Gasket Lacquer

[Burnsie]

I have a plastic gasket dip tube that I have not used in some time.  The gasket lacquer has solidified to a thick rubbery consistency.  Any ideas on how to get the old lacquer out of the tube. I tried heating the tube with hot water, but it didn't work.

[Grey Taylor]

I cleaned out my gasket lacquer Big Dipper once to get rid of some residue in the bottom of the tube and found it to be a huge hassle taking far more time than expected, as well as a quart of acetone.
Given that your gasket lacquer has solidified, and the price of Big Dipper tubes, I reluctantly advise that it simply be trashed and you get a new one.

Guy

[rraming]

I just throw it away and get a new one. I tape the seal of the lid to try and gain more time.

[sweeney3]

How long did it take?  I've been using mine by just occassionally adding either GL or acetone for almost five years with no trouble.  Mike at Nocking Point has had one going like passion fruit for a looooong time.  Think you might have had a leak in your lid or some such issue?

[Burnsie]

I had a good idea I was looking at having to get a new one.

[stickgunner]

My first tube lasted about six years until I left the garage door open in January and froz my big dipper. I got a new tube and some Dalys profin. Killer stuff. it bonds with the wood. the old gasket laq comes off in bands. profin is $55 bucks a gallon gloss of semi gloss. Its a way better product.

[ChrisM]

I'm in the same boat.  Went out to the shop this weekend to check my supplies to make a new set and found the laquer was like flubber.

[Don Stokes]

I've been using from the same tube for about 15 years. I thin it periodically with acetone, as needed to keep the consistency like honey. It sometimes goes months without use, and is stored in an unheated (or cooled) building. No problems.

[EHK]

If you do end up needing to buy new, take a look at the Eco Dipper (sold by 3 Rivers).  No need to fill a whole dip tube and you can keep your lacquer sealed in the can when you're not actively dipping.

[Burnsie]

Thanks guys,  my tube has been setting in the basement unused for a few years,  so I guess I should have expected it, I was hoping there might be a simple way to get the old rubberized stuff out.  I'm not a big arrow builder,  the Eco-dipper may be the ticket