Joe, Thanks for the warning. Indeed, I've been using an electric buffer (milwaukee - good quality so it can't create a fire, right? <G>) I'd hate to look like Wile E. I'm such a looker as it is. <G><G> Marc suggests there isn't fire danger, anything to add to that? I'm all for not taking chances, but also prefer to operate with clear knowledge rather than suspicion (if I have it - which at this point I don't). I do have a large enough compressor, but would rather not spring for a new buffer - not to mention the ever popular, "WHAT DID YOU SAY, MY COMPRESSOR IS RUNNING" syndrome. Awaiting more information. William R. Monroe MINERAL SPIRITS ARE NOT FLAMMABLE. They are combustible - flash point is > greater than 100 ° > > Marc > > ** > > > > HI William, > > > > I hope you are using an air powered buffer if you are using mineral spirits > as a lubricant; the fumes created by mineral spirits are highly flammable, > and an explosion or fire can be set off by the sparks in an electric motor. > While you are buffing, the buffer sits right in the zone with the highest > concentration of fumes, emitting tiny sparks dozens or hundreds of times a > second. That's one of the main reasons I went ahead and sprung for a 60 > gallon compressor, even though my shop is quite small, also. > > > > I'm not trying to criticize, just point out the standard advice given in > the woodworking field. You are obviously quite committed to quality piano > work; we can't afford to see you end up looking like Wile E. Coyote after > receiving one of the Road Runner's TNT "returns" (probably yet again from > the Acme Corporation). I know that you can "get away" with using mineral > spirits as a lubricant with electric tools for some undetermined period of > time, but why take the chance? > > > > Joe DeFazio > > Pittsburgh > > > > > > In answer to my own question, if anyone is using these pastes, MINERAL > SPIRITS is the wetting agent of choice. Add a little to the tub if it > begins to dry out. It also works well for keeping the work surface moist > while buffing. I kept a squeeze bottle of spirits right there, squirting a > little on occasionally. the slop is messy, but more easily contained for me > than dust. For the small shop (read: action balancing and finish repairs in > the same room) it works better for me than dealing with all that dust. I > curse enough when I buff keytops/capstans/etc. with my buffing wheels. > > William R. Monroe > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://ptg.org/pipermail/pianotech_ptg.org/attachments/20090319/33e70b78/attachment-0001.html>
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