I'd recommend starting with less abrasive and methods of cleaning before jumping straight into the heavy scotchbrite. Soap and water first to get rid of any grease and then a scrub with a brush and maybe some brasso or light acid (vinegar). Also, get a good flat surface for sanding against. At least an undamaged piece of flat wood. Personally I keep a few pieces of thicker tempered glass around with sandpaper spray glued down. I can line them all up and work my way through the grits.
![What's in the box?! 1890s Safe [Restoration]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kugqGatwLDY/mqdefault.jpg)
How doe it hold an object and what kind of object it it meant for?
I'd recommend starting with less abrasive and methods of cleaning before jumping straight into the heavy scotchbrite. Soap and water first to get rid of any grease and then a scrub with a brush and maybe some brasso or light acid (vinegar). Also, get a good flat surface for sanding against. At least an undamaged piece of flat wood. Personally I keep a few pieces of thicker tempered glass around with sandpaper spray glued down. I can line them all up and work my way through the grits.
I will actually try vinegar on some brass parts I have laying around to see how it works , thank you for the advice !