Chem dip / Stripper

tomobari · Jul 26, 2003

Folks,

I read a lot about a so called "chem dip" in order to remove laquer and/or corrosion. What is this "chem dip"???? Is this a trademark or something or if not, what is it made up of? I have found some stuff that is called "Chem dip" and is used for cleaning carburators and transmissions and the like. Hardly the same as a brass baritone sax i.m.o....

I would like to do a relaquer myself but am puzzeled about how to remove the remainder of the laquer. There aint much left though

Could some polishing compound do the trick, I wouldn't like to buff the sax though.

The keys are nickle plated and havily corroded. What's the best way for a clean up and is there something restore the plating a bit besides taking the key's and rods to plating shop (don't know the correct word here, think you'll know what I mean).

Thanks for any input,

Marc
The Netherlands

KEN K · Jul 27, 2003

You are about to attempt to do the hardest repair that a repairman does. I don't think you know what task it is to overhaul and relacquer a sax.It is not a home do it yourself job.It takes years of experience and having the right tools. You might want to let a pro do it.

tomobari · Jul 28, 2003

Ken,

Believe me, I can relate to your p.o.v. Rest assured, the bari will come out allright!

Thanks,
Marc

Gordon (NZ) · Jul 28, 2003

tomobari said:
Rest assured, the bari will come out allright!

Really?
And how do you propose to deal with the heavy corrosion of Nickel plating? I presume pitting is involved. The solution is to chemically remove ALL the plating, buff, and start again. This is a mighty big job for keys, and when you have finished with the surface treatment, you will still have a complete repadding, recorking overhaul job to do.

I would probably recommend ditching a sax before doing that, especially when nickel plating is usually a sign of a low quality instrument, which makes an overhaul that much more difficult. OK for a learning experience, but that is about it.

BTW the chemical dip (for brass instruments anyway) is usually based on dilute sulphuric or phosphoric acid.

KEN K · Jul 29, 2003

When I started out repairing horns I worked learning how to do overhauls for about ten years BEFORE I began learning how to do a overhaul AND relacquer.It took me another five years before I could do a decent job.As I said ,you don't know what you are getting to. Good luck anyway.

tomobari · Jul 29, 2003

Thanks guys, much appreciated!

Don't worry about the overhaul, it's gonna be done professionally if, and only when, I feel the relaquer has made it worthwhile. BTW, it my stay bare brass as well....

Just fooling around,

Marc

Chem dip / Stripper

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