LangdonStevenson wrote:

Kurt wrote:

. 

I'm not worries about the cracks really - they are just the product of age and (I don't think) will effect its function, but yes, epoxy would probably be a good filler.
 

You really want to get those cracks sealed up as soon as you can. What they do is allow moisture into the steel core of the wheel which starts to rust and that swells up in side the wheels outer coating (Bakelite?) causing it to break off.

It is a very thin coating on it. Have run into this before with things that sit for extended periods. I would wear gloves the first time out with it and then it should be fine. Otherwise just use glass cleaner and polish with a coarse towel. It will not take much to remove the layer of oxidation on the wheel. Sandpaper will be too aggressive for this.

restore49 wrote:

Try a roll of plumber's sandpaper a strip 16" and work all the way around buffing like a pair of shoes.
 

Yes something like that should work, good plan.  I just hope that I can get down to solid material!

PhilC wrote:

LangdonStevenson wrote:

Kurt wrote:

. 

I'm not worries about the cracks really - they are just the product of age and (I don't think) will effect its function, but yes, epoxy would probably be a good filler.
 

You really want to get those cracks sealed up as soon as you can. What they do is allow moisture into the steel core of the wheel which starts to rust and that swells up in side the wheels outer coating (Bakelite?) causing it to break off.
 

Fair point.  I'll think about that.  The machine has been in a pretty dry area and although not under cover, the glass in the front and the dry climate at Wilcannia have probably protected it from the effects of water.  Won't be the same down here on the coast.

 

kracked1 wrote:

It is a very thin coating on it. Have run into this before with things that sit for extended periods. I would wear gloves the first time out with it and then it should be fine. Otherwise just use glass cleaner and polish with a coarse towel. It will not take much to remove the layer of oxidation on the wheel. Sandpaper will be too aggressive for this.
 

Oh nice! That's great. I had hoped it would just be a thin layer.  I'll start there and see how it goes.  Thank you for the input.

Hi, LangdonStevenson.
Yer right about the difference in climate between Wilcannia and the coast - for Americans, the equivalent would be moving it from Arizona or inland Southern California to Florida or Southern Louisiana.

The additional atmospheric moisture/humidity plus the salt air will likely get into those cracks and set the steel inside to rusting - which will then 'pop' your Bakelite coating off in chunks. Try Epoxy or Araldite or JBWeld or similar for repairing the cracks.

The 'black stuff' that gets all over your hands is simply weathered Bakelite and will wear off with use. Alternatively, you might find that a toothpaste with a gritty feel to it would remove it - MANY toothpastes have some form of fine grit in them to help remove plaque and other 'gunk' from teeth and gums. Check your own toothpaste for a starters.

I'd repair the cracks first though 'coz it might not be a LOTTA fun getting the toothpaste out of the cracks to make way for that repair.

Just my 0.02.

Deas wrote:

Hi, LangdonStevenson.
Yer right about the difference in climate between Wilcannia and the coast - for Americans, the equivalent would be moving it from Arizona or inland Southern California to Florida or Southern Louisiana.

The additional atmospheric moisture/humidity plus the salt air will likely get into those cracks and set the steel inside to rusting - which will then 'pop' your Bakelite coating off in chunks. Try Epoxy or Araldite or JBWeld or similar for repairing the cracks.

The 'black stuff' that gets all over your hands is simply weathered Bakelite and will wear off with use. Alternatively, you might find that a toothpaste with a gritty feel to it would remove it - MANY toothpastes have some form of fine grit in them to help remove plaque and other 'gunk' from teeth and gums. Check your own toothpaste for a starters.

I'd repair the cracks first though 'coz it might not be a LOTTA fun getting the toothpaste out of the cracks to make way for that repair.

Just my 0.02.
 

Hi Deas.  Thankfully I'm up in the Southern Highlands, rather than "on the coast" proper, so I don't have to deal with the salt and humidity at least - but it is definitely a lot wetter (well normally - the mechanic working on the grader for me can't even get to the machine it's so wet out there currently!)

That's a fair point about repairing the cracks in the wheel before anything else.  I'll look into that.  Epoxy with a (black) colouring and thickened up with microballoons would be my preference I think.

Oh yes toothpaste is a good thought too.  Definitely don't want to be cleaning that out of the cracks!

which part of the southern highlands. family friends come from the picton /wuachope area.

devcon metal filled epoxy is black.

Hi, trainzkid88.
picton/wauchope?????????????? Do they communicate by shouting or are they going deaf. Shouldn't be a problem THAT close to each other though. LOL.

Hi, LangdonStevenson.
I AM with trainzkid88 though - what part of the Southern Highlands? There may be some fellow 'yellow fever sufferers' near you who might be able - and maybe even willing - to help out if needed.

I've wandered a bit up and down the East Coast, but only the bits between Eden and Cape Tribulation. The rest is still a mystery.

Just my 0.02.

Just my 0.02.