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| Civilan:
Hi all, I purchased an old (circa 1980) 3.5" trackball and after cleaning the bearings and shafts it appears to roll very well but I haven't hooked it up to any electronics to see if those bits works. The ball has that rough faded look but I'm hoping that the ball could be polished to make it smooth and glossy like new. Has anyone tried this before? I did a search on the forum but came up empty. I now I can purchase a replacement ball but I like to 'recycle' stuff if at all possible. Thanks, Civilan. |
| rampy:
--- Quote from: Civilan on June 08, 2003, 04:29:24 pm ---Hi all, I purchased an old (circa 1980) 3.5" trackball and after cleaning the bearings and shafts it appears to roll very well but I haven't hooked it up to any electronics to see if those bits works. The ball has that rough faded look but I'm hoping that the ball could be polished to make it smooth and glossy like new. Has anyone tried this before? I did a search on the forum but came up empty. I now I can purchase a replacement ball but I like to 'recycle' stuff if at all possible. Thanks, Civilan. --- End quote --- Is it a white ball? You can probably soak it in bleach or cleaner (not at the same time though!) over night and it'll become "brighter" / cleaner... I guess one could buff it / polish it... but unless you were in love with it or super cheap, just get a replacement ball. *shrug* rampy |
| JesterDEV:
The problem with cleaning old trackballs is that most of the discoloration is is really stained deeply into the ball. Bleeching it will work for the most part, it would make it brighter. But it will never be "as" bright as it was. Imagine all the dna that ball is stained with.. :o |
| Civilan:
I forgot to mention that the ball is black. Well dark grey now without any 'stains'. Yes, I am super cheap and would like to avoid the purchase of a replacement ball. I have more time than money these days. :( I feel that polishing would also smooth the surface of the ball and help it 'slip' on the rollers when the ball is rolling in parallel to the roller. I've already thouroughly cleaned the ball to remove the 20 or more years of DNA. Just thinking about it gives me the shivers. Civilan. |
| Frostillicus:
How about one of those bowling alley ball-polishers? |
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