration and can soak the parts. Otherwise simple green is my go-to.

[Myk Rian]

Putty knife and a needle scaler.

What is TSP?

[John Lanciani]

Putty knife and a needle scaler.

What is TSP?

Tri-sodium phosphate, a fantastic detergent. I can't ever imagine the need for a needle scaler for removing "grease, grim(e), and sawdust".

[Mark Thibodeau]

Thanks John! I will use some simple green. I was just wondering if there was some kind of secret weapon out there??

[Lon Crosby]

There is actually, dry ice blasting. No residue other than what you removed. Widely used in the chemical process industry and in auto restoration.

[David Kumm]

Purple and scotchbrite have their place too. Wire brushes of all sizes, and a good grinder buffer with a coarse and fine wire wheel. For all nuts, bolts, screws, handles, wheels, etc. Dave

[Myk Rian]

I can't ever imagine the need for a needle scaler for removing "grease, grim(e), and sawdust".
If you restore vintage machines, there is the need at times.

[Jeff Duncan]

Simple Green and TSP are Ok, but if you want to step up to the next level and save yourself some effort and mess try out Dymon all purpose foaming cleaner. You spray it on and as the name implies, it foams up! Leave it for a minute for light stuff, or several minutes for the heavy stuff, and wipe off with a rag. I like using the disposable heavy duty towels they sell in the box stores for this, wipe and toss! Now this is common sense but I'll say it anyway, read the directions and be careful about spraying it, it's not quite as "friendly" as many off-the-shelf cleaners would be. I don't know how many places carry it, but I buy it from MSC.

good luck,
JeffD

[John Lanciani]

If you restore vintage machines, there is the need at times.


I've restored plenty, the oldest being my 1937 Delta 768, the worst being a 1957 Delta 14" double duty bandsaw that lived a hard life. Never needed a scaler, to each their own.

[Charles Coolidge]

Non-flammable and gets the job done.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/wcsstore/CVWEB/staticproductimage/N3221/large/7060459_crc_05089_pri_larg.jpg

[Myk Rian]

I've restored plenty, the oldest being my 1937 Delta 768, the worst being a 1957 Delta 14" double duty bandsaw that lived a hard life. Never needed a scaler, to each their own.
I'm not here to argue.

[Mark Thibodeau]

Thanks so much! I will try some of your suggestions and report back-Mark