Storing Machines: Rust Protection

crzypete · Post by **crzypete** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 12:46 pm

I'm getting ready to put the two drill press bases that my new gang drill replaced into storage in my neighbors shed. The shed is fairly dry and has a concrete floor, but I am worried about preventing rust from forming.

The drill press bases ( I stole the heads to use temporarily on the gang base) are painted and clean, I restored them a number of years ago, and would like to maintain their condition while not creating too much of a clean-up situation when I am ready to put them back into service.

Any thoughts?

Pete

RossR · Post by **RossR** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 1:35 pm

How bout a coat of wax? I havent tried that myself but Have heard it works. You just dont buff it off till you take it out of storage. I know some guys up here use wd-40 when things sit for a while as a coating. But I never found it to be that great. I have a rust problem all the time when the temps shift because my shop is not kept at the same temp year round. I usually find it on the surface grinder table and the wood jointer table. But is very light and not much of a problem...some fine steel wool takes it right off when it happens.

Ross

nektai · Post by **nektai** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 1:58 pm

I am eager to hear what the answer to this question is. I can't stop the rust, not even in my shop!

crzypete · Post by **crzypete** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 4:33 pm

Nico, i think this is going to be two different answers.

Perhaps a hot wax treatment for me- going so far as a double boiler and a brush with liquid wax.

In your situation I think you need to do a vigilant job at humidity control coupled with maintaining wax on your machined surfaces. Do you run a dehumidifier? Or perhaps an air conditioner in the window?

Pete

RossR · Post by **RossR** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 4:53 pm

Heres a link over on practical machinist that deals with rust. Might have some good points in it.

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/ubb/u ... tml#000019

I read a few places if you have a shop that is insulated and sealable its a matter of running a dehumidifier to help out.

Course that isnt gonna help you Pete in a shed.

Ross

guzziguy · Post by **guzziguy** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 8:41 pm

I have the answer everybody. Petroleum jelly! lather it on nice and thick and you have a nice nonsoluable barrier. I 'm serious!

nico if you want a dehumidifier I have one for you. We bought one for our basement and then were told we only needed to open up an air circulation flow in the basement (vent it baby) and that would take care of it better (which it did) anyways the hunidifier is here not in use and you are welcome to it.

Mike Henry · Post by **Mike Henry** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 9:49 pm

LPS-3 is reported to work for fairly long term storage.

http://www.lpslabs.com/Products/CorrosionInh/Lps3.asp

Boeshield too, I think.

http://www.boeshield.com/index.htm

A tarp and low wattage bulb left on continuously may also help minimize condensation from forming if your location has temperature and humidity swings.

Mike

nektai · Post by **nektai** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 6:45 am

Thanks for the links Mike. The next time I order from MSC I think I will get a can of LPS-3.

Guzziguy, thanks for the offer do the dehumidifier but i already have one. I am afraid that i have over stated my problem with rust. I have had major problems in the past that have exposed some weak spots in my defenses. There are some nuts and bolts and a few cast iron surfaces that are the first to rust when the humidity levels creep up. I have used wax on those surfaces but i think i need a better product (I have been using a can of hardware store wax)

crzypete · Post by **crzypete** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 9:07 am

LPS looks intriguing. I can't find on the Boeshield site whether it contains silicon. I want to avoid silicon as it makes lacquer fisheye.

So the debate is wax or LPS.

Perhaps these treatments can be kept in place with some stretch wrap as well? Wonder if that will help or cause condensation.

Pete

crzypete · Post by **crzypete** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 10:23 am

Practical machinist is dealing with the same question, and so far it looks like Mike wins the prize- LPS-3 is coming back as the big winner.

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/ubb/u ... 24031.html

Pete