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Cleaning numerals in result register

 
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Austin



Joined: 05 Oct 2017
Posts: 3
Location: New Zealand

PostPosted: Fri Oct 06, 2017 12:48 am    Post subject: Cleaning numerals in result register Reply with quote

Have just bought my first Curta, which works well and I'm very pleased with it. Very Happy

However, the previous owner had left it for some time out of the case and in a dirty environment, with the result that the zero digits on the upper registers are soiled and hard to read. I'm looking for info about the best way to clean them.

My instinct is to disassemble until the digits are exposed, but that looks like a reasonably tricky operation. Is it possible to do a good clean through the little digit windows? I'm concerned about fibres and solvents escaping into the inside of the calculator.

What solvents are recommended (or warned against!) for cleaning Curta parts?
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murff



Joined: 27 Oct 2009
Posts: 592
Location: Switzerland

PostPosted: Fri Oct 06, 2017 7:23 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi Austin

Yes, the best way for cleaning is a total disassembly... but... that's not so easy.

The other way is to clean the digits from outside - you need
- patience
- alcohol (or a similar solvents - not critical because all parts are metal)
- toothpick
- q-tips
- soft rubber (like plasticine)
- patience

Then you start with a wet q-tip the battle against the dirt... never too wet so that nothing drops inside. Then drying and - repeat until the digit is blank. In case you can remove some harder dirt with the toothpick and the rubber.

That's it... happy cleaning Very Happy
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Austin



Joined: 05 Oct 2017
Posts: 3
Location: New Zealand

PostPosted: Fri Oct 06, 2017 8:50 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for that; I'll give it a go.

murff wrote:
- alcohol (or a similar solvent - not critical because all parts are metal)

I was thinking maybe the numerals are painted on, and so the solvent used would be important?
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murff



Joined: 27 Oct 2009
Posts: 592
Location: Switzerland

PostPosted: Fri Oct 06, 2017 9:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The dials are made of black anodized aluminum, engraved



So no worry...
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Austin



Joined: 05 Oct 2017
Posts: 3
Location: New Zealand

PostPosted: Fri Oct 06, 2017 10:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

murff wrote:
The dials are made of black anodized aluminum, engraved ...
So no worry...

OK, thanks for that. Surprised Smile
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stenella



Joined: 03 Jun 2008
Posts: 45
Location: Antwerp, Belgium

PostPosted: Sat Oct 14, 2017 6:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yup, a wet toothpick is the way to go. And a lot of patience... good luck!
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