Cleaning shipping materials off new tools

I use mineral spirits to take it off, I’ve not tried the mortising chisels yet.

-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com

Kerosene works well.

-- Nicky

Orange cleaner works good too.

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

I was told to use WD40 or a siliconized spray. Worked pretty good. Got this tip from Woodcraft.

-- Carpe Lignum - Seize The Wood,

wd-40. Works like a charm.

-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

They say WD-40 is even good on pancakes. LOL

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

I don’t know about pancakes, but it’s great on waffles with whipped cream and sawdust.

-- JP, Shelbyville, KY

oooooooh sawdust….......... (imitating Homer)

-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

I’ve heard horror stories about removing hte protecting coat on new tools. I used an orange cleaner on my cabinet saw and it came off with no effort at all.

-- Jeff, South Carolina

I use WD-40 because I always have a can or 12 laying around, but I have also heard that oven cleaner works.

-- JP, Shelbyville, KY

I use Kerosene (use that to heat the shop on occation.) and then follow up with a good coat of wax.(got to keep the rust monster away.)

-- Greg - Charles Town, WV

I’ve heard of the kerosene and mineral spirits, but never heard of WD40. I would think that it might leave a residue that could get on the wood and possibly cause problems come time for finishing, or is this something that is just from the worrying side of me? Thanks for all the responses.

Something that was also mentioned was keeping metal parts away from the “rust monster”. What does everyone use. I’ve always been roped into buying some type of aerosol way spray (TopCote I think is what it is called) or using some type of oil for chisels. Is there a cheaper alternative than $15/can for keeping the table saw slick and free from rust?

-- Rick - Spring, TX

Rick. I just went out to look at the chisels that I received. It looks like lacquer or something strong and dense. I tried Acetone and it softened it a little but not allowing you to take it off easy.

I tried a single edge razor blade and tried to scrape it off. I came some but not clean.

It might require some 150-200 wet and dry sandpaper like starting to sharpen them to get it off.

I found some burrs on the edge so they do need sharpening.

I used the Rockler cone diamond sharpener on the inside of the tips and a diamond stone on the ends at the tips. But I didn’t get they all clean yet.

-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com

Rick, if you are worried about the WD-40 residue (I was too the first time I used it on my tablesaw), wipe it down or even dip the tool like a chisel in denatured alcohol. This is also good for the cleaning process but WD-40 works better.

I was sold a can of TopCote when I bought my saw but it doesn’t really keep the monster away. Waxing is much better, cheaper and the can goes a long way, IMHO. I have a can of Minwax and others swear by Renaissance.

-- Jeff, St. Paul, MN

I always clean off shipping “stuff” with wd 40 or mineral spirits. Then I wipe it down with Rubbing alcohol (cheap!) to remove all the oil residue. For protection I prefer to use Topsaver from Empire mfg. It sprays on, removes rust and protects from rust. Works great. I’m sure you can find it @ any Rockler, Highland Hdware, woodcraft etc.

-- Jeff - Bellevue,Ne.

Thanks everyone for you input.

-- Rick - Spring, TX

The instructions for my Steel City Drill press said to use WD-40 to clean off the shipping goop.

-- David, www.briskibusiness.com

I use mineral spirits, which seems to work good. My Dad likes white gas, the kind you use in the Coleman stoves. Both seem to work well. Of course, WD-40 works well too.

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com