[ATMoB-discuss] Eyepiece repair

[valleli at rcn.com]

Glenn,
I should have CC:'d the discuss group because I answered that directly to Ross. At Axsys we have been able to eliminated most solvents for lens cleaning except Acetone and IsoPropyl Alcohol. 
Both are strong water absorbers but will weaken with exposure to the atmosphere. We still have to use Toluene or the Opti-Clear Citrus equivalent to dissolve polishing pitch efficiently. For a little bit of pitch on the hands, DL waterless hand cleaner works well. Wearing rubber or nitrile gloves could minimize skin exposure.
My history of experience was with dozens of solvents, all bad news for one's health. The most effective was Trichloroethylene - just figures it would burn up the ozone!

Acetone is in the family of Ketones that are normally in the blood stream as a by-product of the consumption of body fat. That is therefore my first choice. 

Beware that most alcohols available over the counter contain considerable water. IsoPropyl Alcohol has an ability to dissolve both grease and oil products and also many airborne contaminents such as saliva, aerosols, spit marks, and water stains. 
However, I find it harder to get a residue-free surface compared to acetone. 

Mirrors that have been exposed outside to a variety of airborne contaminants usually require preliminary cleaning by immersion in purified liquid detergent( Liquid Ivory - NO PERFUMES,NO DYES) then alternating water/alcohol/acetone.

Paul