Caswells degreaser problems?

[destroyer125]

I ordered 10 lbs worth..my first time using it...it doesnt seem to work very well on tripoli compound at 160*, at 220* and at room temperature...just dulls the poo out of the part and etches around the buffing compound lumps it also etches around my fingerprints which I expected it to remove

[-AAPB-Eric]

Re: Caswells degreaser problems?

I heat that stuff to a boil... and boy does it ever pass the water break everytime.

[destroyer125]

Re: Caswells degreaser problems?

220 was a rolling boil...and all it did for me way dull the parts.the the buffing compound laughed at it the entire time my buffing compound isnt from caswell maybe its made of a different base?

[acidrain]

Re: Caswells degreaser problems?

I've had the same problems... thats why all the effort with the lacquer thinner, etc.
My method (with gloved hands):
Remove compound with lacquer thinner.
Wash with mild soap and hot water.
Rack the parts.
SP degreaser at 140 for just a minute or two to pass water break test.
SP degreaser will last a REALLY long time with this method, but lacquer thinner is $10 per gallon.

[-AAPB-Eric]

Re: Caswells degreaser problems?

You must be careful not to leave the parts in too long in the rolling boil degreaser. Once you start to see the parts fizz, give it another 20 seconds and check the condition of the finish. You dont need longer than this it passes water break test then.

Ive never used Tripoli compound. Sounds like acid rains suggestions will be very helpful and a toothbrush will help as well scrubbing off the tripoli.

[destroyer125]

Re: Caswells degreaser problems?

I will stick with my simple green, it melts the buffing compound off really nice at room temperature and minumun scrubbing

[acidrain]

Re: Caswells degreaser problems?

I found the Simple Green will also dull the polished finish.... I think it was heated though. I have been searching for the LPS product "Precision clean" that was mentioned in another post. It is a water soluble replacement for trichlorethelene.

[destroyer125]

Re: Caswells degreaser problems?

yes I heat my simple green to ~100.....and it works fine with a good soak..it will dull the finish slightly but a quick buff will fix it....caswells degreaser took about 20 seconds and I had to rebuff the entire piece

[ken_the_stp]

Re: Caswells degreaser problems?

If perchloroethylene was used as a degreaser would it ruin a finish?

[acidrain]

Re: Caswells degreaser problems?

Not sure... do you work in the dry-cleaning industry? A quick search shows an alarming heath risk to fumes and contact with the skin, but that is for workers exposed every day.
Tell us about perc (if you know).

[ken_the_stp]

Re: Caswells degreaser problems?

No I don't work in the dry cleaning industry but. If ya head up to your local auto store the break cleaners are usually perc. hence me asking.

I think it is not quite as dangerous in liquid form. For that mater I don't think vapor phase caswelll degreaser would be that good for you.

I have read that some pro's use perc as a degreaser for ano.

[ken_the_stp]

Re: Caswells degreaser problems?

O yea use perc in a WELL VENTILATED AREA. And you may also want to consider a respirator if you try this.

[destroyer125]

Re: Caswells degreaser problems?

sounds like something that may be worth trying if someone can get their hands on a small amount

[acidrain]

Re: Caswells degreaser problems?

I didn't realize the brake cleaner was perc. I have used brake cleaner... it works really good. The only thing is it's pretty expensive, and not re-usable since it comes as an aerosol.
Other solvents I've tried on buffing compound:
Paint thinner... didn't work that good, and left an oily film.
Acetone... worked pretty good, except it evaporates so fast, it leaves the compound behind before it can be wiped clean.
Simple Green... dulled the parts.
Automatic dishwashing soap... REALLY dulled the parts.
Mild soap and hot water... doesn't remove the compound at all.
Best thing I've found so far is the lacquer thinner. Downside is it needs to be taken to a Haz Waste recycler for disposal, and it's kind of expensive.
Like I said, I'm going to try the LPS precision clean. It is concentrated, and needs to be mixed 4:1 with water. We'll see.

[ken_the_stp]

Re: Caswells degreaser problems?

As I understand it the dry cleaners have it in jugs. You could try to get one to sell you some. I'd try it out but I am not up the stage where i am doing any polishing.