NOV/DEC
2002
Volume 45/Issue 6
IN
THIS ISSUE
Project
Articles
•
The Pembroke Table
• The Cheval Mirror
• The Child's Sled & Climbing Bear
DEPARTMENTS
•
Ask Smitty
• Owner’s Gallery
• Letters from Owners
Academy Notes
Scrap
Wood Secrets
Service Pointers
RUST
- The degeneration of tools & how to deal with it
Safety Tips
Horizontal
Boring Machine Set-Up & Safety
What's
New
Dial
Indicator Gauge and Adjustable Stop Collar
EDUCATION
• Find
A Shopsmith Woodworking Academy Near You
• National
Woodworking Academy in Dayton, OH
ONLINE
CATALOGS
• Online Accessory Catalog
• Request
Printed Accessory Catalog
• Online
Replacement Parts Catalog
MARK
V INFORMATION
• Find
A Shopsmith
MARK V Demo Near You
• Request
MARK V Information Package
LINKS
•
Links Worth Visiting
•
Free Woodworking
Tips
FEEDBACK
Contacting
Shopsmith
Copyright
2002.
Shopsmith, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Service
Pointers
RUST - The degeneration of tools
and
how to deal with it
Printer
friendly PDF copy of article
Extremely
stubborn rust can be removed with a rotating wire brush, attached to a portable
drill, drill press or electric grinder. Be sure to wear adequate eye protection
as loosened rust and an occasional brush bristle could fly off the tool
at high speeds, causing serious eye injury.
The best and easiest way to deal with rust on any tool is to prevent it before it ever happens. The key is proper lubrication. The motor bearings of most power tools require occasional lubrication (unless they're “sealed bearings”, as in the case of the MARK V) to help guard against moisture and keep all of their parts running smoothly. Greases (which are a combination of petroleum oils and thickeners) usually contain additives for corrosion and rust protection and are acceptable in situations where a great deal of dust is not produced during use. Portable electric drills are an example. Excessive fine dust (such as that produced by power sanders or saws) can combine with greases and oils to produce an undesirable “sludge” that will hold moisture and gum-up the operation of certain tools.
When lubricating tools that produce a lot of dust, try using one of the special bearing lubricants that are designed specifically for these situations. Dri-Cote® Bearing Lubricant® is an example of one of these products.
Obviously, routine checking of power tool lubricant levels and the proper lubrication of their moving parts is extremely important (check your tool owner's manuals). Following each use, be sure your hand and power tools are dry, free of moisture and coated with wax or one of the protectants discussed above.
It's also important to make sure that your shop is free of excessive moisture and dampness. Tools stored in unheated or high humidity areas such as a garage, basement or toolshed can be subjected to moisture that's created by condensation. This occurs with changes in temperature or humidity, producing surface rust. Coating your tools properly will prevent this, as will the use of a dehumidifier in areas where tools are stored.
Another excellent rust-preventative measure is provided by using dessicants in tool boxes and small, enclosed tool storage areas. Silica Gel Canisters are an excellent example of this. Just slip one of these small canisters into a drawer (or compartment) in your tool box and its crystals will “suck-up” all moisture, protecting your tools. Then, just slip it into a heated oven to restore its capabilities.
In closing, there is no single, simple cure for rust. All ferrous metals will eventually return to their natural form, although you can do a great deal to prolong the lives of your tools. Regular maintenance - and good, old-fashioned common sense - will help.
Rust-Removal Cautions:
- When using rust-removal chemicals,
- Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for use & safety
- Work in a well ventilated area
- Wear a respirator, as some of these products create highly toxic chemical vapors
- Wear proper eye protection to guard against potentially harmful splattering.
- Wear rubber gloves to protect hands from dangerous chemicals
- Wear a dust respirator when removing rust with abrasives
- Wear safety glasses or a face mask when using rotating wire brushes
