Cleaning the mech of a slot machine

[mtstanley]

With many old mechanical items, they get gummed up and need cleaning. To disassemble a slot machine is scary because of so many parts. Can I clean w/o disassembling? And if so, what chemical should I use to clean the Slot Macine mechanism. Mineral Spirits, Paint Thinner, Acetone, other chemicals? Should I dip and let it soak or spray and wipe?

[Mendozaco]

Take it apart and clean it completely. I use a wet tumbler with soap and water for an hour. It takes about three runs to clean all the parts in the mechanism except for three large pieces which you have to do it by hand. To put it together follow the steps in this site http://slotrestoration.blogspot.com/201 ... h-gas.html

The wet tumbler I use is the Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler. All it takes are water, soap and the steel media that comes with the tumbler. Plus it is environment safe compare to all the chemical you mentioned.
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Here are before and after pictures of a project I'm currently working on. A two days process after work.