Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Weathered aluminum

Caustic Soda will tear into aluminium at high concentrations quite
literally. Make up a solution and keep dissolving until you can't get
anymore in. When you put your aluminium in the will actually start to bubble
and hiss, depending on how strong it is. I have a bin full of some weak
solution I just dunk stuff in when I want it cleaned. It's brilliant stuff,
absolutely nothing better for cleaning things, I've used it to do the
dishes. I've also used it on steel plates to clean off the oil they put on
them in storage and it makes them a dull 'weathered' grey colour. It RAPIDLY
rusts if left outside or even a little damp because the surface is etched.

I'm sure it's common sense but take a good deal of care around it if you
make it real strong and in quantity. The bubbles that come away burst and
liberate caustic vapour into the air. It doesn't do anything really but if
you breath it in it gives you a slight cough and it stings a bit. Probably
worse over time. Wear gloves and goggles because it will give your caustic
burns (red itchy patches) where it splashes on you. I have a friend on
Hobbicast who told me he was once pouring out the concentrated oil form and
had it splash into his eye. He didn't sound like he enjoyed it much! :)

Regards,
John H.

> Hi,
>
> Acetic Acid works but it will take a very small amount of the material off
> with the crap, this will probably not be measurable. Lemon juice also

works

> but it isn't as strong.
>
> Regards,
>
> Terry
>
>
>
> | Some time ago ago I was building a CNC machine which I had to stop on
> | and place in the shed out back where it sat neglected for a few years.
> | Now the aluminum parts are weathered and I wonder if anyone knows of a
> | method to clean it?
>
>
>
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