Long term powertool storage

ees | Posted in John White on December 16, 2006 02:05am

I have a boatbuilder friend that is leaving for a 1 year stay in India. He will be closing his shop and is not sure how to keep the large tools from rusting. A couple of friends may be using them occasionally so he is wondering if there is some kind of spray that would hold them for a month or two at a time and would be simple for them to apply after they finish? Thanks for any help. ES

Replies

JohnWW | Dec 20, 2006 07:17pm | #1
There are a number of sprays that are designed to protect metal surfaces from corrosion. Boeshield is one of the more common ones, but it leaves a waxy film that will have to be wiped off before the machine can be used. Avoid sprays that contain silicone, even trace amounts of silicone, if it gets onto wood, will prevent finishes from adhering properly.

Many woodworkers have had good luck with ordinary furniture wax, Johnson's paste wax is commonly mentioned, for rust prevention. Using paste wax I would wipe it on and not buff it off to leave a thicker film on the machine's surfaces. When the machines are going to be used the wax can be buffed off then or it can be removed with a rag dampened with paint thinner or naphtha.

When possible remove the fences from the machines, or lift them off of the tables a fraction of an inch with a block of wood, to prevent moisture from accumulating under them.

Hand tools can be waxed and stored in a cabinet with a small heat source, such as a light bulb, to keep the cabinet warmer than the surrounding environment.

John W.