prop cleaning - dremel cup brush?

Ross · Dec 12, 2008

I use a cup brush on a right angle grinder. Using a dremel tool would be sending a boy to do a man's job.

chuckwayne · Dec 12, 2008

Allan Frey said:
Has anyone tried cleaning the calcium deposits off a bronze prop with a dremel tool or drill using a wire cup brush? Or is there a better way?

I've always used emery cloth but that takes a bit of time and effort.

Allan

I use a cup brush in an electric drill-as Ross said, a dremel will take forever. Just be sure to use a brass cup brush, you don't want to embed steel fibers in the brass

letterman · Dec 12, 2008

calcium is disolved with acid. Use vinegar. Then get yourself a bronze brush...course guess what I make for a living? Not sure if it would be aggressive enough. A cup or wheel would work fine.

sailingdog · Dec 12, 2008

vinegar is a better way to start, then use a brush cup—but make sure it is either abrasive coated nylon or brass bristles... not steel.

Maine Sail · Dec 13, 2008

I use some vinegar or oxalic acid and then a red Scotchbrite drill pad...

If you're going to use a Dremel these pads work great on props but you'll go through a few packages..
http://www.dremel.com/en-us/AttachmentsAndAccessories/Pages/AttachmentsDetail.aspx?pid=511E

RichH · Dec 13, 2008

The Scotchbrite rotary pad method is by far the fastest to restore the surface of a bronze prop.

I notice that you are in Annapolis; so, I offer the following to avoid interminable 'prop cleaning':
CLEAN the prop (any method), then polish the surface with a fabric wheel and 'Jewelers Rouge', then apply several coats of Petit "Zinc Rich Barnacle Barrier". This will prevent the attachment of barnacles and others 'animals'. You will form some 'slime' over the Petit; but, that usually releases when you use the prop.

Don S/V ILLusion · Dec 13, 2008

To emphasize what Rich mentioned above, I followed this procedure last year while preparing to launch and upon pulling the boat last month, I was astonished at the condition of the prop. Unfortunately, didn't have a camera to emphasize the condition but suffice it to say the Petit Zinc Coat Barrier paint is one of the best (small) investments I ever made.
The prop was devoid of any growth and showed the color of the paint indicating it was still present (and effective) after an entire year.
I don't see why it would not work effectively regardless of location.