drill press work clamp - how to remove old paint?

[tool_scrounge]

I have an older drill press clamp that I would like to remove the old paint from. The body is made from aluminum. If it were steel or cast iron, I would use electrolysis. But being aluminum, what would you recommend? If I can get all the paint off I would probably leave it bare aluminum as the adjustment mechanism will scrape off the paint on the serrated top surface.

On a side note, this type of clamp is pretty cool. The top knob when rotated clamps the workpiece. But the top knob can also be slid forward and backward to adjust the length of the fork. It is a pretty slick design. Too bad they do not make these anymore.

Thanks

 

[alan camby]

Can you use a paint stripper chemical? Or will that hurt the aluminum?

 

[MFolks]

Do you have an air compressor? If so, read this:
http://www.aircooledtech.com/tools-on-the-cheap/soda_blaster/

 

[tool_scrounge]

Do you have an air compressor? If so, read this:
http://www.aircooledtech.com/tools-on-the-cheap/soda_blaster/

That looks pretty nice. Unfortunately my air compressor is too wimpy to drive that soda blaster. So a chemical strip is probably the way to go. Now to find one that works well and does not eat aluminum.

Thanks

 

[lametec]

Aircraft Remover will do the trick.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Thanks, I will give that a try.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I'd use a brass wire wheel. It's soft enough so it shouldn't damage the aluminum but will take off the paint with a couple minute's work.

 

[4x4gearhead]

X2 on aircraft stripper, I have used it on aluminum with no problem, just the run of the mill stuff from the parts store has always done me right.

 

[cburnscrx]

You might even try Goof Off (not goo gone)...it's taken really old paint off my Vise Grips...not 100% on using it on aluminum.

 

[kazlx]

Soak it in purple power for a bit. Will take the paint right off. Then just buff it out and it will look good as new.

 

[John Timmins]

Get the Aircraft Stripper !

beware ! this stuff is nasty so use a facemask and gloves. Smear it on with a throw away paint brush. watch it bubble. Use a stick or putty knife to test for loosening. Rinse with a hole outside.

Inspect and repeat as needed. Later you can spray clear polyeurathane on it if you want.

I put that stuff on an aluminum boat. It ate those old boat numbers up and I could scrap them clean with a putty knife. I bet that stuff would strip a license plate. Great stuff but be careful !

 

[ddo]

Acetone works well in a lot of cases and doesnt leave residue.