Couple more insulators for my collection

[nydigger]

Here are the 2 insulators I found today

 

[nydigger]

The Brookfield....one side is embossed Brookfield 45 Cliff st. NY...Any one have any idea how to get the black residue out of the base? Can insulators be tumbled like bottles are?

 

[nydigger]

Hemingray 42...kinda dark aqua, not your typical real dark "hemi" blue

 

[Bixel]

The Hemingray-42 is a CD 154, the insulator with the black residue is a Brookfield CD 145.

Getting the black residue, "train smoke" as alot call it, off the base can be tricky.

Most collectors use Oxalic Acid, also known as wood bleach. Wood bleach is very safe to use as far as acids go, but I always tell people to use goggles and rubber gloves.

Many collectors also use Lye, which is a little more dangerous. There are other acids you can use, but the stronger the acid, the more PPE you need to wear.

As far as tumbling, yes, some people tumble insulators, but not to clean train smoke off. Normally tumbling of insulators is used to get rid of glass sickness.

 

[nydigger]

Where do I get that and what kind of soak time? 5 gal contractor bucket ok?

 

[nydigger]

Couple more pics from yesterday. First one is a dark green Brookfield bee hive

 

[nydigger]

Next is a pile of busted ones I dug up

 

[Bixel]

Well if you want Oxalic acid, you have to go to a hardware store, and find "wood bleach crystals", which comes in a powder/crystal form.

I do not know if Home Depot or Lowes still carry it, may have to go to a smaller hardware store.

If you need any help, shoot me a question, and I can give you instructions.

 

[Exactly_vague]

That's right where I left them. I have to find better hiding spots.

 

[nydigger]

Thanks Kyle i will do that. I will have to bring my shovel next time and dig some more.