The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I am trying to get a Talk-O-Phone ready for the APS Expo. It's all ready except the polish on the brass bell. The outside is ok but I'm dying on the inside of the bell. I've used Brasso. I thought part of my problem might be that the brass was protected by lacquer but lacquer thinner had no effect. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks, Jerry B.

A buffing wheel with jewelers rouge would be the best option... One of the first tools I bought when I started doing restorations was a ½ HP 6" bench grinder with interchangeable buffing wheels and it has been one of the most valuable tools I have for parts cleaning and polishing. You can get a good one for under $100 and all you need is a variety of rouge types.

Thanks Curt, I will check one out. I received a PM suggesting I use some lemon juice and add a fair amount of salt and polish with 0000 steel wool. As a final polish use Brasso and a cloth. I'll try and report back. Thanks for the suggestions.

Jerry B.

I have never tried this, BUT a guy at the fire department said they clean brass with lemon Kool Aid (no sugar added) and soak the parts in a bucket. It's citric acid, so maybe it works well... Cheap solution, IF it works... I'm not a fan of hand polishing, so the buffer works for me.

I have been using Bar Keeper's Friend--got a big can for quite cheap and am using that powder mixed well with water for polishing brass.

A small buffing wheel attached to an angle grinder would be my go to for that kind of thing

I used lemon juice with a tab of salt applied with 0000 steel wool. After cleaning I did a final polish with Brasso. It made the horn presentable. Sorry, no photos, like I said, it only looks presentable. I do appreciate the suggestions.

Thanks, Jerry Blais

Jerry,

If you really want it to stand out, remember John Duffy…he does amazing work..

Joe

If you really want it to stand out, remember John Duffy…he does amazing work..

Joe

Yes, he's the best!

Jerry

I was told by a fellow collector to use the works stool cleaner. It works in seconds, Just wash it off, with soap and water, and then polish with semi-chrome polish, or some other brass polish..
Burdette