Methyl Hydrate [wood alchohol] can be obtained in most hardware stores &
paint stores. I also use it in my alchol lamp. You can also use denatured
alchohol, however, methyl hydrate is much cheaper. I think I made a
mistake on the directions on using the Sharpie. It should be cover the area
you do not want oxidized with the pen. Win
Methyl Hydrate [wood alchohol] can be obtained in most hardware stores &
paint stores. I also use it in my alchol lamp. You can also use denatured
alchohol, however, methyl hydrate is much cheaper.
Hi Winnifred, It may be cheaper, but also much more dangerous.
Even the gases released can irritate your eyes, and the doctor
told a colleague that he will become blind, if he continues to
use methanol in the flux that is added to the gas he solders
with (the gas is leaded through a tank with a liquid flux
mixture and takes up the flux, gives a nice green flame; unit
similar to Hydroflux welder). Swallowing it can be lethal. Take
care, Markus
Mark, I’ve been using the kind of alcohol you’re describing for
14 years-and never any eye irritation or any other problem. I
use it in my alcohol lamp for waxing, and in my flux mixture,
although not lead through the flame ???. Maybe I’m just lucky !!
I think good or even fair ventilation is crucial, and overcomes
most of our faults.
I think the tip about using a Sharpie to block off areas before
oxidizing is one of the best tips I’ve heard! Thank you!!
I’m in the process of designing a desk-top box of sorts, of
plexi- to contain all the dirt and metal particles I generate
when using my foredom. I also want to make a jig to hold my
foredom handpiece to use it as a lathe for wax work. I saw a
model for this in one of my books- but it isn’t very specific as
to how to hold it steady, or how to make a “live center” to
stabilize the wax stick on the end opposite the chuck. I’ve
looked around to see if I can buy a small one, to no avail. By
the way, for those of you in the Los Angeles area, I frequently
browse at a large shop called Old Tools in Santa Monica, that has
every imaginable old contraption, including foot-pedal scroll
saws, old watch-making tools, lathes, motors, wood tools, etc.
I’ve picked up all kinds of jewelry tools there, including files,
(old and new) punches, burs, drill bits, dental tools, etc. There
are hundreds of tools that are mysteries to me. Yesterday, I
found a very small bench top Foredom motor, with a sliding lever
on the side to regulate the speed, instead of a foot pedal. The
sheath on the flex shaft is worn at each end, but it still
works. I wanted to buy a new one, but haven’t located the right
size yet. I hope my handpieces fit this flex shaft. It was a
great deal if they do! Let me know if anyone wants directions to
this place. Be prepared to spend hours there!!
Ruth
I’m in the process of designing a desk-top box of sorts, of
plexi- to contain all the dirt and metal particles I generate
when using my foredom.
I have one that Alcraft sells.Metal box with a c shaped strip
with the plexi bolted to it. I’ve replaced the plexiglas- spilled
something (probably oil of wintergreen it eats plastics!) but it
does collect all those grinding and sharp metal shreds.
Rick Hamilton
Richard D Hamilton, Jr.
@rick_hamilton
Mark, Re your concern about methyl hydrate, I have been using it
for 40 years in my alchohol lamp, wiping any fingerprints etc.
off pieces before enameling and removing the Sharpie permanent
pen off pieces I have used it on either as a mask for coloring
metal or a resist when etching. Never used it as a flux. My eye
sight is fine, don’t even have to use an opti-visor yet. Never
had eye irritation, nothing wrong with my lungs & I am 67. As for
your comment about swallowing it, I prefer the alcohol that is
labeled Seagram’s or 4 Star. Irealize some people swear by
alchohol & boric acid mixture as a flux to prevent fire, I have
found it does’nt work. The only way your are not going to get
fire scale is don’t apply any heat to silver. I’m sure I have a
fire scale genie resident in my work shop that goes to work
through the night hours. Win