Removing the grease on brand new mortiser

[SHADOWFOX]

Hi folks,

I just bought a brand new Delta Hollow Chisel Mortiser 14-651 which I pretty much got for free after gift certificates, coupon and MIR. Okay a little passive gloat there . I was reading the manual and it indicated that I need to use kerosene to take off the grease on the cast iron surfaces. Is there other alternative that I can use instead of kerosene? Reason I ask is because kerosene makes me puke and really cannot stand the smell of it. I know its weird thing.

Thank you!

[dramey]

Chris,
You could use diesel fuel to remove the grease or any number of gun cleaning solvents. If it is causmoline, you almost need to use kerosene or diesel fuel.

[LCHIEN]

Depends on what exactly they used.
you might try
1) mineral spirits
2) WD-40
3) ALCOHOL

if they work, great, if not, then probably no damage done. Try a small spot with each first.
If by some chance the alcohol works, you'll want to dry it and apply some rust preventative, like Boeshield T-9, the alcohol probably has some water in it.

[RodKirby]

Go to your local Auto parts store and ask for a wipeon-wipeoff degreasing spirit - NOT the kind you need to spray off with water.

The one I got (2 years ago) had a very pleasant smell and worked beautifully

[goslin23]

I picked up some oderless mineral spirits at the BORG to clean the top of my new TS and it worked like a charm.

[eddy merckx]

When I bought my cab saw, they set me up with a spray can of brake cleaner. You have to use it in a really well ventillated area, but it will take that stuff off instantly.

Eddy

[SARGE..g-47]

Morning Chris...

Kerosene is ideal as it has little chance of damaging any paint... but it flat out stinks and the odor will linger for awhile so.......

Having quite a bit of large machinery I use odorless mineral spirits which has done the job quickly. Purchase a package of terry towels at one of the Box stores (which I always keep several packages on hand).

Nice weather now, so no need to clean it inside the shop. Get the motiser outside and wipe it liberally with MS. If you have an extremely stubborn spot, have one of those medium or fine scouring pads as you use in the kitchen or 0000 steel wool handy even though it probably won't be necessary.Then come back with a clean towel and dry it. With that mortiser, shouldn't take more than 10 minutes total. Let it sit outside for a few hours to allow the MS to totally evaporate.

As soon as it is dry and odor free... get whatever protection on it you use. Boe-shield.. WD.. wax.. whatever your preference. Cast iron won't wait on you before it starts a rust process!

BTW... kerosene is recommended by nearly every manufacturer I've seen as they want to cover their hinny just in case.. but I have never had paint removed with MS and after 35 years, highly suspect that it is not going to remove it. ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..

Regards...

[Uncle Cracker]

you might try

3) ALCOHOL

Doesn't work... Drank nearly a whole bottle of tequila waiting for the factory coating on my Irwin clamps to fall off... It's still there, but now I don't care...

[Jeffrey Schronce]

WD-40 works on every thing I have tried (Grizzly, Shop Fox, Delta - including the mortiser you mention).

[bthere]

I use the odor free mineral spirits. Seems to do a fine job on most things. From time to time, I use WD40 first and then follow up with mineral spirits. Lots of shop towels and cleanup isn't so bad. Just be sure to rust proof as soon as possible.

[ke4rdb]

Go to Wal-Mart and buy a bottle of Hurricane (Oil) Lamp (sic) oil. It's nothing more than oderless kerosene.

JW

[ragswl4]

Oderless mineral spirits as said by others and WD-40. I'm not real sure, its been a long time but I seem to remember that some brake cleaners are also great paint removers. As I said, not sure so best to check.

[SHADOWFOX]

Thanks, Guys!

I went to Rockler for lunch and picked up a Odor Free MS, a Boeshield spray, mortiser chisel sharpening kit. Do I need to use a scouring pad to apply the mineral spirit or can I just use a clean rag?

[gwyneth]

Try the clean rag first. (Unless the grease is baked on as in an oven, it should do it).

Actually, it's usually a good idea cleaning anything to try soft before abrasive.

[bthere]

Thanks, Guys!

I went to Rockler for lunch and picked up a Odor Free MS, a Boeshield spray, mortiser chisel sharpening kit. Do I need to use a scouring pad to apply the mineral spirit or can I just use a clean rag?

I usually start with a roll of paper towels to get the majority of goo off. Then I use some shop towells to finish up. I don't recall needing any steel wool or scouring pads for the grease. If there are some oxidation patches, then you would probably need something to clear those up.