Roland Johnson demonstrates in his current Fine Woodworking video series the use of cola to remove rust from old planes. He mentions use of vinegar only in passing.
A length of four inch PVC pipe with a flat cap glued on one end is perfect for submerging metal plane parts. Fill the pipe with vinegar and a cup of salt and the plane will be ready the next morning for removing all the rust with a Scotchbrite pad. Vinegar and salt is a lot faster than cola, which takes days or weeks.
Then buy a tube of black Japan lacquer and a small flat brush from the hobby store to restore any Jappaning that disappeared over the years. Apply the lacquer in one or more thin coats to avoid alligatoring.
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This also works quite well to sharpen dull files and rasps. I had a drawer full of them a while back that I thoroughly cleaned and then soaked in vinegar. I now have a rack of nice sharp files and rasps that cut like new.
Just-in-time advice, thank you! I just got a small keyhole saw on e-bay that needs some rust removal. Can you advice on amounts or proportions of vinagre and salt?
I guess it depends on how rusty. If it’s working for you great but I’ve never had any luck with vinegar, I know you can get a concentrated vinegar. I think cola is a crock of baloney.
I soaked a shower head that had some calcium build up for 3 days and got zero.
You can’t beat EvapoRust.
On heavily rusted planes the best for me is electrolysis.
I have always used electrolysis, usually on really big items in a 55 gallon drum but just a couple of weeks ago tried vinegar (6% I think it was) on some small parts and I am impressed too.
Had some dividers, a compass, etc and a rusted shut pair of pliers. Pliers were so rust it didn't appear to have done anything but the rest came really clean. Was quite impressed and I do not impress easy!
If you get poor results, I can't be sure of the reason. But, you must remove all grease, oil, and crud from the tool before you use the vinegar. Vinegar cannot cut through that to get to the rust. Start by washing in detergent and water. It may even be necessary to use something stronger like lacquer thinner.
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