At 01:09 AM 2/16/2010, neil n wrote:
>I heated them up with a standard propane torch. I kept flame moving
>and applied light pressure until crank started to bend. It didn't take
>much heat to do this but the plastic cover may melt a bit. In my case

Fascinating.  I thought these zinc alloys were hot-short so I
specifically *didn't* heat it.  Maybe it's only the Zamak series or
maybe I'm just completely wrong about it.  Can't test that part very
well as all the Zamak parts I have belong to the lathe.  But I'll
keep the torch handy for the odd zinc casting in general...

By the way, when you're heating brass and other zinc alloys try not
to breathe the fumes.  "Brass-smelters ail" isn't terrifically
serious, but it isn't pleasant either.  I actually got a mild case
from polishing a brass vase with a Dremel tool (wrong tool for the
job anyway...).

Yours,
David