Safest way to clean a scale plate? - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

clay shooter · 7th Mar 2023, 6:37 pm

Have finally got the chassis removed on my sky queen project, and it appears that it hasn't been touched on the inside

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However, the scale plate is in a sorry state, what I would like to know is what is the best type of cleaner to use

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I'm thinking along the lines of a mild detergent and cotton wool, or is this not a good idea

vinrads · 7th Mar 2023, 6:52 pm

Don't use water based cleaner try Mr sheen or similar on a cotton wool pad not to much pressure Mick.

clay shooter · 7th Mar 2023, 6:59 pm

Oh OK, I thought that water would be a safe bet, but every day's a school day, thank you for the quick reply

Sideband · 7th Mar 2023, 7:51 pm

I would be inclined to gently wipe with a dry cloth first to get rid of loose surface dust...or a dry cotton bud but that will take ages! Gently 'huffing' as well while wiping should get rid of any surface dust and muck. Try it in a corner first and be VERY careful when cleaning around the actual print. Any sign of flaking...STOP!!

kalee20 · 7th Mar 2023, 8:34 pm

I cleaned the painted and screen-printed scale plate of my Ever Ready 5215 with foaming aerosol cleaner (after carefully testing an inconspicuous character!). It worked fine.

MIKEG4IIA · 7th Mar 2023, 8:34 pm

I've got one here if you want it. It's a tadd better than your photo. Just retrieved it from trailer about to go to recycling centre on Saturday. Send me your e-mail via PM and I'll send photo.

7th Mar 2023, 6:37 pm	#1
clay shooter Pentode Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Northamptonshire, UK. Posts: 135	Safest way to clean a scale plate? Have finally got the chassis removed on my sky queen project, and it appears that it hasn't been touched on the inside . However, the scale plate is in a sorry state, what I would like to know is what is the best type of cleaner to use ?. I'm thinking along the lines of a mild detergent and cotton wool, or is this not a good idea Attached Thumbnails __________________ If it ain't bust don't fix it

7th Mar 2023, 6:52 pm	#2
vinrads Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chesterfield, Derbyshire, UK. Posts: 3,767	Re: Safest way to clean a scale plate Don't use water based cleaner try Mr sheen or similar on a cotton wool pad not to much pressure Mick.

7th Mar 2023, 6:59 pm	#3
clay shooter Pentode Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Northamptonshire, UK. Posts: 135	Re: Safest way to clean a scale plate Oh OK, I thought that water would be a safe bet, but every day's a school day, thank you for the quick reply __________________ If it ain't bust don't fix it

7th Mar 2023, 7:51 pm	#4
Sideband Dekatron Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Croydon, Surrey, UK. Posts: 7,580	Re: Safest way to clean a scale plate I would be inclined to gently wipe with a dry cloth first to get rid of loose surface dust...or a dry cotton bud but that will take ages! Gently 'huffing' as well while wiping should get rid of any surface dust and muck. Try it in a corner first and be VERY careful when cleaning around the actual print. Any sign of flaking...STOP!! __________________ There are lots of brilliant keyboard players and then there is Rick Wakeman.....

7th Mar 2023, 8:34 pm	#5
kalee20 Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lynton, N. Devon, UK. Posts: 7,088	Re: Safest way to clean a scale plate I cleaned the painted and screen-printed scale plate of my Ever Ready 5215 with foaming aerosol cleaner (after carefully testing an inconspicuous character!). It worked fine. Attached Thumbnails

7th Mar 2023, 8:34 pm	#6
MIKEG4IIA Triode Join Date: May 2021 Location: Near Hereford, Herefordshire, UK. Posts: 31	Re: Safest way to clean a scale plate I've got one here if you want it. It's a tadd better than your photo. Just retrieved it from trailer about to go to recycling centre on Saturday. Send me your e-mail via PM and I'll send photo. Last edited by Cobaltblue; 7th Mar 2023 at 8:37 pm. Reason: Rule B9