Hi all
This is a mixed metal and wood tool question but it still seems the best place to ask is here
I'm looking for a way to store tools to make them rust resistant. My lathe came with over 40 pounds of tool steel in the form of toolbits. I know in general HSS is fairly rust resistant but because I'm by no means a production shop my tools get a few hours a week of use tops and some can sit for months without being touched (some of the tool steel hasn't left its box because i've had plenty)
Living in Canada means that Condensation is a problem. It might not be the tropics but high humidity and temperature swings means that my tolls are, whether i like it or not, in a place where they are exposed to a lot of moisture and possible condensation. I clued when i noticed there was a thin coat of rust on my scrollsaw's bed (Steel or cast iron not quite sure but bare metal.) The lathe is under a thin cover of 30 weight oil so i'm not too worried about it but if there was a drier way of rustproofing it i'd be all over it
I'm looking for suggestions for two things
- A non oily table/bed coating to suppress rust (Non oily so that wood and metal machines can use it)
- And ideas to coat tools as a preventative measure to stop them from rusting it isnt Always Practical to store them in airtight containers with Dessicant bags.
Any tool i buy i buy with the intention of using it essentially forever (Decades) without abuse.
Any opinions are welcome i'm sure i'm not the only person who has Issues like this and i'm sure some people here have owned the same machines for longer than i've been alive and kept them in perfect condition.
Thanks
Brent Ottawa Canada