How can I revive a neglected Laserfibre MS200? (Stringway ML100)

SC in MA

Professional
I have a Laserfibre MS200 that hasn't been used for a number of of years. Unfortunately, it now has some rust on the glide bars, which doesn't allow for a smooth glide. In addition, the machine basically needs serious general maintenance/cleaning.

Any suggestions on how to remove the rust and how I can clean all parts of the machine to get it back to excellent working condition?

I know there's certain areas that must be avoided putting lubricant on, but I don't recall where.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
 

Wes

Hall of Fame
@SC in MA,

You could try removing the rust with vinegar.

Years ago, I bought a used Gamma Brute 325 ball cart/hopper.
All of the metal comprising the various "tubes" on the cart (as well as the cage) were in fine shape.
However, nearly all of the through-bolts (and nuts/washers), at the connection points, were very rusty.
So, my plan was easy.
I was going to simply purchase new bolts, washers & nuts and just swap all of them out.
Super easy fix/solution.

Turned out to be unnecessary.

I took everything apart and then had the bolts, washers & nuts in hand (to take to the hardware store for matching).
Before I got the chance to make the trip to the hardware store, I pondered if something around the house (maybe WD-40, vinegar, cola, etc.) might be able to work a miracle on these rusty bolts/washers/nuts.
Since my plan was to trash the rusty parts anyway, there was no harm in trying whatever fakakte idea that the internet suggested.
A few Google searches later, I had all of these metal bits soaking in a bowl of white vinegar - just to see if they might show some marginal improvement - before trashing them.

Holy cow.
Imagine my surprise when I checked them later (maybe the next day? :unsure:) & discovered that all of the rust was gone.

No need to go to the hardware store now.
I put them right back in.

Depending on how much rust you're dealing with you might want to try wiping/scrubbing with a vinegar-soaked rag before resorting to disassembling & soaking anything.

Perhaps using some steel wool might be beneficial.
However, I can't personally attest to that - as I've never used steel wool on any of my stringing machines.
 

MaxSwing

New User
Yup Wes is right, vinegar is great at removing rust and I have done that numerous times with 2nd hand tools. Soak them the items (as mentioned you might need to soak a rag and then leave on top of rusted parts) and then you can use other rags to clean or if its really stuck then wire brush. Try not to brush too hard and if there is still residue just repeat the process a few times as it will take of layers each time.

Once clean then you need to clean it throughly afterwards to remove the vinegar and then maybe some machine oil just to protect the new surface again but obviously take care with not getting oil where it shouldnt be :D
 
@SC in MA,
It is important to treat the main shafts of the Single Action clamps in the same way as they were treated when new.
In this way the automatic lock and the sliding work best.
You can do it "by hand" but it is nicer when it is done on a lathe.
Does not take longer than 5 minutes: low rpm and slowly up and down from the middle one time.
.
Polish the shafts with Scotch Brite as described in this file:
http://www.stringwaynederland.nl/pdf/EN/T92 overhaul of the shafts.pdf

The last chapter of the manual also describes overhaul actions:
http://www.stringwaynederland.nl/pdf/Manuals ENG/ML100-AND-ML90-MANUAL.pdf

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When you have questions let me know.
 

BlueB

Legend
Disassemble the rusty parts and leave them in Coke over night. Polih with steel wool afterwards. A very light coat of oil to finish it off.
 
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