1979 Peterson 998 Challenge

[vates]

Thanks! Alcohol-dipped bristle cleaner didn't work for me. So maybe I should try soaking the stem in oxyclean first.

 

[craig61a]

Not sure I’m understanding what you’re asking, but the hole in the bit is angled somewhat, and a skinny pipe cleaner with alcohol works best. Push it in from the rear with two fingers pinched close the hole. Let the pipe cleaner sit for a while after you’ve pushed it in several inches to loosen up any built up gunk. Subsequent cleaners will go through easier.

 

[vates]

Thanks! Will do just that.

 

[SpookedPiper]

Nice work!

 

[craig61a]

FWIW, I don’t use Oxiclean on Vulcanized stems. Results in an orange peel finish that just takes that much more work to sand smooth.

Drilling an appropriate size hole in a block of scrap wood and securing in a vice, I scrape off the oxidation using a sharpened piece of steel, or even a utility blade. Then I sand it by applying mineral oil and strips of 220 or 320 3M Flexible sandpaper. Usually only takes 15 minutes or so, then I might work up a few grades or just take it to the wheel. But that’s just me...

 

[AlabamaDan]

Great job.