Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Christie AW3 Cleaning

This is topic Christie AW3 Cleaning in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by John Westlund (Member # 913) on 03-02-2003, 06:27 PM:

Our AW3 was bought used and needs a good cleaning. I want to know what you would use to clean it with. I know that some things can cause static charge build up on the platter so I dont want to use anything like that. I will probably just use hot water on the decks. The tree is pretty dirty too and I was thinking hot water with some simple green in it. Does that sound ok?
Thanks
John

Posted by Paul Konen (Member # 41) on 03-02-2003, 08:49 PM:

Beware of any cleaner that you might use. Read the Label. Beware of, especially, the Orange Cleaner / Degreaser as they have warnings about using on Aluminum surfaces.

I recently found that Windex with Vinegar is good for getting dirt buildup off the platter from hand spinning to wind the tail after the show.

Posted by John Hawkinson (Member # 1135) on 03-02-2003, 10:05 PM:

Paul, isn't that only true if the platter was recently used for My Big Fat Greek Wedding? [Big Grin]

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 03-02-2003, 10:12 PM:

What??? Your guys don't handle the platter decks by the edge and underside? (That's one of the first things I train newbies. [Wink]

)

Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 03-02-2003, 10:46 PM:

Since I generally thread up as each show ends, I just hold the variac in place by holding the arm up with my foot.

Posted by John Westlund (Member # 913) on 03-03-2003, 12:17 AM:

I do only handle the platter on the edge and underside. It still has to be spotless though [Wink]

Posted by Michael Rourke (Member # 1142) on 03-03-2003, 12:25 AM:

99% alcohol is good for cleaning everything on the tower. Just keep the deck spinning while cleaning for a streak free shine. Windex works just fine too...Windex! Not "Blue Cleaning liquid."

Posted by Carl Martin (Member # 1146) on 03-03-2003, 01:46 AM:

how often do you guys have to clean your platter components? the horrible black rollers on our aw3's are great at collecting dust (and gnarling leader). i try and clean all those rollers whenever i open, and the brain rollers before each show, using alcohol. the christie-blue aw3r rollers aren't so bad; i only clean those brains every few days. we don't use filmguard, but are hopefully about to start a trial.

carl

Posted by Paul Konen (Member # 41) on 03-03-2003, 10:22 AM:

Yes, we only handle the edges but after a few years, there is dirt buildup that I wanted to get up.

Posted by Will Kutler (Member # 770) on 03-04-2003, 06:33 PM:

Correct in handling platter deck from only the edge and underside!

DO NOT USE ALCOHOL TO CLEAN BARE ALUMINUM PLATTER DECKS!!! It reacts to the metal and results in a black oxidation of some sort that takes too much effort to remove. Use a light soap/water mixture alnong with a good rinse and throuough drying. Of course a liquid is applied to rags/towels and not to the platter deck directly.

As part of routine weekly maintenance all equipment (including platter decks) were cleaned once a week. And platter deck should also be cleaned prior to a build-up! This chore takes but a few minutes...and if kept up regularly, can really keep your booth looking spiffy..

For painted surfaces I like something like STP silicon based cleaners (automotive use) Keep in mind SILICON. An old rule in classic car circles years ago was to stay away from Armor-All, which was alcohol based and would dry out plastics and upholstry resulting in cracking.

On things like rollers on Christe Platters and the like, a clear silicon based bicycle chain lubricant works wonders!

I also believe that the Christe manual talks about using a light soap and water solution to clean platter decks.

Posted by John Westlund (Member # 913) on 03-05-2003, 07:57 PM:

What can I do to remove oxidation from the decks?

Posted by Will Kutler (Member # 770) on 03-05-2003, 09:51 PM:

There are aluminum polishes on the market, but I am not sure if it would have any adverse reaction w/film. I guess a solution would be to rinse platter deck off with light soap/water solution and a good rinse as stated in my previous post.

The black oxidation..or whatever it is that is caused by alcohol (on Christie decks) can be removed with light soap/water solution and clean towels...but it is a lot of work! been there and done that! Just be careful not press on the platter decks...for obvious reasons!

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 03-07-2003, 06:13 AM:

Just groove / buff the decks and don't worry about it. They will shine like new and really grab hold of the film well.