Thread: Removing Pins

Originally Posted by bg42

the scales or wedge were most likely celulose,it ignights at a very low temp ,same stuff they use to make cordite ,the propellant in old amunition eg 303 etc the only difference is the stuff has been nitrated hence nitro celulose (cordite)
Kind regards peter

I'm not familiar with firearms or propellant smell, but the wedge on this one was white (before) and was emitting a dark black smoke and had a biting smell, not unlike one of those pine scented bathroom sprays.


Redwoood

I think what bg42 meant to say was celluloid.

Cellulose is the an organic polymer; cotten is almost entirely cellulose. Celluloid, meanwhile, is nitrated cellulose (aka guncotton) with camphor added as a plasticizing agent. Celluloid doesn't have much of a tolerance for temperatures so it melts very easily. That nasty smell was probably the camphor, it has a strong pungent aromatic odour.

Thanks for your helpful hints, gentlemen.
I think my bit wasn't quite up to the task and was running too hot too quickly.

Any more suggestions?

Originally Posted by Redwoood

Thanks for your helpful hints, gentlemen.
I think my bit wasn't quite up to the task and was running too hot too quickly.

Any more suggestions?

Use a new, sharp bit.