Cleaning up an old axe..

[Rebel_Commando]

Hi some times when old tools are cleaned by sanding and polishing it takes away the old vintage look.

I have cleaned a few tools using a battery charger and bicarbonate of soda

 

more details here

 

Bodger's Ask & Answer • View topic - Electrolytic rust removal

 

 

Thanks for the link! Thats seems a cleaner and less labour intensive way!

 

I have seen a nice shiny 7lb Elwell axe in a local junk shop,but its been cleaned up too well because the stamp isn't 100% readable anymore, Hence the £25 price tag.....I'm still tempted though! lol

[robbo 110]

my sandblaster has a tool which is a 'vapour blaster' uses vapourised water droplets instead of sand, awesome piece of kit, keeps that 'aged effect' on steel that most things remove

[Xerxses]

Just use some CitricAcid in water and let it soak over night, that removes ANY rust!!! Ive done it to tools I have found buried for 30 years, they came out as new in surface but with the history intact! Then i use linseed-oil to prevent it from start rusting again (the oil can be heat sealed aswell...)

[fergusonforestry]

seen some rust remover on the market the results were a surprise back to bare steel! was like a gell then you left it and washed it off bit like paint stripper just wish i could remember the name

 

Just use some CitricAcid in water and let it soak over night, that removes ANY rust!!! Ive done it to tools I have found buried for 30 years, they came out as new in surface but with the history intact! Then i use linseed-oil to prevent it from start rusting again (the oil can be heat sealed aswell...)

 

think it would work on a whole van?

[Tinker]

Shiny does look nice but the finish isn't durable. The slightest bit of moisture will leave it with light rust which will look a sod. If it's raining while you are using it, the surface will be spotted with rust before your eyes.

 

I find the best way is to wire brush the thick off and wearing suitable gloves, rub oil or grease into the surface with coarse wire wool, evenly to avoid bright areas. The resulting patina is protected from further rusting and looks aged without looking neglected.

 

phosphate finish can be ok depending on thickness of coating, I just don't particularly like the black finish.

 

If you're going to the bother of electrolyitic rust removal, after the axe is clean, you could reverse the polarity but substitute the steel plate for a lump of copper to plate the axe. I've not tried it but it should work.