Q:

How do I keep my expensive lathe and bandsaw from damage and rust caused by cutting and turning green wood? Will the wood raise the humidity level in the shop and cause other tools to rust?

Rich Lehmann, Glendale, CA

A:

Green wood can rust unpainted cast-iron surfaces very quickly. So sweep up chips at the end of every turning session, even if you’re only going to lunch. I usually end any greenwood turning session by vacuuming the machines and the shop, then giving bare metal surfaces a coating of WD-40. That will take care of humidity problems that the shavings may create. Green shavings dry quickly, so it’s a good idea to remove them at the end of the day to minimize a fire hazard.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

DeWalt 735X Planer

At high speed, the planer works fast and leaves a smooth surface. But the slower, finish speed produces an almost glass-smooth surface. Knife changes are easy.

Buy at Amazon

Ridgid R4331 Planer

Priced nearly $300 less than the DeWalt 735X, the Ridgid R4331 is an excellent value. Its three-knife cutterhead left wonderfully clean surfaces on plainsawn white oak and white pine. It did not perform nearly as well on curly maple as the 735X.

Buy at Amazon

AnchorSeal Log and Lumber End-Grain Sealer

Good for both sealing the end grain of freshly cut logs and boards, this wax prevents end-grain checking and saves material

Buy at Amazon