Metal Finish/Conditioning of Emmert Vise
A friend recently gave me an Emmert vise (#1 Turtle back, type 4).
I have removed all the rust using an electrolysis process for most of the parts and using Evapo-rust on some others. I followed up either process with a phosphoric acid wash to inhibit rust and condition the metal.
The friend that gave me the vise suggests painting as the final treatment for long lasting protection (POR-15 by name). I love the hardened, blackened color and texture that it is now but I know that it will not last long (the resulting thin phosphate layer not providing much long term protection).
While attending a “Woodworking in the 18th Century” conference last year, I purchased a striking tool made at the blacksmith’s shop. The color and texture of the vise is now very similar to the striking tool. However, I’ve had the striking tool for 6 months now and it shows no sign of rust or even of beginning to.
Here is my question: Rather than paint this vise, is there a process or product that I can employ that will provide protection from rust and impact that will enhance rather than cover up it’s well worn appearance?
I have a combination hand tool / power tool shop and when possible, I like to do things in as traditional way as is possible and practical. Before I slap a coat of paint on this wonderful vise, (and make it look “attempting to be quasi new”) I want to see if there is a way to retain it’s character and protect it at the same time.
Thanks in advance for any and all help you can provide.
David Wolfe
Greensboro, NC, USA
Replies
You might try a "blackening" treatment. http://www.mcmaster.com # 3435K11
I've got some on order an should see it Monday. I also do metalwork and like to do patinas on many of the metals I work with.
If the other unpainted iron tools in your shop aren't rusting before your eyes, I don't see why this vise would behave any different. I'd put a coat or two of a good paste wax on it and see what happens. You can always remove the wax to paint it later if necessary. I wouldn't apply a patina, just let it develop on its own.
Jeff
David,
If it is the type of metal I think it is I would fire up a brass power brush, or a fine wire brush whichl will burnish the surfaces giving a nice smooth look. Then just rub on some wax or metal preservative-I don't believe rust would be a problem, especially if you are using it regularly.
David,
I've had good luck just wiping on a thin coat of Waterlox finish, any similar oil/varnish type of finish would probably work just as well.
John W.
Thanks to all of you for your help and support.
Based on what I've heard here, I've decided to put a coat of pure Tung oil on the vise and give it about a week to cure and harden. Then follow that up with a couple of coats of wax. It seems like that ought to give it pretty good protection and should be pretty easily reversable.
I just couldn't get passed the stage where I took it out of the electrolysis process (or the evapo-rust) and let it air dry or dried with a heat gun. However it dried, it would just rust immediately. I couldn't figure out how to get it from clean to conditioned. Looks like the phosphoric acid did the trick. Giving it a thin layer of phosphate.
So far, the oil looks great on it. It took off that greyish tint of the phosphate leaving a great "long used and care for" look that I was looking for.
Thanks again for all the help.
- dw
that's a darn good friend if he gave you an emmert...
m
The very best of friends...
Every part is present as well, including the pivot table. (save one of three screws which mount the "shell" around the screw handle. A 5/16 x 3/4 - - easy enough to find).
...Makes me feel guilty about not refurbishing it the way he'd like it to be. But he has another in his shop that is not in use (it kills me!). I'm sure he will get it into use now and it will probably look just like it did the day it was made. Just two different approaches.
At any rate, he has a project or two he'd like me to put together for him... as soon as he gets his drawings done!
Good friends, where would we be without them?
- dw
I'd love to see a picture if you have the time.
Ditto
If you really LOVE that vice.. Get it PRO cleaned and Nickle Plated... Black oxide wears off.. Just for rust prevention till ya use the item,,,
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