Hey all,
I just moved my shop equipment into a new space and now it is really covered in rust. What is the best way to clean them up? Were talking tablesaw, jointer, drill press, etc. What is the best way to prevent this again. Shop is unheated so when it warms up condesation forms on the equipment.
Zebediah
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Replies
I am going through the same thing. I pulled my tools out of storage after a year (thought it was only going to be 2 or 3 months). Some of the tops we're really bad, Not pitted but not far from it.
It was suggested I use a scotch brite pad (No detergent in the pad), wd-40 and a pad sander.
I can't believe how well it worked, I thought my jointer was a goner, there are a few dark spots, but otherwise it looks like they were never rusted.
I also used a razor blade for some of the stubborn areas. But it works fast and well!
As for keeping the rust off, wax the tops with paste wax, and put something on the metal like cutting a pice of masonite to size. The water will condense on the masonite, not the metal.
Or better yet, keep the shop heated above the condensation point.
You can buy a good quality anti-rust spray after you've clean them up. It's called Boeshield, first used by Boeing aircraft. It is available through good woodworker's supply stores and on line. ...The unspoken word is capital. We can invest it or we can squander it. -Mark Twain...Be kind to your children....they will choose your nursing home....aim low boys, they're ridin' shetland ponies !!
Thanks for all the input. I remember in an issue of FHB the mention of a Bullfrog Rust removal product. I also will try the scotch brite and WD-40 method. And the suggestion of masonite covers and sheet will be instituted in my shop. Seeing my tools rusts frustrates me.
Zeb
Once cleaned up, treat the surfaces with Top Coat or similar.
Just make sure whatever you "wax" the surfaces with will not leave a residue and potentially mess up your finishwork.
My "shop" is really my cellar, so in addition to what the others said about wax, Boeshield, etc., I try to remember to throw a dust cover, really an old sheet, over each machine when I'm finished using it. This keeps a huge amount of old wood particles, dust, & 300-year-old dirt off the saw table.
Second vote for the Boeshield. The can of it that I bought came with a bottle of cleaner that worked great for the prep. The cleaner seemed to be a mild acid. The protectant is nice since it won't transfer onto your projects from the equipment.