Tool Time Tuesday - Removing and Preventing Rust on your Tools

Jewelry artist and teacher, Melissa Muir, demonstrates rust removal and prevention in the studio.

[sweetansourjane]

Thank you your tips really helped me. I got some new tools and they had rust already :( I have mostly used the tools set up at the local jewlery program I attend. While setting up my own studio at home I realized some of my new tools rust way quicker and badly too compared to the ones at school which didn't make sense to me as they were in pristine condition when they arrived and I haven't used them that much yet and it's frustrating. Wish they had a tool upkeep class at the program like this! Thanks again for your help, going to pick up some of all of these products.

[josephwest]

Never Dull / Brass-o will take the torch oxidation off as well, but it takes TONS of work. Great video!

[MelissaMuir]

@missanna208802 - I am not sure about using linseed oil or olive oil. I will look into that and get back to you.

[david]

Use Silica Gel packs to prevent rust in sheds or tool draws

[cpayne]

Where did you get your bench block with the ring mandrel / saw frame slots...?

[missanna]

Don't forget to use a different polishing buff for your steel tools, kids.
I have a question... is there anything non-toxic and natural to prevent rust? Like...if I wanted to smear olive oil on there, could I do that? I was thinking of linseed oil that I have for my oil paints, but it dries and I don't know if that would be a good thing.
SAFETY NOTE ABOUT OILS--oily, soaked rags, paper towels, etc. can spontaneously combust.

[julesc]

Duck oil and engine oil are all you will ever need. You do not grind/lap/abrade a working surface only very carefully blend out high spot then oil. WD-40 is better than spit for protecting metals, but only just,  turns into thick goo in time

[MelissaMuir]

Okay, I got some answers. These are from a couple of other metalsmiths.

"linseed and olive go south meaning they spoil, teak oil will do you fine and help your green little buddy on your left shoulder, on the right shoulder is the WD-40 buddy."

"I use good paste wax (like mother's car wax). if you are looking for an oil try clove. you can find it in health food stores. it smells great and cleans the steel - while it protects."