Member postings for Neil Fazakerley

Paraffin and kerosene are the exact same thing. Paraffin is what it's generally called in the UK and kerosene is what it's called in the US.

By the way, WD40 is basically just odourless white spirit, with some aromatics and a small amount of very light oil added. I've seen the formula in the past on one of the safety regulators' websites - the formula is required for medical staff in case someone swallows a pint or two.

White spirit is again a UK name. Can't remember what 'white spirit' is called in the US - it's something like 'mineral spirits'.

Late to this thread, but I've used parafin for many years with my vintage bike projects. However, I mix it 3:1 with motor oil. I fill one of those 600ml gardeners' spray bottles - available empty at garden centres for spraying insecticides. Put the 450ml of Parafin in first so the oil doesn't clog up the spray riser pipe, then top up with oil and give it good shake. Almost any light/medium oil will do - even used oil if it isn't too dirty. The nozzle can be adjusted to give a wide spray or a tight jet, as required.

Each time I buy an old wreck to tinker with (all I can afford) I spray-soak it all over with this mix and let it soak well in to all the cracks and crevices as well as spraying underneath.

I've found that a bike under a waterproof cover will last outside all winter without a hint of fresh rust once it's had this treatment applied, despite being surrounded by damp air. (Don't use one of those blue woven plastic 'tarps' though. They're not waterproof at all - they let water run through wherever the cover touches the object underneath.) Later, when it's spring cleaning time, the junk has all softened nicely and just wipes off with a hint of WD40.

The only problem is, I find Parafin almost impossible to obtain these days. Anyone know any good bulk sources?

It's good advice to wear gloves too when working with oils and solvents. I use black nitrile powder-free gloves that come in a box of 100 and go by the brand name of 'Bold', made by Aurelia and available from many sellers on eBay. Medium size suits me but I have relatively small hands. They're better being a little tight than slack. Nitrile gloves are the only type that resist oils and solvents, so avoid latex gloves. If you're working with petrol, wear two pairs and as soon as one of the outer gloves splits/tears replace the outer pair with fresh ones. Petrol is a known lymphoma-inducing substance (ask me how I know).

Neil.

Apparently tea makes a good electrolyte for rust removal. Takes a long time though.

Same advice as my post above

I believe phosphoric acid is actually one of the ingredients of Coke. Maybe you could soak parts in hot Coke?

Just don't drink it afterwards.

Old star wound 440v motors will usually work okay from a 220v inverter, but at about half their normal power. E.g. a 1/2hp motor will effectively become a 1/4hp one. I use an old high speed bench drill this way and it's fine on smaller drills (which is all I use it for).