Tommy MacDonald's 207 Woodworking Community • View topic

Chip Monk · **Posted:** Tue May 24, 11 6:48 pm

I've tried to avoid getting rust on the machines (jointer, esp.) by covering it with a big furniture blanket. The problem is compounded by the fact that there's really no insulation or heat in the shop. It's worst when the shop gets very cold at night and then the air gets warm & humid in the day ... loads of condensation builds.

The blanket I use for the table saw top seems to work ... but the one on the jointer doesn't. Maybe it's because it's heavier and has (I think) cotton in it. That might hold moisture --- I don't know.

Anyhow, I've used Top Saver to scrub the rust off and it gets the job done for the most part. The jointer doesn't get a lot of use, but I hate to see it get pitted.

Any suggestions on how to minimize the rust?

Thanks in advance!

Ritz · **Posted:** Tue May 24, 11 7:20 pm

Well Padre,

Back in the day when I taught wood shop, we used to give the tools a good coat of wax when the shop was down for extended periods, just by the bars of canning wax. Did a good job at the time, but remember the tools were in a controlled environment. Now in the print shop I worked in for 27 years, when equipment was down a light coat of grease was used.

Possible the jointer is rusting because the cover is not laying in perfect contact with all areas as it will on a table saw.

Have a Wonderful evening. And enjoy your Journey.

nbuk · **Posted:** Tue May 24, 11 8:51 pm

I use minwax pastewax(clear or natural) on my jointer and also on the table saw although my tools don't see a change in climate. It also helps with sliding wood thru the tools as it makes the surface slick.

Nick

FLWoodRat · **Posted:** Wed May 25, 11 4:28 am

Chip Monk wrote:

I've tried to avoid getting rust on the machines (jointer, esp.) by covering it with a big furniture blanket. The problem is compounded by the fact that there's really no insulation or heat in the shop. It's worst when the shop gets very cold at night and then the air gets warm & humid in the day ... loads of condensation builds.

The blanket I use for the table saw top seems to work ... but the one on the jointer doesn't. Maybe it's because it's heavier and has (I think) cotton in it. That might hold moisture --- I don't know.

Anyhow, I've used Top Saver to scrub the rust off and it gets the job done for the most part. The jointer doesn't get a lot of use, but I hate to see it get pitted.

Any suggestions on how to minimize the rust?

Thanks in advance!

Fr. Mike,

One of the easiest ways to avoid rust is to USE the jointer. LOL.

Living in the humid climes of So. Florida, I fight rust on cast iron all the time.
If you have noticed some rust on the surfaces, you can use mineral spirits and a 0000 steel wool pad to remove it. Use a soft clean rag towipe down the entire surface before the MS totally evaporates. Repeat until no more rust residue is found on your rag. After that, a couple of thin coats of Johnson's paste wax applied and buffed out should keep the rust away. Keep in mind, if your tools are in a basement, or otherwise un-climate controlled area, you may have to inspect and clean them more often.

Have fun and be safe in the shop.

Bruce

Chip Monk · **Posted:** Wed May 25, 11 11:30 am

[quote="FLWoodRat"]
One of the easiest ways to avoid rust is to USE the jointer. LOL. [\quote]

Har, har!

Thanks, nbuk, Ritz and Rat for the advice.

OK --- the cloth used to lie flat until rust formed in the pattern of the cloth (this is the heavy cotton one, which makes me think cotton isn't the material to use since it retains the moisture). But I will definitely use wax to coat the surface. I've buffed it with wax often enough, but was reluctant to leave a more substantial coat since I thought it might be a real pain to get it off the surface.

Maybe I could use a plastic sort of ice scraper (or the edge of a piece of plexi for whatever) to get the extra wax off? Well, I'll use the wax.

All the things they never taught us in 4th year theology!

tiny · **Posted:** Thu May 26, 11 12:51 am

Hi Fr. Mike.

Paste wax, properly applied, is the best way to protect the cast iron parts. Another option for longer storage periods might be Saran Wrap. The static cling keeps the plastic wrap in contact with the iron, effectively acting as a vapour barrier, keeping the moisture off. Used along with the paste wax, it should keep scrubbing rust to a minimum.

Pax vobiscum.

Paul
the little guy

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