I've got a 16 ounce can of isopropyl alcohol "anhydrous-pure" that I bought down in L.A. many years ago for $3.62 that is still cleaning my tape heads and guides.  It was made by GC Electronics.  It seems to still do the job.  Is anhydrous isopropyl alcohol the same as what you've been discussing?


________________________________
 From: Tom Fine <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] 
Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 5:42 PM
Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] Revox tape deck cleaning kit any good?
 

OK, Duane, but years of using 99% isoprop, available at most pharmacies, tells me it works fine. It's cheap and available, so I don't worry about replacing the bottle each year.

-- Tom Fine

----- Original Message ----- From: "H D Goldman" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 8:34 PM
Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] Revox tape deck cleaning kit any good?


> Hi Tom,
> 
> To clarify, my comments were about pure 1-propanol, aka n-propyl alcohol/n-propanol, and not about 2-propanol, aka iso-propanol.  This two chemicals represent 3-carbon single alcohols but they have different chemical characteristics are are not necessarily interchangeable esp. in applications to rubbers,plastics & record cleaning.
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Duane Goldman
> 
> On Nov 12, 2013, at 6:41 PM, Tom Fine <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
>> Agree about 99% isoprop being just fine for heads and guides. Good to know about HDPE containers. I always wondered how long the isoprop remained at least somewhat alcoholic and not mainly water. My general MO is to write the date I get it on the bottle and replace it after a year.
>> 
>> Old-school head cleaner was actually mostly xylene, and was usually kept in a glass or metal container. I have old, I mean old, Ampex head cleaner that still works just fine. But I generally use isoprop under the theory that it's less harsh, which may or may not be true!
>> 
>> -- Tom Fine
>> 
>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "H D Goldman" <[log in to unmask]>
>> To: <[log in to unmask]>
>> Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 6:46 PM
>> Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] Revox tape deck cleaning kit any good?
>> 
>> 
>>> Hi Jan, Tom,
>>> 
>>> Years ago we found that Reagent grade 1-propanol was a highly effective & safe cleaner of tape heads & guides.  It can be stored long term in HDPE drip tip containers.  We've kept small quantities in the bottles used for our stylus cleaner for years w/o any problems.  Most university organic chemistry labs have the solvent on hand & would probably give you a few ml.
>>> 
>>> Duane Goldman
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On Nov 12, 2013, at 5:04 PM, Tom Fine <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>>> 
>>>> Probably just the standard head cleaning solvent and swabs from the day. The only thing I'd worry about is if the solvent is stable in a plastic bottle. Maybe, maybe not.
>>>> 
>>>> -- Tom Fine
>>>> 
>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jan Myren" <[log in to unmask]>
>>>> To: <[log in to unmask]>
>>>> Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 5:59 PM
>>>> Subject: [ARSCLIST] Revox tape deck cleaning kit any good?
>>>> 
>>>>> Hi!
>>>>> 
>>>>> Does anybody have any experience with this cleaning kit from Revox for tapehead cleaning on reel to reel tape recorders?
>>>>> 
>>>>> http://www.ebay.ca/itm/REVOX-Tape-Deck-Head-Cleaning-Kit-/130713627452?ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:CA:1123
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> All the best
>>>>> jan
>>> 
>>> 
>>> H D Goldman Lagniappe Chemicals Ltd.
>>> PO Box 37066 St. Louis, MO 63141 USA
>>> v/f 314 205 1388 [log in to unmask]
>>> 
>> 
> 
>