How do I polish a Copeland whistle?
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How do I polish a Copeland whistle?
I have a Copeland low D that needs a bit of shining up. The finish is dull with a few dark spots. Is there a preferred way to polish a brass whistle that is safe on the finish and non-toxic for the whistler? I have a couple of Sindts that could use some work as well. Any feedback is appreciated. These Copeland's really look great when shined- up.
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Re: How do I polish a Copeland whistle?
This should do the trick : http://www.musiciansfriend.com/woodwind ... -cloth-set
If it's super tarnished you may need to go with a liquid, cream, or paste polishing compound, but that's rarely necessary.
OTH, if you have access to a buffing wheel, you can make it look brand new in about 2 minutes
If it's super tarnished you may need to go with a liquid, cream, or paste polishing compound, but that's rarely necessary.
OTH, if you have access to a buffing wheel, you can make it look brand new in about 2 minutes
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Re: How do I polish a Copeland whistle?
With whistle polish?celticpromise wrote:How do I polish a Copeland whistle?
Seriously, any non-abrasive brass polish will work. I use SimiChrome on all my whistles with excellent results. Some purists may freak out about about the ammonia base, but it dissipates quickly in the minute quantities of occasional use and does no harm. Cloths like Loren's LeBlanc cloth are fine with a bit more effort. Sunshine cloths (available on eBay) or Blitz cloths also work well. For occasional touch-ups, I also use a jeweler's rouge cloth. And if you like, a light coating of beeswax or carnauba wax can help preserve your newly-polished masterpiece.
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Re: How do I polish a Copeland whistle?
Over this side of the pond we have a skin medicine called 'Sudocrem'. It is a paste made of fine zinc oxide powder and castor oil. It is considered 'non-toxic', and it also works as a fine polishing paste. You may prefer this to more conventional polishes if you are worried about toxicity.
Another reasonably benign polish is toothpaste - but I would find the minty smell too distracting.
I have used both of thee above to polish brass.
Another reasonably benign polish is toothpaste - but I would find the minty smell too distracting.
I have used both of thee above to polish brass.
Phill
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Re: How do I polish a Copeland whistle?
"Castor oil", "non-toxic" both in the same sentenceDrPhill wrote:Over this side of the pond we have a skin medicine called 'Sudocrem'. ....castor oil. ..... 'non-toxic'.
Brings back one of the terrors of childhood.
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Re: How do I polish a Copeland whistle?
Right. Ricin isn't harmful or anything. Is it?Steve Bliven wrote:"Castor oil", "non-toxic" both in the same sentence
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Re: How do I polish a Copeland whistle?
Ooooops - castor oil was the original formulation. Castor oil does come from the castor plant which does contain ricin. However:
Wikipedia is your friend........
Re: How do I polish a Copeland whistle?
This is from Zubivka:
Heat a glass or two of vinegar in a pan, bring it to boiling while dissolving kitchen salt in it to saturation. I.e. keep adding salt and stirring until the salt doesn't seem to dissolve any more. It does take a lot, like half-a-glass of salt.
Watch out, do this soup in a well ventilated kitchen: there's chlorine evaporating.
Let it cool outside. Pour in a bottle, slowly to leave the salt deposit in the pan. Stopper the bottle for storage.
This liquid is non toxic, use it on a rag to remove stains on brass/copper whitles (I clean my Sindt with it). Wipe dry. If you dislike the faint vinegar smell remaining, wash with soapy water before drying.
***
I've been using this method since then. It works great. And if you really want the brass to shine, use #0000 steel wool after.
One thing I do different is pour the prepared solution through a coffee filter.
Good luck.
Mike
Heat a glass or two of vinegar in a pan, bring it to boiling while dissolving kitchen salt in it to saturation. I.e. keep adding salt and stirring until the salt doesn't seem to dissolve any more. It does take a lot, like half-a-glass of salt.
Watch out, do this soup in a well ventilated kitchen: there's chlorine evaporating.
Let it cool outside. Pour in a bottle, slowly to leave the salt deposit in the pan. Stopper the bottle for storage.
This liquid is non toxic, use it on a rag to remove stains on brass/copper whitles (I clean my Sindt with it). Wipe dry. If you dislike the faint vinegar smell remaining, wash with soapy water before drying.
***
I've been using this method since then. It works great. And if you really want the brass to shine, use #0000 steel wool after.
One thing I do different is pour the prepared solution through a coffee filter.
Good luck.
Mike
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Re: How do I polish a Copeland whistle?
No but Ricin isn't good for polishing whistles at all.Feadoggie wrote:Right. Ricin isn't harmful or anything. Is it?Steve Bliven wrote:"Castor oil", "non-toxic" both in the same sentence
Feadoggie
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Re: How do I polish a Copeland whistle?
I always thought castor oil was extracted by squeezing beavers. And yes, I mean the little dam-building animal, you perverts.
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Re: How do I polish a Copeland whistle?
I use the "Cape Cod" polishing cloths on my brass whistles.
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Re: How do I polish a Copeland whistle?
You're thinking of artificial vanilla.MTGuru wrote:I always thought castor oil was extracted by squeezing beavers. And yes, I mean the little dam-building animal, you perverts.
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Re: How do I polish a Copeland whistle?
Its always educational around here.
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Re: How do I polish a Copeland whistle?
Pollux. That's what I say.MTGuru wrote:I always thought castor oil was extracted by squeezing beavers. And yes, I mean the little dam-building animal, you perverts.
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Re: How do I polish a Copeland whistle?
DrPhill wrote:Pollux. That's what I say.MTGuru wrote:I always thought castor oil was extracted by squeezing beavers. And yes, I mean the little dam-building animal, you perverts.
Vivat diabolus in musica! MTGuru's (old) GG Clips / Blackbird Clips
Joel Barish: Is there any risk of brain damage?
Dr. Mierzwiak: Well, technically speaking, the procedure is brain damage.
Joel Barish: Is there any risk of brain damage?
Dr. Mierzwiak: Well, technically speaking, the procedure is brain damage.