JT
USA
Asked
— Edited
My donor-bot, a Robie Sr., looks like it was buried in the dirt at one point. So I was wondering how people have been cleaning their older robots found on eBay, etc. I'll disassemble my robot first removing all the electronic components.
I've seen mention of using a dishwasher. Would that be top-rack only? Dish soap? Light wash? etc etc. I don't want the plastic shell to melt...
How about soaking in a tub of warm water and then a good scrubbing? Can anyone recommend a good soap that will get off grime and dirt, but not leave too much of a soapy residue? I'm likely to repaint my robot.
@JT I used the dishwasher with dish soap (Dawn) and a NO DRY setting so it wouldn't get too hot. I used both upper and racks and had NO melting. Then I painted mine with a plastic paint from a hobby shop. I changed colors so staining was not an issue. I just needed it to be very clean.
Whoa! Black looks sick!!!! I like it!
Thanks, @bret.tallent! Follow-up question for the dishwasher method. When you washed your Omnibot's arms did you take them apart first or leave them assembled for the washing?
I took them apart, I took every screw out.
Take it apart
Put it in the dishwasher :)
Some people don't use the heat cycle. I do, I haven't had anything melt.
If you wash any gear mechanisms, make sure you re-grease them after. The dishwasher will wash the grease away. I use automotive white lube on my gears.