Vise Cleaning

[Lavcat]

I just received a Palmgren mill vise, as part of my now nine month continuing saga to drill twelve holes. The Palmgren seems reasonably well made, though the milling on the ways is not as pretty as I might like, and the milled surfaces are not as smooth as on my Proxxon vise.

Here is my noob question: the vise is covered in grease and the instructions say to "Clean and remove all rust preventatives from all machined surfaces and spindle." They do not say how. I assume I should use some solvent, but what solvent should I use? Preferably something easy to find, cheap, nonexplosive and not foul smelling. I have on hand nail polish remover and alcohol, but that is about it.

[grimberg]

Try this.

1 qt. Odorless Mineral Spirits-QKSP94005CA at The Home Depot

[KrankKall]

I just you Simple Green and paper towels....LOTS of paper towels.

Steve

[Speedskater]

a] Awesome cleaner at one of the dollar stores.
b] An orange oil cleaner at the auto parts store.
c] WD-40

[Lavcat]

Thanks. I had never heard of Simple Green. Would you use Simple Green on steel and cast iron that could rust? I'll see if I can find Simple Green or mineral spirits locally.

[KrankKall]

I've never had a rusting problem with Simple Green?
But then again, almost nothing rusts in New Mexico either.

Steve

[Lavcat]

Went shopping for mineral spirits or Simple Green. Did not find either. Will try a different store tomorrow.

[grimberg]

Isn't there a Home Depot or Lowe's store near you?

[Lavcat]

There are both a Lowe's and a Home Depot several miles away. But this is a semi-rural area and I do not have a vehicle.

Edit: there used to be a well stocked local hardware store, but the chain stores put them out of business.

[Brian Oshman]

Brake cleaner.