[TheForge] rust redux

[Andy Vida]

Kevin Donahoe wrote:

> How do you all finish your slightly rusty/patinated measuring sticks
> in the shop?  I've several squares, rules, etc that have a varied and
> light patina of rust that makes it hard to see the fricken marks.  

	Steel wool will remove the flakey surface rust, leaving
	either a bright surface or the blue/black/ruddy oxide
	finish, which is a good preventative for further corrosion.
	As for witness marks etc. try either a white ink or even a
	silver pencil.  The silver pencil is good if there will be
	any heat applied (which I would hope is not the case, but
	things happen).

> It hasn't been a
> problem until 1-the winter light, 2-a couple of my shop halogen shop lights
> crapped out and new bulbs didn't fix it and 3-the fact I've finally started
> to have to use reading glasses in a long (3-4 year) procrasting attempt at
> arm stretching. 

	Sound like someone's flirting with 40.  My father, damn him,
	didn't need anything for his eyes until he was about 58.  I
	went blind right around 40.  It sucks.

> I'd like to give the body of the ruler an even patina with
> some contrast in the grooves.

	Cat pee will turn even stainless steel jet black.  It's an amazing
	patina, but VERY corrosive.  It'll pit the hell out of a nice tool
	in short order.  Having once had 12 cats, I learned this the hard
	way.  Nice kitty kitty kitty...
> 
> I'm trying the mothballs in the tool box trick, but too late for preventive
> measures.

	Is that really supposed to work?  Are they a dessicant or does the
	naphthalene coat the tools?

	One other thing:  I've also coated my framing square with
	linseed oil.  Not the sturdiest coating, but it has worked
	well enough.


	-A