Re: Bosun compass with large bubble in it............ [Re: VicS]

Cliveshep

Well-Known Member
Joined
29 Dec 2006
Messages
2,967
Location
Somewhere hidden away
Visit site
Re: Bosun compass with large bubble in it............ [Re: VicS]

Just to say thanks to everyone who posted replies on the subject of a large bubble in my bosun compass and especially to VicS who took his apart before posting a very helpful reply.

Bubbles now gone and white spirit mixed nicely with what was in it.
 
Re: Re: Bosun compass with large bubble in it............ [Re: VicS]

Your compass was filled with white paraffin some Bosun compasses are alchohol filled, be carefull with the amount of white spirit you put in! in sunlight a large concentration can cause the paint inside (card) to lift
 
Re: Re: Bosun compass with large bubble in it............ [Re: VicS]

IIRC we did recommend that he contacted you for advice.

While you are there can you tell me what fluid is in mine, bought new in the winter of 1978/9. No problem with it yet though.
 
Re: Re: Bosun compass with large bubble in it............ [Re: VicS]

Hmmm............about a tablespoon full. Where can I get white parrafin then? I'd need about 200ml I suppose
 
Re: Re: Bosun compass with large bubble in it............ [Re: VicS]

Suggest you contact http://www.bpsc-marine.co.uk/ direct. (Or Sirs navigation)

Another suggestion of mine, for which I am nor prepared to accept any responsibility, is to use Barbeque lighting fluid. I had some tested by the analytical chemists I worked alongside some years ago only to be told it was virtually identical to domestic paraffin, just not coloured. However that was just one brand, others may be different.
 
Re: Re: Bosun compass with large bubble in it............ [Re: VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
Got loads of lighting fuel so I'll use that first

[/ QUOTE ] but only if it smells exactly like domestic paraffin.
I think they did an infra red spectrum on mine (using IR an spectrum as a fingerprint was a particular speciallity of that lab) so do an IR spectrum on your lighting fluid and compare with paraffin. Better still gas chromatograghy I suppose.

F*** it up by using something unsuitable and its done for.
 
Top