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Hints, Tips and Solutions (Do NOT post requests for help here) If you have any useful general hints and tips for vintage technology repair and restoration, please share them here. PLEASE DO NOT POST REQUESTS FOR HELP HERE! |
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17th Nov 2022, 1:08 pm | #1 |
Octode
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Leicester, Leics. UK.
Posts: 1,681
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Metal polish from eggshells.
I went to a re enactment market last weekend, most interesting, and a metalworker was using this method on a brass reproduction torc.
Collect eggshell. Remove the membrane from the inside. Grind in pestle, This now will keep indefinitely in a jar. To use, tip some out, dampen a rag with vinegar, rub in the eggshell, and apply. Fresh eggs can be a right pain to peel! I read that adding a little vinegar and salt to the water when boiling helps in removing the shell. I have not yet tried this as I am collecting shells, and will likely need some experience to know how finely to grind and what materials it is good for without scratching. |
17th Nov 2022, 1:18 pm | #2 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Wiltshire, UK.
Posts: 13,953
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Re: Metal polish from eggshells.
Not heard of eggshells, but a friend who has a collection of rather-expensive shotguns tells me that his armourer uses ground-down walnut or Brazil-shells for metal polishing, and has a dedicated 'coffee grinder' to do the grinding!
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17th Nov 2022, 2:43 pm | #3 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Worksop, Nottinghamshire, UK.
Posts: 5,549
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Re: Metal polish from eggshells.
All boiled eggs can be peeled easily if you keep back garden hen eggs at room temperature for as long as supermarkets do with there "fresh" eggs.
With nut shell polish some industrial outfits use ground up sweet corn cobs obtained as a byproduct from frozen/tinned corn people. I did a short stint in metal finishing after leaving education. Sea shells were also used whole in vibrating tubs. |
17th Nov 2022, 3:04 pm | #4 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK.
Posts: 8,809
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Re: Metal polish from eggshells.
I would need to know that the eggshell was very finely ground to avoid scratching. But as the OP eludes to, to use on 'what' regarding vintage radios? We have Greygate No. 5 that is perfect for Bakelite, various proprietary polishes for wooden cases, and something like Brasso or Solvol Autosol for metals? I think it's a case of horses for courses and I wouldn't doubt the use of ground eggshells for large scale brass polishing, but in vintage wireless I'm struggling to see where it would be better, more easily obtained and as 'perfect for the job', as off the shelf products. My can of Brasso and tube of Solvol Autosol have been with me for donkey's years; their investment cost now equating to little more than the square root of sod all. Just my personal view!
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A digital radio is the latest thing, but a vintage wireless is forever.. |
17th Nov 2022, 3:11 pm | #5 |
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 27,788
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Re: Metal polish from eggshells.
It does seem a bit pointless. I use my eggshells when planting out tomato plants.
There are plenty of mild cutting compounds which can be used to polish metal and remove tarnish - Brasso, T-Cut etc. A bottle lasts for years. Toothpaste also works if you're stuck. |
17th Nov 2022, 3:54 pm | #6 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Near Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
Posts: 4,609
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Re: Metal polish from eggshells.
I just use all the things that Steve does. Eggshells go in the bin!
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17th Nov 2022, 4:05 pm | #7 | |
Dekatron
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Cottingham, East Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 5,738
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Re: Metal polish from eggshells.
Quote:
Must be a symptom of having not enough to do in life! Walnut shells are widely used as a polishing medium in industry, and as a sandblasting medium. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzofDk-O4ik https://www.sandblasters.co.uk/walnu...6mm-1025-p.asp
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17th Nov 2022, 6:01 pm | #8 |
Heptode
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Worthing, West Sussex, UK.
Posts: 983
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Re: Metal polish from eggshells.
Walnut shells in a rock tumbler work very well indeed.
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17th Nov 2022, 8:06 pm | #9 |
Octode
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Leicester, Leics. UK.
Posts: 1,681
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Re: Metal polish from eggshells.
Well, there are a number of reasons I find this interesting. Different abrasives have different properties, and I enjoy finding out for myself what they are. It interests me to know what was used before the excellent Brasso. But people were polishing metals back to the Bronze age. They were sticking things 100.000 years ago, and I am fascinated by effective adhesives made from bitumen, birch bark and beeswax, for example, even if not obviously useful in radio repair! I don't like to be dependent on any commercial product, and like to understand what materials can do. Wallnut shells sound interesting, and I will try that, thanks.
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17th Nov 2022, 9:10 pm | #10 |
Heptode
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Worthing, West Sussex, UK.
Posts: 983
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Re: Metal polish from eggshells.
Wallnut shells sound interesting, and I will try that, thanks.
https://polishingexpert.com/rock/wal...ps-and-tricks/
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18th Nov 2022, 1:33 pm | #11 | |
Octode
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Staffordshire Moorlands, UK.
Posts: 1,464
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Re: Metal polish from eggshells.
Quote:
I have stashed your eggshell trick in my head for use when the time comes. Steve.
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20th Nov 2022, 9:01 am | #12 |
Octode
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Leicester, Leics. UK.
Posts: 1,681
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Re: Metal polish from eggshells.
Off topic but on the subject of walnuts, a woodstain can be made from the green husks. They are very staining as they anyone peeling them discovers, but soaking/boiling them produces a strong black soup that will stain wood or anything else. Youtube videos on this too.This may be more useful for radios than the eggshell idea.
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21st Nov 2022, 8:32 pm | #13 |
Nonode
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, UK.
Posts: 2,013
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Re: Metal polish from eggshells.
Brasso is not excellent. It contains ammonia and promotes stress cracking of brass.
On lamp tanks etc it is something to avoid. Might try the egg shells sometime! |
21st Nov 2022, 9:33 pm | #14 | |
Dekatron
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK.
Posts: 8,809
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Re: Metal polish from eggshells.
Quote:
"Risks: Causes stress corrosion cracking of brass coated iron and hardened brass." Most Brasso used in vintage wireless is to polish bakelite. Plus it has been used for polishing decorative objects and door furniture for decades. I've never seen or heard of examples of such items cracking as a result of its use on them.
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A digital radio is the latest thing, but a vintage wireless is forever.. |
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