Polishing bronze winches

[Donald6441]

I have recently been given a small sail boat to fix up. It has several bronze winches that are oxidized from years of exposure. What is the best compound, chemical, method or whatever to polish these?

 

[Donald6441]

there are a total

of 8 of these suckers on board, a bit excessive? heres a photo of a coupple:

 

[Neal]

my way

THe best way i have found so far is 3M radial bristle discs chucked in an air die grinder. I use the 80 or 120 to sand thru the oxide layer then buff out the scratch marks. The only problem i found with them is they are expensive $60 for a box of 40. But they do last a long time. part #30126 -80 grit 30127 120 grit 30128 220 grit 30129 400 gritthey also make a 6 micron and 1 micron.these are for the 3 in they also make other sizes3m also makes roloc wheels which work great for wood and steel.meathods i tried that didnt workvinegar- turned the brass from dull green to dull goldnever dull- turned the wad green but cut thru all of the oxidationbuffing wheel..took green off but took forever to buff thru the redish brown copper color layerblood- actually that was an accident involving a cleat, a buffing wheel and my head but didnt make the cleat anymore shiny

 

[Gord May]

be careful /w grinder

See the article “Conservation of Cupreous Metals” at:http://nautarch.tamu.edu/class/anth605/File12.htmAnd take great care in using abrasive cleaning methods, such as Neal recommends. You don’t want to polish out the textured surface of the rope capstan (drum surface).Vinegar works better with 1 teaspoon of salt added to 1 cup of white vinegar. Apply the resulting paste and let sit for 15 - 30 minutes, then rinse /w warm water (distilled ?) and hand buff dry.I’m told that boiling in distilled water also cleans bronze. Anyone tried this?After Cleaning ~ Polish with copper polish followed by a non-acid wax. Dip a cloth into liquid wax and apply to the piece. Let the wax dry to a matte color, then buff out with a clean cloth.FWIW,Gord

 

[Ed6905]

Buffing wheel

A buffing wheel with the correct compound is the best, fastest way. I do this for a living.You may be able to find a small job shop in your area that will do it for you. Check under metal finishing in the Yellow pages.