Removing surface rust on machined surfaces

Hello

I have just aquired a ellliot 10m shaper.

some of the machined surfaces are a bit rusty just a bit of surface

rust. what is the best way of removing it

Thanks in advance Martin

Hi Martin,

I use parafin or kerosene with nylon kitchen scourers for flat surfaces and washing up brushes/toothbrushes for slots etc. Cheap as chips and plentiful supply (especially if you are married to my wife! Haha)

I have cleaned up several rusty machines like that.

Elbow grease with soft materials does not wear away vital metal!

Andy

Very weak acid, such as citric, vinegar or 'value' coca cola.

Neil

ScotchBrite or Fibral non-woven abrasive pads & elbow grease !

There are also phosphoric acid based "metal brightner" products that remove tarnish from machined surfaces.

Nigel B.

Hi Martin,

Congratulations on getting your shaper - I have one, lovely machine.

If you need a manual for I have a PDF version - if would like a copy, send me a PM with your email address.

James

Martin,

When you have removed the rust as suggested above, I recommend that you wipe the surfaces with a rust inhibiting oil. I use Shell Ensis, and have had no rust on my machine surfaces in over 25 years.

David

Thanks for all the info I will get some scotch brite pads tomorrow

and some paraffin

Best Wishes Martin

Hi Martin,

No problem - sounds like you had a good find..!

Just in case it might save you some time or effort - mine is 3 phase also, and I was considering swapping the motor for a single phase unit on mine as it looked like a simple swap - however I found out that the original motor is a 6 pole (900 RPM) motor, so the normal 1400 RPM motors are too fast, so I went the phase converter route for mine.

Good luck!

James

This post was by Ian Bartlett 1 and was accidentally deleted.

Martin,

In case it's a bit more than "a bit of surface rust", try using a steel paint scraper. I have one with the sharp corners rounded off, it's a cheap plastic handle that holds a Stanley knife blade. Slap some old engine oil on the surface to clean (it keeps the dust at bay), start with the scraper too shallow and slowly increase the angle, fair amount of pressure on the blade. You'll find a sweet spot, where the rust suddenly just planes off, without the scraper digging in. Then, a quick rub with Scotchbrite / fine emery etc will finish the job.

Here are some pics of an old Wadkin planer undergoing that treatment:

**LINK**

**LINK**

Ian

**LINK**

This works

Cyril I see from your link Frank uses Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate?) I use Sodium Carbonate (washing soda) with the same effect, I wonder which works faster?

neither...

electrolytic cleaning is more or less a 'reverse electroplate' process - the soda or whatever is just to make the water conductive. I use Sodium Hydroxide, (caustic soda) on the basis that that was at the front of the shelf. I convinced myself that it would also act to remove any grease/oil on the surface, but at 2 teaspoons to a barrel i doubt it would have any effect anyway.

regards

russell

When started using electrolitic rust removal, I used Caustic Soda, But soon changed to washing soda for safty reasons. The caustic I suppose is OK for removing paint, although washing soda does that enough for me. Ian S C