New video uploaded to youtube

[Philip H]

Peteski,
My point is that the silliness is being over played.  Again, if the vapors coming off that tub of Iso were at sufficient concentration to ignite, then they would have due to the Dremel.  Obviously they didn't - and I suspect that they never have given how long he's been doing this.  As someone whose day job used to include a fair amount of MSDS reading - and suiting up for what those sheets told me - I get really torqued when MSDS specs (which again are for industrial applications) are thrown around in a forum like this.  And doubly so for a new technique like this one that appears to solve a problem that has been lamented by many here. 

I remain unconvinced that you can get enough Iso vapor built up off a bath that size in an open garage to cause a fire with the Dremel as used.   Otherwise we'd all have watched a different video. I also remain convinced that dragging out industrial specs into a hobby discussion will turn folks off from trying  technique that obviously works, and may be the only way to strip these darn shells short of baking soda in a sand blaster.

And finally, be careful with what is possible versus what is probable.  It IS possible to blow one's self up using 91% ISO vapors and a Dremel tool, but the probability is likely really low.  The problem is too many people don't actually know how to deal with either intellectually.

[havingfuntoo]

I do not think it is silliness to make a warning about something I consider is dangerous, given my knowledge I am actually obligated to make that warning.

I am not bothered if the warning is headed or not, if I know some thing is unsafe to do and keep my mouth shut, then I am at fault for not making a warning.

If others choose to ignore my warning …… so      be      it. 

Because you get away with it as many times as you care to count, does not mean what you are doing is safe to do.

It only has to go wrong once ……

A MSDS (material safety data sheet) is a piece literature that will explain the characteristics and hazards of a particular material,
IT IS TO EDUCATE ALL WHO USE OR INTEND TO USE THAT PRODUCT ABOUT THAT PRODUCT, to think it is purely written for industrial purposes is clearly wrong, it is for all who use the product!!! To read an MSDS is one thing to understand what you are reading is an entirely different kettle of fish.

Philip it really does not matter if you are convinced or not convinced, the facts are the facts. If you and others are prepared to take that chance knowing the risks …. go for it, I am only flying a warning flag!

For what it is worth Isopropyl Alcohol,
Flash Point; Open Cup 11.9 deg C, Closed Cup 13 deg C
When splashing around with your dermal and brush rig in the bath of Isopropyl Alcohol, how concentrated do you think the vapor above the bath of Isopropyl Alcohol might be?

[johnh35]

Then use a small fan to blow the vapors away from the Dremel

[johnh35]

One thing you left out and the reason he gets away with it is that alcohol vapors are 1.601 the weight of air, so the alcohol fumes fall instead of rising..

[JanesCustomTrain]

havingfuntoo, your warning applies only to residents of the State of California or anyone ?

Jane

[Hyperion]

Pretty sure things blow up just the same in CA as anywhere else in the world.

There's no harm in being cautious.  Whether it's likely or not, it's only gotta go wrong once, and it's not like being cautious means neither doing it nor spending hugs sums of money to be safe.  Just use the flex-shaft attachment on the Dremel or keep your area very well-ventilated -- a precaution that applies for a substantial number of things we do and should be heeded far more regularly than it is.  And if you don't want to, that's fine too. 

I highly doubt you're going to risk serious injury to your eyes as originally mentioned, because if the alcohol was in the air in sufficient quantity to ignite, it'd be burning the hell out of your eyes if they were unprotected.  But, regardless, if it ignited while indoors you would likely burn your hands and almost certainly create a conflagration as you either dropped the bowl of alcohol or dropped the tool into it.  Using your flex-shaft attachment is a pretty easy alternative, even if the risk were fairly infinitesimal.

[mike in bc]

Were do i get an MSDS for a coffee filter
mike

[Scottl]

Forget alcohol, what about the water?

http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927321   

[johnh35]

Forget alcohol, what about the water?

http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927321   

Too late, somebody has already been drinking it......

[Scottl]

Lethal dose is 90 ml/kg body weight in rats...

[havingfuntoo]

Hi Jane, MSDS’s apply to all parts of the world, they are a fact sheet on the product you are about to use. Isopropyl Alcohol works a treat in removing paint off models and the agitation demonstrated by Brian in his video speeds up the process no end, no argument from me. The air passing through the tool stirs up the vapors, if you can smell it then you have vapor mixed with air around your ears, enough to be explosive, probably not, but in the vicinity of the tool, working less than 6 inches from the surface of the alcohol, that is a different story. It will also depend on the size of your room, the amount of ventilation and type of air movement you have, and the temperature of the air. As far as eye protection, you are leaning over the working surface, if it goes wrong I doubt if you would have time to pull your head back to avoid the initial flash. My attitude is why risk it, take some precautions, educate your self on the safest way to do it, and enjoy. If you are unsure contact the marketer of the material, they will know answers to your questions or be able to direct you to someone who will, or take the chance and post on the railwire!

[BCR751]

How does this method work on handrails?  I would think putting the required heavy pressure with the Dremel could/would damage them.  Maybe the toothbrush method would be a better choice here.

Doug

[Hyperion]

I don't think I've ever bought a Kato unit that had fully painted handrails, they always seem cast in color (or something they think comes close).  But maybe it's just the units I've bought.

For the ends, the paint pretty much just comes right off, no work necessary.  Just a little soaking and you can pretty much just use your fingers to just pull the paint right off.  I'm sure it'd be the same for the whole handrails if they were painted.  The Delrin or whatever they make it with doesn't really hold the paint all that well.

Also, unlike the shells, which I've soaked for many months without issue, I have found that soaking handrails for long periods of times (weeks) does lead to them warping.  They kinda curl back on themselves.  Just the long hood pieces.  They lay back down once sandwiched in the frame though.

[peteski]

I have never seen even a speck of factory paint on any of the Kato's handrails. They are bare plastic.

[Burlington Bob]

I'm with havingfuntoo on this issue.  This hobby is all about having a good time.  There is nothing fun about a flash fire in your house or garage and even less if your face is in the middle of it.  MSDS's are for ALL users of the product.  If you choose to ignore the warnings or even choose to not read them is your choice.  Just remember a few old sayings.  S**t happens!  You can't fix stupid.  If you're gonna be dumb, you better be tough!

A few more sayings.  Safety is free, use it generously.  The safe way is the right way.  Work (play) safely today, you'll be glad you did tomorrow.  Safety is for you, as well as your family!

Remember, it's your choice.  Choose wisely.