Cleaning machined aluminium

I have a fishing reel I wish to sell on ebay, it's a centrepin made from aluminium, machined and polished. I want to clean it up at home before photographing and advertising for sale.

What is my best option for cleaning at home, without using anything abrasive on it?

The reall is an adcock stanton for those who are interested, here's a pic of it from the web.



Steve...

 

Solvol Autosol is the stuff to use.

 

The only polish that I would ever use for my bike restorations is Belgom Alu. Autosol is okay as a last resort, but it has corrosive properties which aren't good long term.

I also feel that you would be making a big mistake by polishing the reel.
Polishing/cleaning 'grained' metal is quite an art. Taking your reel as an example, if I had to restore it, I would use something called a fibre pen and follow the circular grain of the metal. Fibre pens are very good for fine detail work.

 

Angling

Looks a beutifully engineered reel Steve ... how much is going on E bay for .. i have an old centre pin my self but it has seen better days and is not as nice as your Adcock Stanton .. let me know how much and i may have a bid Micky

 

Hiya Steve.

You don't say if it's corroded?

"What is my best option for cleaning at home, without using anything abrasive on it?"

Most, if not all metal polishes contain abrasive compounds. Personally, I would go for something quite straight forward, like Brasso. I used it to polish up some aluminium years ago, and if you work it for long enough, you will be able to see your face in it! I guess it depends on what kinda finish you want.

Cheers...Freddy.

 

Hi Steve,

A bit of confusion here I think. - Is the pic. the actual reel?

Certainly if its the one in the picture it really doesn't need any attention at all, but if your reel is a golden oldie, maybe a true pic. would help.

p.s. Know nothing about fishing, only love to consume the catch!

a-a

 

No it is not, he states here is a picture from the WEB

Not cheap but a Jeweller could put it in his jewellery rinse and vibration machine

I do not know the cost, maybe worth an ask

Jack McH

 

Hi Steve.
Jack's suggestion looks good though you'd have to weigh up cost-benefit.
Beware of metal polishes as several contain ammonia (Brasso does) and while ammonia will undoubtedly help shift oxidation it can also etch into the metal and continue the oxidisation. This of course may not be a problem if all you want is a cosmetic shine and are not concerned about longer term effects.
Toothpaste is a very fine abrasive polish. You could also possibly try try using something like a felt buff on a Dremmel though low speed and light pressure.
Whatever you try I'd suggest testing on the inside faces of the reel first!

 

Steve , I would go with what Dave W has suggested plus if the oxidisation / stain is heavy maybe some very fine wire wool ,but be careful I presume you don't want to damage the lathe machining pattern - also as Jack said ,a jewellers ultrasonic tank will make it gleam !
I have just seen the price of the reels on Ebay £300+ ! All that money to stand in a freezing river and wind a piece of string in ! :D
adcock stanton | eBay

 

Here's a few shots of my actual reel, there are just a few dirty marks on it that want removing before I sell it, the reel itself is in A1 condition and has been probably only used 2-3 times.







You can still buy these reels and brand new they sell for £335, I wont get anywhere near that for this reel but I do want to maximise it's potential value and expect a three figure sum for it.

Steve...

 

That looks in pretty good order Steve with only some very light scuff marks and what looks like like some minor oxidation or impregnation with sweat marks or similar. I don't think a harsh to moderate abrasive polish is what you need - you should first try something much milder. Perhaps Duraglit wadding - it would give a light polish and also help lift greasy deposits. Another thing I thought of but don't have a clue if it would work is scratch remover for perspex windows. I've used it on our campervan windows and it's very light in its action.

Can't help but wondering if I'd spent over £300 on a fly reel if I'd have caught any more fish :D

 

I would seriously consider a Jeweller
WHY

Well just six weeks ago Old Aunty wanted a Silver teapot that was used daily since 1935 re silvered

Julie took it to the local high class jewellers, he quoted £220 to be sent away to Edinburgh specialists
Told her and she still wanted to go ahead :-(

Advised jeweller yes it is what she wants and that she did have her full marbles

Ready for collection in ten days

Went to collect, immaculate silver teapot absolutley gleaming
Can I have the bill please

Yes sir £10

He did it himself first in his vibration thingy and cleaning fluid for silver

So it is worth the ask,
Though your reel looks almost new and in very good condition, and at that would not affect the price on a second hand reel
I think you are going above and beyond anyones expectation, and would not make more on your price if you were to sell as is IMHO

Jack McH

 

Thanks Dave. I tried the the duraglit wadding. I used a tiny piece and barely swiped a fingernail size patch on the reel, then polished it off very quickly just as a test. I found that the very small ammount of the duraglit that was applied shined to a brilliant sheen a very large area, most of one side of it to be honest, so it has had the very barest touch all over, but look now at the difference.









Thank you very much each and everyone who has offered advice here, I've looked at or investigated further all your ideas. I would say now that the reel is in an "as new" condition and someone will get a reel bargain when it sells.

Trouble is now, I'm seriously considering keeping it....

Steve...

 

That's a shame as I was going to ask for my 10% :D:D:D

Looks really great Steve