I see where Tom has mentoned using Old Dutch Cleanser for water breaking on a rod....when I first seen the forum here I mentioned using this perticular cleanser, and to this day I still do, it is bar none the best around just a damp fine cell sponge with a little cleanser on it and it is done....The only problem I have had with it is the e mails I received from certain people on this forum...very nasty with their heads where the sun does not shine...sorry to say the Circus has left town and some of the clowns are still here.
Sure hope this does not happen to you Tom.

Tight Lines
Tight Wraps
Fishin'Stix by Fred

It happens every day. Not a big deal - goes with the territory.

Shortly after WWII, Ralph O'Quinn was involved in programs at the Boeing Aircraft Company that were designed to find the optimum means of bonding aircraft parts surfaces together. While researching the best means of obtaining a water-break-free surface, they found that Old Dutch Cleanser did a fantastic job, second only to the fine grey Scotchbrite.

Anyone that read Ralph's RodMaker article on the proper preparation of surfaces for optimum bonding may remember reading this tidbit of information.


.............

In this same vein, have any of you tried Bon Ami which I use a lot in the kitchen? I never thought of using it for a breakfree surface.

Mike Blomme

Man I hate to ask this but, what is a water-break-free surface?

Go to the Glossary and you will find the definition. LOTS of helpful little definitions there ... they will even start the wheels to grinding and make you want to play with parts.

The grey Scotchbrites I use seems to polish the surface a little to much so the Old Dutch might get a try. Water-break surface is basicly taking the shine off a surface and creating small fine scratches so that glue/adhesives or paint etc.... will stick. It's called waterbreak because when water is appied it spreads or doesn't bead up. I think I have that right!!

Yes, it allows the adhesive or paint to "wet" the surface rather than being repelled by it.

..............

Ok thanks. That kinda crossed my mind but it seemed to be a pretty fancy term for that, lol.

Jim thanks for the tip. I forgot all about checking there.

Many things have happened in the aerospace insustry since Ralph used Old Dutch Cleanser to prepare surfaces for proper bonding. Not only is "water break surface" important for bonding purposes but it is also the criteria used to certify that surfaces are "clean" and are contaminant free. There is a large sphere with the internal surface mirrored at NASA, in Houston, which is used to project images of deeps space for astronaut training. The mirror surface of the sphere must meet a high level of surface cleanliness to insure that images are not distorted. The acceptance level used to verily cleanliness is the standard water break test described in the link. Take a look at this link and see how important this "rod builders" trick is to other high tech industries. It never ceases to amaze me how the craft of rodbuilding eventually finds many things from other fields to insure continued improvement.

Standards: [www.astm.org]

Test:: [support.caswellplating.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/22/2008 04:20PM by Bill Stevens.

Thanks John and Tom for your answers ........ I to had the same question ....... while the glossary gives a definition, your explanations add additional insight from your experience ................... building some handles this week end ........ will definitely get some of that stuff .........
Thanks

Yes, just think where the aerospace industry would be without all of the rodbuilding science to lean on. (strike that, reverse it!) LOL!


Walt