We moved from South Texas back to east Texas late last year, all my tools were packed in climate controlled storage until setting up shop in the garage a few weeks ago, went out tonight and noticed that my chisels had already began to develop some rust from humidity.
I was thinking some type of light wax coat every week or so, and possibly trying to use some type of dessicant to cut down on the humidity some. anyone have any ideas?
Replies
How about a "chisel cabinet" with a low-wattage light bulb in it, for starters? Scary thought, having to wax chisels ever 7-10 days. In your environment, I would definitely consider small climate-controlled cabinets (light bult, or whatever else works) for small tools.
Try some Renaissance wax. It is excellent for cast iron machine tops.
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I think you will find that you're going to have to put a dehumidifier in your shop. My shop is in a basement in North Carolina, and without the dehumidifier, all iron and steel parts start to develop a "patina" of rust at humdities above 60%.
While waxing iron parts of tools is not a bad idea anyway, it's pretty much impossible to oil/wax every part of handplanes, table saw trunnions, etc..., and it's a lot of work. At high humidity levels, you have to wipe down every tool you use with oil every time you use it, or even light fingerprints will show up as "rust prints" within a few days.
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