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- Jul 2, 2014
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- 7,594
Ed's Red is a formula designed for cleaning rifle bores. Many like it for that use. Users have found that it has other uses as well.
My formula, which was designed for protection of machines, tools, and whatever else from rusting and other surface deterioration, for use in machine shops, has the following formula:
1 part lanolin
5 parts mineral spirits
1 part ATF (automatic transmission fluid)
Heat the lanolin gently and carefully (to not start a fire) until it is completely melted and clear. (Edit: Move it well away from the heat source,) then add the mineral spirits and stir until until completely blended, and finally add the ATF and mix well. The components stay mixed and stable in my climate.
It is quite thin, and can be easily applied to a thin wet coat with an old toothbrush, Q-tip, corner of a rag, fingers, or whatever. When the solvents in the mineral spirits evaporate out, it will leave a very thin and reasonably hard coating that is transparent and is only slightly noticeable to the touch. I live in sunny California where we do not get much freezing weather, but we do get a fair amount of rain at times. The year around average humidity is pretty dry. This recipe works, never a problem if it stays on. If you rub or wash it off, it will be gone. Water does not dissolve it, just beads up on the surface.
(Edit: Keep this solution in an air tight container or the mineral spirits will dry away, leaving a thick mix of half lanolin, half ATF.)
My formula, which was designed for protection of machines, tools, and whatever else from rusting and other surface deterioration, for use in machine shops, has the following formula:
1 part lanolin
5 parts mineral spirits
1 part ATF (automatic transmission fluid)
Heat the lanolin gently and carefully (to not start a fire) until it is completely melted and clear. (Edit: Move it well away from the heat source,) then add the mineral spirits and stir until until completely blended, and finally add the ATF and mix well. The components stay mixed and stable in my climate.
It is quite thin, and can be easily applied to a thin wet coat with an old toothbrush, Q-tip, corner of a rag, fingers, or whatever. When the solvents in the mineral spirits evaporate out, it will leave a very thin and reasonably hard coating that is transparent and is only slightly noticeable to the touch. I live in sunny California where we do not get much freezing weather, but we do get a fair amount of rain at times. The year around average humidity is pretty dry. This recipe works, never a problem if it stays on. If you rub or wash it off, it will be gone. Water does not dissolve it, just beads up on the surface.
(Edit: Keep this solution in an air tight container or the mineral spirits will dry away, leaving a thick mix of half lanolin, half ATF.)
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