Laser Cleaning

[Robert K.]

Does anyone have any experience with laser cleaning of a frame (or old parts) to remove the rust? I couldn't find anything in the archives re: this........

I understand there are some companies doing this but was wondering if there was any experience (positive or negative) re: this technique. I believe this is applicable to "rust you can see" vs. rust (for example) inside the frame where it's not visible........

Thanks for any input.

Bob

[Grant W.]

Re: Laser Cleaning

Hi Bob
I have been researching this and have come to a possible conclusion.
Dry Ice Blasting will get it right down to the patina. But I was talking to Ice Blast guy he said it will not take off the rust. I am going to see his shop and view the machine. There is a new portable one 1 C020 or something like that but 10K
There is a similar unit from Marco Bono for 3750.00 The two units are for heavier clean ups like the frame
Then there is the Lazer 100 watt system that I am inquiring about and that will take off remints of rust.

So not just one machine will do it. However in Vancouver BC it is 200.00 hr to dry Ice blast
I may just have my original 69 L71 frame Dry Ice blast and under the body. If I can get access to a lazer machine to take off rust.
I have an original exhaust system that has some surface rust and that lazer would be the way to clean it up

Grant

[Robert K.]

Re: Laser Cleaning

Grant,
Thank you for the information. From some of the literature I've seen, the laser removal of rust is effective in one pass. I am hesitant to use the CO2 because I believe it is not as effective (as you note). I am going to do additional research and see what I can find out with regard to technical inputs, possible concerns, and what it might do to original markings, etc.

i guess I am surprised that there is no experience and/or opinions or technical input on this forum.

Thanks again Grant,

Bob