[GreenKeys] White discoloration on keys

[AI2Q]

That's interesting, Richard. I will have to try that.

Vy 73, AI2Q, Alex

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Richard Knoppow" <1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com>
To: "AI2Q" <ai2q at roadrunner.com>; <greenkeys at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Saturday, July 23, 2011 10:18 PM
Subject: Re: [GreenKeys] White discoloration on keys


> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "AI2Q" <ai2q at roadrunner.com>
> To: <greenkeys at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2011 7:35 AM
> Subject: [GreenKeys] White discoloration on keys
> 
> 
>> The white substance that sometimes forms on the plastic of 
>> the keyboard keys
>> on a Model 28 is stearic acid. To my understanding, it was 
>> used as a as a
>> release agent in the original molds during casting.
>>
>> To remove it, direct heat from a hair dryer over the keys, 
>> then wipe and
>> polish with a soft cloth. I have done this on knobs on my 
>> old national
>> HRO-60, as well on plastic parts from vintage American 
>> Flyer trains from the
>> 1950s.
>>
>> Sometimes the residue returns after a while, in which case 
>> repeated heat
>> applications are required. It's quite amazing to watch the 
>> white residue
>> disappear as you wave the hair dryer across the parts.
>>
>> Vy 73, AI2Q, Alex
>> Member: ARRL, FOC, RSGB, CWops, QRP-L, Antique Wireless 
>> Association, Wide
>> Area Amateur Radio Network
>> http://home.roadrunner.com/~alexmm
> 
>    I will pass along something from a typewriter list I 
> belong to. Someone there had a problem with a persistent 
> white deposit on the keys. He found that wiping with linseed 
> oil removed it. Perhaps it will work on TT keys also.
> 
> 
> --
> Richard Knoppow
> Los Angeles
> WB6KBL
> dickburk at ix.netcom.com 
> 
>