Shopsmith Forums

Doing machine maintenance and was looking back at ShopSmith’s manual and was reminded they recommend using denatured alcohol as cleaning agent before waxing recommended components. At some time I started using mineral spirts instead. Not sure why, but thought I would ask this forum to get some recommendations on which to use going forward. Thanks

Whoops reading in another section ShopSmith says mineral spirits too? Maybe it doesn’t matter which?

Mineral spirits to clean gunk.

Alcohol to remove mineral spirits.


????????

Thanks JPG

Mineral spirits are similar to turpentine and kerosene. That kind of stuff should work better on heavy buildups of sticky stuff whether it's grease or tree sap. They can dissolve a lot of plastics like acetone does and may be tough on paint also so they have to be used carefully. And as noted above, alcohol may be needed to clean residue. I haven't tried it but I think it would be pretty good at cleaning old wax buildup.

Thanks
Stan

Alcohol is safer than mineral spirits, but it really depends on what you are trying to remove.