I have rusty braces, and my dentist won’t help. T
The problem is that a brace has that wooden handle in the middle of the shaft, and another one on top. I am nervous about taking off the top one, and for the life of me, can’t see HOW to take off the one on the middle. Therefore, all the liquid products, from phosphoric acid to Evaporust to electrolysis are out because they would damage the wood. Because the shafts are steel rods, wire wheels just rub little clean stripes that never look right even when overlapped. Same with sanders. Wire brushes or sandpaper take forever.
Does anyone know how to disassemble a brace and get it to go back together, or have any other ideas?
J
Replies
How about sandblasting?
Think vertical. Hang it so one end is in solution up to the handle, then do other end the same.
I've done that for the chuck end, but have been concerned about taking the wooden cap off tht top, as it seems to be press-fitted as well as screwed.
J
Joe,
Would it work to use a plastic bag or other plastic such as flat twine or pallet wrap to seal off the wood handles and have at 'er with one of the aformentioned liquids?
Chris @ flairwoodworks
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
It might work, but knowing how liquids have a genius for infiltrating, Ihave been too chicken to try.
J
You might be able to use Evapo-Rust for a short soak, say one or two hours and not harm the wood. I'd try a couple of ways to help protect the wood. Hmmmmm, brainstorm here...........wrapping with that stretchy stuff that you can wrap bundles with, pulling it tight and it sticks to itself. Maybe reinforce with a tight tie of some kind. That plastic will not be bothered by the EvapoRust. Hmmmmm, drastic -- soak the whole thing in linseed oil, then wipe off the metal parts and drop it into ER. I get real creative this time of night. ;-)
You could also wrap a towel around the metal part and just keep pouring ER onto it, but it won't work as well as suspending it in liquid.
Ponder away, you'll think of something.
Joe,
Instead of trying to cover up the wood I wonder if you could simply apply some kind of finish that would be impervious to a soaking solution like Evaporust. Might have a look at the container to see if it lists anything it doesn't work on.
Can always redo the finish afterwards mebbe?
Regards,
Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Edited 3/21/2008 12:46 pm ET by KiddervilleAcres
I'm afraid the solution will get in along the shaft bearing.
J
Joe,
I emailed Evaporust about its effect on wood and got the following answer from them:
Thank you for your inquiry. Evapo-Rust does not harm wood any different than water. Treat it as you would after soaking it in water.
I would suggest that you email them about the bearing issue you have. I got this response in less than an hour.
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
I can deal with evqporust in the bearing -- but my real fear is that the old wood will swell from the water, and then either become misshapen or crack.
J
If there is no heavy pitting, steel wool, Scotchbrite, and maybe some emery paper should clean up the tool, with no risk to the wood or bearings, in less time than you've spent posting about the problem. John White
John:
You and Steinmetz are undoubtedly right. Of course, this particular one does have some pitting, but should clean up. I have just gotten used to the ease of dropping rusty tools in a bucket of Evaporust and then pulling them out when I get around to it.
As to posting time, many days my computer and I work on the same chain gang, and wnen working out of the home office, posting is a nice break -- kind of like a corporate slave shooting the breeze at the water cooler.
Invest in a scotch brite wheel to remove the rust. Or,if the 'original chrome is still showing, try a fine bronze wire wheel.( It won't scratch and leaves a smooth finish )
You could try coating the wood with plasti dip. After soaking, peel off plastic dip.
Good luck.
http://www.plastidip.com/
Now that's a creative idea -- thanks.
J
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