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Hints, Tips and Solutions (Do NOT post requests for help here) If you have any useful general hints and tips for vintage technology repair and restoration, please share them here. PLEASE DO NOT POST REQUESTS FOR HELP HERE! |
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17th Mar 2019, 11:39 pm | #1 |
Nonode
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Stockport, Cheshire, UK.
Posts: 2,004
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Using Canned Air For Removing Dust
Recently I've had to clean a lot of dust & fluff out of 2 devices, mostly using the suggested method of a clean paintbrush.
This has been useful, but sometimes I've not been able to get into some tight spots with it. I did wonder if it was worth investing in a aerosol of compressed air intended for removing dust, as I wasn't sure how effective it was, and if it's too rough for cleaning PCBs.
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18th Mar 2019, 12:07 am | #2 |
Triode
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Lancashire, UK.
Posts: 46
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Re: Using Canned Air For Removing Dust
Canned compressed air is perfectly safe for use on "MOST" electronic equipment. Just don't get too close to any delicate stuff. Its downside is the high cost of it. I use my garage compressor set to a lower pressure for cleaning purposes. A 12volt tyre inflator is a cheap and cheerful substitute, but it needs a 12volt supply to power it.
Regards John. |
18th Mar 2019, 12:26 am | #3 |
Nonode
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Stockport, Cheshire, UK.
Posts: 2,004
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Re: Using Canned Air For Removing Dust
Thanks for the advice, I've heard of using air compressors to clear dust, I have an electric tyre pump so I might see how I get on with it, though I'll have to work out how to power it as it has an in car power connector.
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18th Mar 2019, 1:03 am | #4 |
Octode
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Rotherham, South Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 1,724
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Re: Using Canned Air For Removing Dust
I was surprised how effective the canned air was for cleaning, it can clean up far faster than a manual brush. Just be careful where you use it.
My boss was using it in the workshop to clean an old pc motherboard that was thick with fluff, dust etc. Whilst I was impressed with the speed and resulting cleanliness he was not impressed when I said he should have done it outside rather than fill our lungs with human dust which of course went everywhere! Peter |
18th Mar 2019, 8:35 am | #5 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK.
Posts: 8,835
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Re: Using Canned Air For Removing Dust
I use one of these. Expensive to buy, but as a rechargeable device it's a once only payment.
https://www.canlessair.com
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18th Mar 2019, 10:41 am | #6 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Oxford, UK.
Posts: 17,865
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Re: Using Canned Air For Removing Dust
Following on from what Steve advised, I have the mains powered version: https://www.metrovacworld.com/produc...uster/overview
Not cheap, but then have you seen the price of air duster aerosols these days? Seriously, it's been worth every penny and has made cleaning out old chassis a joy. Just take them out into the garden, plug in the blower, bit of assistance from a big paintbrush if need be, and the job's done in under a minute. I also use it for computers, TVs, audio gear, the lawnmower, clock cases, lampshades and so on. £85 on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Metro-220-2.../dp/B003BZCOKK N |
18th Mar 2019, 11:12 am | #7 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: London, UK.
Posts: 3,687
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Re: Using Canned Air For Removing Dust
I use an old airbrush compressor I got on gumtree for a tenner for this. That and a horse hair brush I stole off Mrs Bungle
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18th Mar 2019, 11:14 am | #8 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Oxford, UK.
Posts: 17,865
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Re: Using Canned Air For Removing Dust
If you've got the space for a compressor, they're great too, though the air can be moist if you're not careful.
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18th Mar 2019, 12:08 pm | #9 |
Guest
Posts: n/a
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Re: Using Canned Air For Removing Dust
Poundland do canned air, for a pound.
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18th Mar 2019, 12:26 pm | #10 |
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Fife, Scotland, UK.
Posts: 22,902
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Re: Using Canned Air For Removing Dust
The canned air, I assume, is aerosol propellant not actual air. So I'd be a bit concerned about what it is and where it comes from.
I have a compressor in the garage and the receiver (no, not that sort!) remains at about 150psi so I don't need to run it up to blow a bit of dust off anything. It really comes into its own for clearing sawdust out of the planer, router, etc. But for things like rusty radio chassis, then a compressor also gives you the bead blasting gun option. There isn't really enough utility in doing radio stuff to justify one, but if you already have one, or come across one for a low enough price, then it opens a whole new world. David
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18th Mar 2019, 12:57 pm | #11 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: West Cumbria (CA13), UK
Posts: 6,130
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Re: Using Canned Air For Removing Dust
I remember the late (and inimitable) Gerry Wells reckoning he could use his compressor to send woodworms flying from an infected cabinet - though maybe just a flight of fancy!
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18th Mar 2019, 1:35 pm | #12 | |
Heptode
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex, UK.
Posts: 671
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Re: Using Canned Air For Removing Dust
Quote:
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18th Mar 2019, 1:57 pm | #13 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Lynton, N. Devon, UK.
Posts: 7,088
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Re: Using Canned Air For Removing Dust
Personally I prefer suck to blow. Paintbrushes plus vacuum cleaner.
This will remove the majority of the dust, without spreading it everywhere in the vicinity! After that, if necessary, the compressed air comes out. Great for cleaning air-spaced tuning capacitors, but watch the pressure! As to canned air, I have never used one, so can't comment. Less than the cost of a dinner out, though! |
18th Mar 2019, 5:51 pm | #14 |
Nonode
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Surbiton, SW London, UK.
Posts: 2,801
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Re: Using Canned Air For Removing Dust
Don't forget to use suitable personal protection e.g. goggles, dust mask etc.
Dust may contain chemical, radiological or bacteriological particles which in their mildest form could be an irritant, or have even more serious consequences. |
18th Mar 2019, 6:09 pm | #15 | |
Guest
Posts: n/a
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Re: Using Canned Air For Removing Dust
Quote:
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18th Mar 2019, 6:18 pm | #16 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: St. Frajou, l'Isle en Dodon, Haute Garonne, France.(Previously: Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, UK.)
Posts: 3,184
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Re: Using Canned Air For Removing Dust
Hi.
Just a thought about using a compressor for blowing out muck: is there the risk of crank case oil vapour being emitted in the air? I don't think 'domestic' garage compressors have an oil separator. Or do they have piston rings that don't require lubrication? Cheers, Pete.
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18th Mar 2019, 7:00 pm | #17 |
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Fife, Scotland, UK.
Posts: 22,902
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Re: Using Canned Air For Removing Dust
The piston rings are lubricated. Oil and water separators are normal for outputs used for paint spraying. Otherwise finishes are spoiled. Outputs used for air tools (drills, grinders saws) are sometimes provided with an oil injector. You have to take care to keep flexible hoses apart for clean and oily air.
David
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18th Mar 2019, 9:31 pm | #18 | ||
Dekatron
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Cornwall, UK.
Posts: 13,454
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Re: Using Canned Air For Removing Dust
Quote:
Lawrence. |
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18th Mar 2019, 10:09 pm | #19 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: East Sussex, UK.
Posts: 3,327
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Re: Using Canned Air For Removing Dust
Perhaps the answer is to use the lowest pressure to remove/loosen the dust and a vacuum system to suck up the debris.
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19th Mar 2019, 8:05 am | #20 |
Octode
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Southport, Merseyside, UK.
Posts: 1,156
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Re: Using Canned Air For Removing Dust
There should be no problems with old valve radios, but could using paint brushes and dry air on any sensitive semi-conductor devices cause problems with static electricity?
John |