Aluminum shaft prep for fletching?

[Riflemanz]

I use a razor blade and scrape glue off and then use nap quick fletch in boiling water!

[Lake shooter]

Just so you'll know: the makers of high $$$ urethane paints used on $$$$$$$ aluminum aircraft usually recommend against using acetone for paint prep, they instead recommend MEK. The latter is a true dewaxer/degreaser (acetone isn't) and MEK costs no more and is no more dangerous than acetone.

Take this for what it's worth please, I'll not argue with anyone on the point. I've been in the surfboard, boat building and composite repair business since I was about 16 and I'm almost 59 now, and Acetone isn't in the same league as MEK when it come to the point being discussed.

[Limbs and Sticks]

What is the difference between acetone and methyl ethyl ketone?
In: Organic Chemistry, The Difference Between, Catalysts and Catalysis [Edit categories]
Answer:
Chemically the difference is 1 carbon and 2 hydrogen atoms.

Acetone ==> CH3-CHO-CH3

MEK (Butanone) ==> CH3-CHO-CH2-CH3


Their properties are therefore very similar because of this.

MEK
HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED. HARMFUL IF INHALED OR ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. AFFECTS CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.

Acetone
HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. AFFECTS CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Acetone also happens to be much cheaper.

As for uses, since acetone evaporates quicker it is often used as a paint thinner as it will not prolong the drying time as much as MEK would. Acetone is also a better solvent because looking at the structure of the molecule it has a more medium polarity than MEK, and thus dissolves a wider range of compounds.

Wes

[munch]

Ajax on a rag rinsed off well with really hot water works.

x2 i use comet all the time and a little scrub pad then gorilla glue or blue top locktite

[Lake shooter]

I'm no chemist, but I don't have to be because I've used both for years. Anyone who wants to can do a simple test: trying removing motor oil and then grease with both. The acetone doesn't do a great job on the first and barely touches the second. The MEK will take both off completely.

Water is a solvent for more things than any other solution, but for certain things it doesn't work very well or doesn't work at all.

Just trying to help out. Use what makes you happy!

[yooper_man]

I am an aircraft mechanic and we have no Acetone, but bottles and bottles of MEK. MEK just plain works, but wear a respirator.

I used some tonight and snapped a pic at breaktime.



Andrew