8mm Forum: What do I use to clean a projector?

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Posted by Luis Gonzalez (Member # 1556) on July 04, 2009, 11:28 AM:

I just bought a Revere 85 projector for $2.00 (US) at a yard sale.(it works) I didn't need it but for 2 bucks I couldn't pass it up.
The projector did not have a cover and was stored in a attic so it's dusty and dirty.What can I use to clean the gate,sprockets etc. Thanks

Posted by Kevin Faulkner (Member # 6) on July 04, 2009, 12:40 PM:

I think its a case of common sense really. Probably warm soapy water for the plastic case and other plastic parts but Isopropyl alcohol on the gate parts etc.
Isoprop does not attack plastic or rubber so can safely be used on parts you cant remove.

Kev.

Posted by Luis Gonzalez (Member # 1556) on July 04, 2009, 02:10 PM:

Thanks, I kind of thought Isopropyl alcohol would work but I wasn't sure. So I figured I'D ask you guys and you've come through again.
Muchas Gracias,
Luis

Posted by Brad Kimball (Member # 5) on July 05, 2009, 11:46 AM:

Hey Kevin, I thought Isopropyl was indeed not good for rubber - that it actually can erode it. I could be wrong - just want to be sure. I wish I could recall where I read it. Consarnit - now this is going to gnaw at me until I find where I saw it.

Posted by frank arnstein (Member # 330) on July 27, 2009, 05:55 PM:

Hi to Louis, Kevin & Brad.
Cleaning projectors is something I do nearly every day.
I have got it down to a simple but effective process that works well.
1st use a stiff dry brush to remove loose surface dirt.
2nd , Cover the lens or remove it then spray the whole machine with Nifty or similar kitchen surface cleaner & let it soak for a minute.
Then use a clean paint brush to work the nifty in, all over the body.
Next, use a clean cotton rag & wipe it all down. Gentle Air blow if you have compressed air.
Finally, use evaporative Brake Clean to clean the gate area & Claw & any other realy grimy areas.
To make them look real good after its clean, use Mr Shean or Armourall to restore the surface gleam.
I love the way the dirtiest projector can come out gleaming and looking terrific for display.
Good luck with yours.
dogtor pufferfish

Posted by Glenn Brady (Member # 715) on July 27, 2009, 06:41 PM:

Although it may be effective for drying, compressed air applied to cameras and projectors for cleaning seems to me to be good only for blowing dirt deeper into the works (I often think canned air was invented by a camera repairer hoping to generate more business). I use a small vacuum cleaner and a soft brush in a clean environment when working on such gear.

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on July 27, 2009, 07:15 PM:

A shop-vac, fitted with the little adapters for cleaning electronics, does a terrific job of pulling out dust and grime from the innards of the projector. I would never 'wash' the projector in anything. Much better to do hand cleaning with q-tips moistoned with furniture polish. Armorall wipes are great for restoring the exterior of the projector to as new condition, and are also great for the film path and all plastic components.
Here is my own Revere 88, also found dirty and disfunctional at a garage sale FOR $5.00, but now fully restored after a little TLC:

Posted by Brad Kimball (Member # 5) on July 28, 2009, 11:31 AM:

Paul - that looks sensational! WOW!

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