Cleaning A Beseler 45MX

rF0t0

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• Dec 11, 2008

• #1

Any tips? mainly on what i could use to clean the bellows?

 

Pinholemaster

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• Dec 11, 2008

• #2

Depends on how dirty.

Start by vacuuming out the interior. External appearance doesn't much matter unless dirt is dripping off it.

 

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rF0t0

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• Dec 11, 2008

• #3

the inside is pretty much spotless but a lot of dust is stuck on the bellows on the outside, also "External appearance doesn't much matter" is your opinion but if i don't clean this, it will slowly kill me.

 

dpurdy

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• Dec 11, 2008

• #4

Be careful with that vacuum if it is a strong as mine and if your Beseler is as old as mine. I wouldn't use dish soap on it either.
Dennis

 

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rF0t0

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• Dec 11, 2008

• #5

a picture of the bellows should be attached so you get an idea.

 

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BradS

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• Dec 11, 2008

• #6

It doesn't look too bad too me...(but, I know what you mean about it slowly killing you!)

I cleaned mine with a sponge and warm soapy water. I a tiny bit of used ordinary (Dawn) dish soap in a gallon of warm water. After gingerly wiping off the accumulated grime and dirt, simply wipe with a clean dry terry cloth towel and let air dry in a warm dry place....no big deal.

 

ic-racer

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• Dec 11, 2008

• #7

I have had good results with 409 spray on both vinyl and cloth covered bellows:

.

 

JBrunner

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• Dec 11, 2008

• #8

When I got mine (since moved on to a good home) the bellows were pretty gungy. A little 409 gently worked to remove the dirt, and then to top it off, some black Kiwi shoe polish. Polished off the polish, Shazam! looked great.

 

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rF0t0

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• Dec 11, 2008

• #9

409? can i find that at kmart? walmart?

 

JBrunner

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• Dec 11, 2008

• #10

rF0t0 said:

409? can i find that at kmart? walmart?

Click to expand...

Yes, it's just a spray cleaner. There are other similar products. The kind of spray cleaner that is a grease cutter, and says "do not use on glass".

 

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rF0t0

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• #11

kool so there aren't any agents in that, that could harm the bellows? also would anyone know the kind of paint used to paint the 45mx black? my base board frame is picked and has some rust. I'm thinking a hobby shop would have it right?

 

JBrunner

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• Dec 11, 2008

• #12

rF0t0 said:

kool so there aren't any agents in that, that could harm the bellows? also would anyone know the kind of paint used to paint the 45mx black? my base board frame is picked and has some rust. I'm thinking a hobby shop would have it right?

Click to expand...

It looks like an enamel paint to me, but IDK.

Mulling over the 409 thing, I may have used glass cleaner. 409 shouldn't be used on vinyl, and I don't know if the bellows are vinyl or kid. I may have thought about 409, but tried glass cleaner first. My brain thingie is getting like that. You might want to try a mild cleaner like that first. If it does the job, you're gold. You can always move up.

 

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rF0t0

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• Dec 11, 2008

• #13

JBrunner said:

It looks like an enamel paint to me, but IDK.

Mulling over the 409 thing, I may have used glass cleaner. 409 shouldn't be used on vinyl, and I don't know if the bellows are vinyl or kid. I may have thought about 409, but tried glass cleaner first. My brain thingie is getting like that. You might want to try a mild cleaner like that first. If it does the job, you're gold.

Click to expand...

how can i identify what the bellows are made off? any characteristics to look for? also lol i've seen some of your videos a long time ago, funny.

 

JBrunner

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• Dec 11, 2008

• #14

Thanks man.

The skin pattern of a vinyl bellows will be perfect and uniform. You may have to look very close. IIRC Beseler bellows is vinyl.

 

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rF0t0

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• Dec 11, 2008

• #15

the bellows look gridy? if thats even a word.

 

JBrunner

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• Dec 12, 2008

• #16

Almost certainly vinyl.

 

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• Dec 12, 2008

• #17

so the 405 would be fine with this? is there a specific "dilution" like with other cleaning products where some don't have bleach or whatever? that i should go for?

 

JBrunner

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• Dec 12, 2008

• #18

409 properly called "Formula 409" is simply a spray cleaner. Spray it on, wipe it off. It may harm some vinyl, so if you are going to use it test a little spot first. I would personally start with a milder cleaner, like glass cleaner or white vinegar.