Shopsmith Forums

Hi all, I posted this on the Wood Community Mag site.

I had some experience with model turbine engines for model airplanes a few years back. the instructions for the turbines said......if you cant get Jet A fuel, use paint thinner or mineral spritis as a subsititute.

so if I need to get a substitute for one or the other, does it make sense to you guys that i can stop by the airport and get a couple of gallons of Jet A

thanks, bill

Don't really know! Jet A is purified kerosene. I'm guessing that Jet A may leave a yellow colored stain, as it has a straw color while paint thinners are clear.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jet_fuel

I don't know for sure, but I do know from experience that using gasoline for thinner in gray industrial enamel will give you a blue tint when it dries. It's a nice blue but it doesn't match the can.:eek:

I don't know but I used to buy white kerosene for space heaters and I think that it is still sold in some areas. It is referred to as "K1" kerosene. Don't know if it a good substitute though.
Bill V

K1 works as a cleanup solvent(if ya kin stand the smell), but I question using it as a thinner. It has to slow curing.

A very long time ago in a distance galaxy far far away my brother use to play with these sort of engines. At the time if I recall correctly he would use white gas, not the gas without additives but the stuff that you would use in Coleman lanterns and stoves. That is really naphtha, and is also what was used in lighters of the day.

My brother also played with "jet" engines at the same time, so I could be getting this confused with that stuff???

Anyway I think price might play a part of a decisions.... price things and see how it plays out

Ed

Mineral spirits are about the same as regular old paint thinners, but more purified. Gasoline should NEVER be used as a solvent!!!!!!!!!!! Jet fuel is more expensive than paint thinner, isn't it? If so, what's the point? I have seen alot of terrible things as a fireman, due to the misuse of these flammible liquids. Best not to monkey around with them. Just buy what it is you need for it's intended purpose. Just my 2 cents worth. jimsjinx

What memories this thread generates. My father was with the 1st Infantry in WWII, The Big Red One. He told stories of the shortage of water but the abundance of aviation fuel. He told one story of the unit washing the AA guns with gas...and burning down the encampment. I used to think he was joking until as a child when we came to California he met up with a war buddy and they told the same stories.
Be Careful Out There.

jimsjinx wrote:Mineral spirits are about the same as regular old paint thinners, but more purified. Gasoline should NEVER be used as a solvent!!!!!!!!!!! Jet fuel is more expensive than paint thinner, isn't it? If so, what's the point? I have seen alot of terrible things as a fireman, due to the misuse of these flammible liquids. Best not to monkey around with them. Just buy what it is you need for it's intended purpose. Just my 2 cents worth. jimsjinx

Thanks to all for the replys. I think i will use the Jet A for cleanup of brushes and spray equipment. Ace Hardware sells Paint thinner and meneral sprits for several dollars more than the Jet A I can get at the local airport.....so price is a factor, although not the silver bullet. and I appricate the concern for the flamability issues.......I have used gas for parts washing for over 50 years, and know how it works....also, my youngest son is a firfighter and the new Chief, and he was brought up around this stuff we all use in our businesses and hobbies........Thanks everybody!!! bill