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This page will be updated as safer supplies and methods are discovered.
3M
Radial Bristle Discs
3M Radial Bristle Discs Small-but-sturdy "bristle discs" are new abrasive products from 3M. 3M radial bristle discs, in 1-inch diameter, stacked together on a mandrel using a 1/8-inch screw, can tackle tough metal deburring, cleaning, and finishing requirements in the hardest-to-reach places. Radial bristle discs are designed with abrasive-filled bristles that apply a continuous fresh supply of mineral – without damaging the underlying surfaces. Tough but flexible, these discs conform to the contours of the work piece where intricate designs, tubes or corners make finishing, cleaning and deburring difficult. They're also safe for the user, as they eliminate the dangers of flying metal wires posed by wire brushes and also can replace chemical use in some applications. In addition, their unique, patented design resists gumming and loading, so bristle discs work fast on soft or hard metals to produce a consistent, uniform finish. One-inch 3M radial bristle discs are suitable replacements for hand files, wire brushes, hand scrapers, and traditional grinding discs used for sanding, surface preparation, and coatings removal. The one-inch 3M radial bristle discs are available in four grades: 36, 50, 80, and 120. Additional members of the small 3M radial bristle disc family include a 9/16-inch, as well as 3/4-inch size. These smaller discs fit mandrels with a 1/16-inch screw and are available in finer grades (120, 220, 400, 6 micron and 1 micron) and pumice for finishing and polishing applications. The 3/4-inch size also comes in grade 80. All grades are color-coded for easy identification. Larger sizes up to 4.5" are also available. You may find that Scotch-Brite wheels can accomplish the same tasks when using abrasives of these larger diameters.
These discs are
worth a try. Most jewelry supply companies now carry a wide array of
sizes and grits. Though their lifespan is shorter than traditional
bristle wheels, they certainly have many applications including
surface preparation for soldering and brazing without the need to
remove buffing compounds. They are also excellent for removing corrosion. Acid Neutralizer/Abrasive (Non-Toxic, All-Natural)
Baking Soda Buffing Compounds (Less-Toxic)
Finishing:
C–3568 Alumina Compound
Cut-Down: 303
Alumina Compound Contact Cement (Non-Toxic, Non-Flammable)
Elmer's Saf-T
Contact Cement
Dr. Bronner's
Peppermint Pure Castile Soap Firescale Preventive (Less-Toxic)
Dr. Frank's
Fabulous Flux Fluxes (Less-Toxic, Chloride-Free)
Liquid
Super-Safe Soft Soldering Flux
Gel Super-Safe
Soft Soldering Flux
Superior #6
Brazing Flux
Ready Strip Lubricant (Non-Toxic, All-Natural)
Mineral Oil
Citric Acid
Chemical
Respirator: 3M's #6006 Cartridges
Toxic Dust
Respirator: 3M's #2047 Cartridges © Jeffrey Herman |
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liability for damages or injuries as a result of any construction,
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other activity undertaken as a result of the use or application of
information contained on this Web site and all other Society
publications. Before
using ANY chemical, read the instructions and ask for an MSDS
(Manufacturer's Safety Data Sheet).