Replies

1. 
   [email protected] | Jun 07, 2008 07:23am | #1

   The definitive answer is; maybe. 

   It depends on whether the temperature will be varying enough to cause condensation of water from warm air onto the cooler metal surface. 

   So, unless the shop is climate controlled, you need to either protect the tops, or heat them so the moisture doesn't condense on them. 

   I heat my table saw with a light bulb mounted underneath, and keep one of the polyester throws on it, because the polyester doesn't absorb water.  Hand tools are kept in a cabinet with a "golden rod" heater, that they sell for heating gun cabinets.

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Jun 08, 2008 01:28am | #2

   No maybe about it, unless you take serious steps you will have rust problems.  This occurs particularly at those times of year when you heat the shop while you are working in it, but let it cool off afterwards.  Maintaining some heat in winter, dehumidification in summer are effective but have energy costs.  If that's not feasible, then wax, cloth (not plastic) covers, Boeshield, are all helpful. 

2. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Jun 08, 2008 05:46pm | #3

   Heat is heat.. humidity is humidity no matter what state. Both can lead to rust.. And.... if you want to see some humidity, pay a visit to my shop in Atlanta this afternoon for a "classic" example. :>)

   Sarge..

1. 
   andyfew322 | Jun 08, 2008 09:28pm | #4

   sure, I'll be right there  ;) 

   Silence is golden, but ducktape is silver