What grit emery paper - Classic Toy Trains Magazine

• Member since
  May 2004
• From: Kaukauna WI
• 2,115 posts

Posted by 3railguy on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 8:24 AM

jimtrumpie wrote:

I wouldn't suggest using anything that is abrasive on a commutator.  I think that it will leave fine scratches that reduce the contact area for the brushes.  This could cause higher currrent draw, which leads to more arcing.  This is what create a groove in the surface.  When I used emery paper on the commtator in the 681, it had a very deep groove after a few months.  One thing that is great for polishing commutators is Never Dull.  It is a soft wadding that contains a liquid polish.  It doesn't scratch like emery paper.  It removes all of the carbon deposits and gives the commutator a mirror-like shine.

Ooops......for some reason I though he was talking brushes (I said brushes in my post). But, you are correct on commutators. Either an ink or track eraser works best for this followed by a good rinsing. Crocus cloth isn't so bad but I would never use it on commutators.

John Long Give me Magnetraction or give me Death.