Rust - Prevention and Removal

I cover all my iron tools and tops with Crisco. It keeps them rust free, nice and greasy and smells great on those hot summer days…

Butter is even better but that would just be crazy…

-- It's the best woodworking show since the invention of wood... New episodes Wednesdays at: http://www.stumpynubs.com

I used to use “Simonize” Wax on all of the metal surfaces of my equipment. I can no longer find it. I have tried a lot of other waxes (most have silicone in them) but they just won’t hold up well. The only other wax I have found that is close is “Mothers Wax”.

-- Measure twice, cut once, and hope for the best.

I use Boe-Shield, and Johnsons paste wax (no silicon) on all my table-tops at least once a month, or whenever needed. (when wood doesn’t seem to be gliding).

-- Roger from KY. Work/Play/Travel Safe. Kentuk55@bellsouth.net

I am an advocate of paste wax, though it needs frequent reapplication. For hand tools, I am trying jojoba oil, but I haven’t had time to form a solid opinion of it yet. A jojoba soaked microfiber cloth (AKA “Super woobie”) is currently hanging from a hook beside my tool storage area, and everything gets a wipe down before it goes up. So far, I certainly like this system, and the jojoba oil is a lot nicer to deal with than WD-40.

-- David from Indiana --

I used BoeShield T-9 on my TS, BS, and Jointer for awhile and was NOT that pleased with it. I have applied it thick and thin, also did the heavy coat/let dry/buff routines. My impression was that T-9 is an expensive product for rust prevention on cast iron surfaces that are continually used. I have dropped sweat on a freshly T-9’d surface and within less than 5min had a rust ring.

That being said, I am now using Johnson’s Paste Wax on all my cast iron. I had originally bought this for use on my relatively recent workbench project but now use it on nearly everything. It is inexpensive, applies easily, leaves a nice sheen, and appears to last longer than the T-9. JPW may be the biggest bargain/bang-for-the-buck out there, IMO.

-- HorizontalMike -- "Woodpeckers understand..."

Removal – Evapo-Rust…moderately inexpensive, reusable, gets in those hard to reach places, removes rust by soaking with minimal scrubbing, and it’s non-toxic from the can.

Prevention – Johnson’s Paste Wax – no silicone, dirt cheap, it can be found almost everywhere, and it’s easy to apply.

-- A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way. - Mark Twain

Beeswax based wax in my grease box, and sometimes a little acid free oil on a cloth.
Big smile,
Mads

-- Mad F, the fanatical rhykenologist and vintage architect. Democraticwoodworking.

I use Johnsons Paste Wax on cast iron surfaces. When removing rust spots I wet sand using WD40 as the lube to prevent rust on the bare metal. I use Naval Jelly, but it stains the iron and you will have to wet sand to remove it. I’m about to try electrolysis for rust removal in a few days. In the middle of modding a PC power supply to do it.

For hand tools I hear camellia oil or WD40 is good. Popular Woodworking recommends WD40 and Fine Woodworking likes camellia. WD40 is cheaper so I use that. Of course I live in dry northern Calif so rust is not as big of an issue.

One note on Evapo-Rust—it does discolor the metal slightly and seems to leave a matte finish in my experience. Unless the whole piece is coated in rust, I try and spot-treat rust with sand-paper (wet/dry) or scotchbrite with WD-40. I save the Evapo-rust for really nasty pieces, and it does a great job with those!

-- David from Indiana --

citric Acid and a fine brasswirebrush to remove rust with
after that a little WD 40 and later beepastewax
WayneC have made a blog on using it
http://lumberjocks.com/WayneC/blog/1439
and cover other aspect of rustremoving as well in other blogs
here is my own two about citric acid
http://lumberjocks.com/Dennisgrosen/blog/21230
http://lumberjocks.com/Dennisgrosen/blog/21248

take care
Dennis

There is always the diluted vinegar treatment. Cheap and very effective. Just leave it a few days and no more rust.

-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python

Paste wax (Johnson’s) to protect cast iron and sandpaper to remove rust. A new looking cast iron surface is pretty but too much trouble. I much prefer the “patina” of my 39 year old Craftsman bench saw. It looks as if it’s done something in its’ life. Camelia oil works for hand tools, but my hands don’t have the grip they used to and it makes it hard for me to hold stuff.

Steve

-- Steve in KY. 44 years so far with my lovely bride. Think I'll keep her.

Citric acid and a wire brush

For prevention: a Dehumidifier maybe two.

-- When the moderator chooses sides, his site sucks.

Control shop environment/air quality and rust isn’t even in the equation….ust sayin,BW

Sarit, please start a blog on the electrolysis…very interested in this.