Cleaning Up A Rusty Tool
Rusty tools are a problem for every woodworker at some point, in this video we'll show you how to make that problem go away
Rusty tools are a problem for every woodworker at some point. There are many ways of dealing with rust: from vinegar to cola, and from naval jelly to Evapo-Rust, each will do the trick to some degree. I’ve become a fan of Evapo-Rust ever since contributing editor, Rollie Johnson recommended it to me. I’ve found it quickly removes rust on my tools, while not feeling like you’re using too many harsh chemicals.
My poor bandsaw has been in storage for the past three years, splitting time between a U-Haul trailer, my parent’s garage, my uninsulated garage, and finally, my insulated garage turned shop. Unfortunately, in that time the cast iron table became covered in rust. I should have dealt with the rust the moment I saw it, while moving the bandsaw between my parent’s garage and mine, but there were definitely bigger things to worry about at the time. Now that I’m finally nearing the finish line on my shop, it’s time to get my faithful bandsaw cleaned up, and like many things in life, after putting the effort in, I’m embarrassed I didn’t do it sooner.
More on rust removal:
- Salt and Vinegar: Nature’s Rust Remover – Some common household and shop items can turn your rusty planes into everyday users.
- Removing and Preventing Rust on Machinery – Scour a cast-iron surface, then protect it from dampness
- Rust Removal with Lemon Juice and Salt – Sometimes a great tool is hiding under a film of rust, and with a little elbow grease and a couple of household ingredients, it’s not too hard to get that old tool shining again
- 3 Methods For Removing Rust – Rollie Johnson demonstrates how to remove rust from your tools and keep it at bay
Comments
Hey Ben, so I’ve restored many cast iron tools in the past years. I’ve found mineral spirts and the maroon scotch brite pad to be the most effective. So much so, my 1940 unisaw top looks new.
Evaporust isnt necessary for removing flash and surface rust.
Also for preventing rust, why not just use wax? A good heavy coat of wax will protect and prevent over any solvent... “Give it a try”
Paste wax is the best for protection and I'm all in with Sawdust there. You gonna have to clean off that wd40 before use.
The curse of the cold garage. Paste wax and blanket/quilt are very helpful. I also keep WD40 and Evaporust in the arsenal and at the ready.
I have also used Evapo-Rust for cleaning up machine surfaces, old tools, etc.. It works particularly well on machine surfaces. (I still use vinegar if I am going to soak something for a while. It's cheaper.)
One thng that helps me is using Evapo-Rust with a heavy duty spray bottle, especially for machine surfaces. It is easier to put the rust remover right where you need it and not waste as much as when you just pour it on.
Works for me, anayway.
While editing this video, I thought, why don't I put that in a spray bottle!?!
As a follow-up to my first comment, don't underestimate the value of a old rag lightly soaked with 3-1 oil for keeping rust at bay.
A light coat works wonders, contains no silicones, and will not build up or get gummy. Cheap, too.
I use paste wax in my unheated garage here in Michigan. I cover my cast iron machine surfaces with cardboard I salvage from shipping boxes. I get little or no rust on my surfaces. The cardboard will insulate the machine surface and absorb the moisture that leads to rust.
Of course Ben, you may have found it better to at least sweep the sawdust of the bandsaw table first especially from the mitre slot and removing the blade would have meant wrapping the table would have been easier
How much of an issue is the small amount of wd40 (or other rust preventer) that doesn't come up with wiping? Does it get on the wood that you cut the net time?
I've never had an issue with it, and I use WD40 on all of my handtools. I think it affecting finishing is a myth. In fact, Vic Tesolin has tested it, and I trust in Vic.
Thanks Ben for this. it's a constant battle. I just finished resurfacing my Sawstop a few weeks ago. I didn't see the review of the different rust removers but I can tell you Naval Jelly, which I used to swear by, stained the surface. which was able to be sanded off but not without a lot of sweat. THX
Not to be a Debbie Downer, but:
(1) You say you are too cheap to buy $20 Camellia oil. But, you bought a GALLON of Evapo-Rust?
(2) Two years in the house and you still have not run a circuit out to the shop? What's the deal, dig a trench, set the conduit, pull the Romex into the conduit, then hook it up. I would think that having a working home shop would be a requirement to working at Fine Woodworking. Dozens if not hundred or more would like to have that job who HAVE a working home shop and use it daily.
Good call on the WD40 Ben. More of us use it more often than we'll admit. I won't use it on internal or moving parts, though, as I've heard it attracts dirt like a beast, but on the surface...primo! 20-20 hindsight; you probably would remove the bandsaw blade to make that easier to do, but I can't tell you how many times I've done something, then thought...WTH? Finally, I wasn't a fan when you first came on the scene, but you've become one of my favorites at FWW, especially in ShopTalk. Keep up the good work!
I find it much easier to bufff the table/post/guides/whatever with a scotchbrite soft deburring wheel that will leave the surface gleaming like new. Then coat liberally with LPS3 and it will never again rust. Those scotchbrite wheels rock!
I use Metal Blast which is a really nasty phosphoric acid but it takes ALL the rust off in 15 minutes. I have a table top protector but I've stopped using that and started using HTC machine top covers. They are about $20 each but they work.
My go to product for rust protection is BOESHIELD T-9 rust & corrosion protection. It is a product developed by Boeing to prevent corrosion inside airplanes in areas difficult to access. Comes in a spray can and easy to use. I use it on tools, guns, parts of my boat and anywhere I do not want rust or corrosion.
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in