Read about this method of removal of cosmoline, using a "slow bake" method to "melt off" the grease. This is my version of the cosmo oven.
I ran down to Wally World and bought a Sunbeam ceramic heater for $18, then to the local Home Depot and got some 8" X 5' ductwork and a square adaptor for the end for less than $20. I then laid down some old newspapers inside of it to soak up oil/cosmoline. To be careful, I set the heater on the next to highest setting and turned it on, fan on high. After a few minutes, the temperature coming out of the end was over 140 degrees (highest my thermometer went) and the ductwork definitely was hot to the touch. I figure it was probably about similar to the low setting on the wife's oven.
I fashioned a flap out of duct tape (of course!) to help close off the end with the heater to keep the heat going down the duct.
After about an hour, the field oiler that was smeared with cosmo appeared fairly clean as the cosmo melted off. Of course, I'll have to wipe everything down when I take them out. I currently have the barrel, magazine, and oiler in the oven.
Seems to be working well so far. I'll try the stock later, using a lower heat to prevent any cracking of the wood.
Not bad for less than $40 and no harsh chemicals to remove the excess cosmoline.
Add.: After I turned it off after 1 1/2 hours, the barrel was definitely hot to the touch and required a shop rag to handle it! Definitely lower heat for doing the stock!
Sunbeam ceramic heater on end of ductwork.
I ran down to Wally World and bought a Sunbeam ceramic heater for $18, then to the local Home Depot and got some 8" X 5' ductwork and a square adaptor for the end for less than $20. I then laid down some old newspapers inside of it to soak up oil/cosmoline. To be careful, I set the heater on the next to highest setting and turned it on, fan on high. After a few minutes, the temperature coming out of the end was over 140 degrees (highest my thermometer went) and the ductwork definitely was hot to the touch. I figure it was probably about similar to the low setting on the wife's oven.
I fashioned a flap out of duct tape (of course!) to help close off the end with the heater to keep the heat going down the duct.
After about an hour, the field oiler that was smeared with cosmo appeared fairly clean as the cosmo melted off. Of course, I'll have to wipe everything down when I take them out. I currently have the barrel, magazine, and oiler in the oven.
Seems to be working well so far. I'll try the stock later, using a lower heat to prevent any cracking of the wood.
Not bad for less than $40 and no harsh chemicals to remove the excess cosmoline.
Add.: After I turned it off after 1 1/2 hours, the barrel was definitely hot to the touch and required a shop rag to handle it! Definitely lower heat for doing the stock!
Sunbeam ceramic heater on end of ductwork.
Heater with "duct tape flap" to
close end off more.
Oiler showing cosmoline soaking into paper
towel.
