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Old 1st May 2020, 2:19 pm   #1
garry71
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Default Main panel cleaning

I have a rather scruffy looking Akai 4000D on the way from ebay.

What's recommended for cleaning the main front panel without damaging any of the lettering?

I have Brasso and Autosol in the house if they're suitable. I'm assuming the front panel will be aluminium, and haven't tried them on that before.

Thanks a lot.
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Old 1st May 2020, 2:28 pm   #2
Edward Huggins
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Default Re: Main panel cleaning

For goodness sake don't use Brasso! Use White Spirit.
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Old 1st May 2020, 2:38 pm   #3
Michael Maurice
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Default Re: Main panel cleaning

i use Servisol Foam cleanser
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Old 1st May 2020, 3:07 pm   #4
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Default Re: Main panel cleaning

Brasso and Autosol are both abrasive, as is T-Cut.

Whatever you use, always try it out on an inconspicuous area first. The various inks and paints used for front panel lettering can become unstable with time and can just wipe away in seconds.
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Old 1st May 2020, 3:53 pm   #5
DMcMahon
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Default Re: Main panel cleaning

I also have found Servisol Foam cleanser good.
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Old 1st May 2020, 4:52 pm   #6
garry71
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Default Re: Main panel cleaning

Okay, I'll get some Servisol foam then.

Cheers all.
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Old 1st May 2020, 6:26 pm   #7
Lloyd 1985
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Default Re: Main panel cleaning

Before trying any harsh chemicals on it, try just a damp cloth! I have microfibre cloths that I just use water with, not dripping wet, just wrung out well, and give it a good going over with that. If it’s really dirty I take apart said item and give it a wash in warm water with a bit of hand soap.

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Old 2nd May 2020, 3:42 pm   #8
David001
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Default Re: Main panel cleaning

I'm with Lloyd: cloth, warm water and detergent or hand soap gets most muck off
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Old 2nd May 2020, 4:43 pm   #9
vidjoman
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Default Re: Main panel cleaning

If it is aluminium then it's probably anodised. As said before a clean with soapy water should get most muck off. Remove the panel and it'll be easier.
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Old 2nd May 2020, 5:20 pm   #10
garry71
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Default Re: Main panel cleaning

I have some Servisol foam cleaner on the way, but I'll try soap and water first anyway.

Now that the machine is here with me, the anodising looks a bit shot in places.

When I manage to get the panel off I can give it a clean and see what's what.

Cheers.
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Old 2nd May 2020, 8:28 pm   #11
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Default Re: Main panel cleaning

Yes soapy water (I sometimes use diluted washing up liquid) works well, the Servisol as well as a good cleaner can also remove some stubborn stains and can give a nice shine,

As others have pointed out, always first test any cleaning product/method on a small area to make sure that it is not going to cause a problem
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Old 2nd May 2020, 11:51 pm   #12
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Default Re: Main panel cleaning

Even then, be careful. I'm repairing a clock (thankfully not valuable) for a relative and have had a night of re-lettering the dial with the finest Rotrings in my possession, after a suite of careful cleaning tests lulled me into a false sense of security and I discovered to my horror that after the second pass the maker's name was coming off. A salutary lesson in never being too careful, and terribly embarrassing.
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Old 3rd May 2020, 4:31 pm   #13
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Default Re: Main panel cleaning

Seeing the corrosion to the heads is so bad why spend time and effort on the main panel until the head problem is resolved ?
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Old 7th May 2020, 1:59 am   #14
garry71
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Default Re: Main panel cleaning

Quote:
Originally Posted by camtechman View Post
Seeing the corrosion to the heads is so bad why spend time and effort on the main panel until the head problem is resolved ?
I posed my cleaning question before I'd actually got the machine in my hands. What looked like dirt in the ebay photos is actually pitting and corrosion, so I'm going to attempt refinishing the panel. I have a couple of ideas I'll experiment with.

Even if the heads turn out to be knackered, I'll do it for the experience, and to see if I can make a decent job of it.
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Old 7th May 2020, 2:33 pm   #15
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Default Re: Main panel cleaning

Be very careful with foam cleaners. Some are safe in panel lettering, some just take all the lettering off. Guess how I know that.

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Old 7th May 2020, 2:54 pm   #16
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Default Re: Main panel cleaning

Another one for Servisol foam cleanser. Does an amazing job and is just about the best for not affecting lettering. Use cotton buds and/or a toothbrush to get into corners and around awkward shapes.
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